Three Square Meals - Chapter 132

Chapter 132 “Just a couple of days to go, then we’ll back at Genthalas,” “Just a couple of days to go, then we’re back at Genthalas,” -or- “Just a couple of days to go, then we’ll be back at Genthalas,”

Bp Hlpt

i tried to join, but discord says the link is invalid, is there an updated link ?

Click on the pin symbol within the channel #spoilers-predictions-ideas and you should be able to see the teaser.

Shree_Pratham

Just to let you guys on Patreon know, Tefler posted a teaser of 133 on Discord in the #spoilers-predictions-ideas channel. Here is a link. https://discord.gg/tQ4VCh If you are not setup, grab a screenshot of your membership here and post it in the #new-arrival-coordination channel and one of us mods will get you setup to see the Patreon Only channels.

Cignal

Heh. Yeah I noticed that too, but then assumed that Baledranax had just thrown his body harder than I thought ;)

Ah, well spotted! I'll fix that right now! :-)

Tefler

Tefler, on a separate matter as a point story continuity, I note on page 19 of Ch. 132 you say ..."Tom’s last vivid memory was consoling his distraught fiancée, Anna’s father having been horrifically dismembered by Emperor Baledranax." In Ch. 100 page117 you say as the cause of Buckingham's death,,, "The Emperor held Buckingham aloft then slowly squeezed his hand shut, the Fleet Admiral’s cries of fear turning into agonised screams. Blood seeped between Baledranax’s armoured fingers and Buckingham thrashed one final time before flopping lifelessly in the dragon’s clenched fist. Baledranax’s huge maw twisted into a sneer of contempt and the Emperor hurled the Fleet Admiral’s broken body across the battlefield." Just thought you might want to fix that!

Arrowglass

There has been a lot of comments about the feeding of thralls and how do you feed so many. John doesn’t just have the problem of manning a fleet but he also wants to correct the injustice done to the Maliri. I’m not sure how many Maliri there are but if we use the American billion and assume he feeds 25 a day on a regular basis, he can get it done in only 110,000 years. Of course some of the existing Maliri will die off over that time and those he has fixed will have children, none of whom will need his ministrations. The math becomes a little more complicated at this point and a lot of assumptions have to be made, and of course there is a tipping point where the society will become self correcting. I’m just going to make a giant leap here and say it will only take him 10,000 years per billion. Definitely another solution needs to be found. When a girl chows down on John’s magical miracle grow John has a connection to the girl and can affect change. Much of this is unconscious unless John decides to take active control. But what really happens to the stuff. Well it has to pass through the stomach acid relatively unscathed to the intestines where is it then passed into the body. It will enter the blood stream to cycle through the body to where it is needed. So what would happen if it was injected directly into the blood stream. By injecting it into the blood stream you would not need as much to have an effect. Normal consumption will destroy a portion and only a small amount would actually make it to the bloodstream to allow John to do his work. Say Rachael creates a hypodermic and injects 45 mils, (1.5 ounces) directly. He could triple ne number of girls he helps every day without too much strain. And this way males could also be injected. Curious what affect injecting a male would have. Maybe John could try it out on his friend. Could completely change Maliri dynamics.

Couldn't stop laughing........

Rhys

LOL

Rhys

Only half a chance... get it? 🤨🙈😂

DemonHunterCole

Not talking of no Faith.. but of no Patience😇

Robster

O ye, of little faith... There is NO doubt in my mind that Tefler will NOT pass on cashing in 6.200$. So YES there will be AT LEAST H1 by 3 or 4 am GMT on 6.1. :-) :-) :-)

Heinz Molck

Patience is a virtue... i donot have............F5 F5 F5

Robster

Absolutely wonderful :-) , you have a good imagination.

Shree_Pratham

Agree completely. However, there is a chance that if he has H1 ready to go to the Editors, he’ll post it up here before 1/6. Only a chance, though....

Timbo

New ‘Essence of Blake’, the best drink money can buy for the Maliri woman in need of a change in her life! Guaranteed to change your whole outlook, and even your style as well! Dark locks looking drab? Can’t attract the eye of that handsome devil on the border station? Our patented beverage will have him drooling after you like a space dog chasing a bone! Not only that, but after only one drink you’ll feel like you can conquer the universe, like you’re part of a great and noble enterprise to change the stars! Pick up your can of ‘Essence of Blake’ today!!! WARNING: side effects include extreme drowsiness and fatigue, in addition to a permanent change to hair color. Also, possible increase to libido and unconfirmed bisexuality. Do not consume while operating heavy machinery. Substance is highly addictive. Do not consume more than one beverage every 2-4 weeks. Overconsumption of product may result in additional effects, including but not limited to: excessive cranial hair growth, physiological improvements including strength, stamina, agility, and sensory perception, auditory and visual hallucinations including voices, slow motion syndrome, flashes of light radiating from and connecting to others, as well as other possible changes in appearance to those around you, basic manipulation of common elements such as ice, wind, fire, electricity, earth, and/or common household objects like tools or utensils. Should any of the side effects present themselves, do not hesitate to contact your local physician as well as Queen Valaden, as she is considered the foremost expert in this matter. Try yours today!!!

Brian Woods

Since there's only 4 days left in the month and he hasn't made his "First half sent to editors" statement yet and it usually takes 5 days after that statement, I think we will have to wait until next month for 133.

Who Me

Well, 4 days till the end of the month..... I bet......47 Gazillion ducats (fictional, of course) that the next chapter shows up at the beginning of next month.....any takers?

Rhys

True but its a fun idea.

thomas rodrian

John's moral's would never let him do that.

Steps to profit and network building 1. Have Dana build a vending machine that can keep individual cans "preserved" is stasis 2. Have Rachel figure out just how much of John is needed to bond with a malari 3. Fill cans with new fade beverage of choice and essence of John 4. Despence vending machines to every malari wolrd charge 10 credit per can 5. Profit and lots of new white hair malari women running around and maybe enough to continue to fix the birth ratio's as well. thats a win win win.

The argument regarding the quantity of sperm produced by big John, is missing one small point. The volume might be more, but if the sperms are larger, the number of sperm are not increased. So a mouth full may not be enough. Overall, with the increased volume and the quantity the milarians would need to swallow, cancel each other out.

John Gregory

Hoping for the same.....but...I guess we'll have to wait and see...

Rhys

Hoping for a two chapter month. F5....F5...…..

MuddMaxx

Progenitor enthralling doesn't need the amount of sperm as John's harem since they are not being upgraded all that much.

John has no thralls. He has partners and wards.

Timbo

Well spotted, thank you! :-)

Tefler

Ailanthia commented about the vats being filled. Presumably only small amounts are needed to enthrall races like the Maliri. No physical change is involved and they probably do not get longevity either. Not at all like Johns thralls.

IanBio

Wondering how the Progenitors crew their thrall fleets - surely every thrall can’t have been fed individually? How are they “enthralled” to crew such large fleets, and new crew recruited, even if their ageing is suspended?

Matthew Marrinan

I like your use of the word "thrills" instead of "thralls" to describe John's girls. It may be more appropriate considering their relationship!

Mr . Tefler slight correction in Chap132. In the scene between John and Neysa should it be “taut quad” rather than “taught quad”? Cheers

i hate auto-correct.

I haven’t read all of the comments in this post, just the last 35. A point that some in these posts seem to miss is that John is creating progenitors from the girls he loves the most and is closest to. To me, it seems obvious that the anxiety John and the girls have about the coming progenitor storm(s) will be alleviated as they collectively begin to realize the power they individually and collectively have, simply because John’s love for them makes them more powerful. The other progenitors, like John’s father and Larn-what’shisname, will be simply too confused and ill-prepared to deal with John and his thrills who-are-also-progenitors. He won’t need thousands of thrills.

As we approach the end of the month, the sense of anticipation amongst us begins to swirl, each day brings with it an increase in anticipation, each new day without comment brings forth only the most momentary dismay, dismay is swept aside by an even greater wave of anticipation as the patreons make their drive by visits throughout the day, weighing variables, past behavior, inferences and possibilities, the anticipation continues to grow until finally.......an announcement is made!!!!!!! (Narrated in a persons own head, but as if by the commentator at a horse race) LOL!!!!!!!!!!

Rhys

Why bother trying to save the Drakkar civilization? Just let them go away and leave the Ashana alone!

Who Me

*sigh* Okay, let me TRY to start this over again, and be warned, this may be a long bit of posting. First, I’m sorry, Marauder, if my comment came across as harsh as it appears to be. I did not intend for the Niskera thing to be more than light sarcasm, applicable to my points as it is. I did not intend to insult or malign you with an emotional appeal, so for that I apologize. Now, for the meat of my post: how does John ramp up his recruiting efforts? Stick with me because it applies to the issue of recruiting Tamolith. Currently, he can only recruit up to 25 Maliri at one time. Spread out over a day, he can get up to 100 or so into his network under Edraele. If he is to get white haired girls into every ship in the Maliri Armada, we can assume he will need anywhere from 20,000 to maybe 100,000 recruits. Working with the previous numbers means it will take years to get what he will likely need for a galaxy wide conflict. Therefore, something must be done to improve his recruiting abilities, but...what exactly can he do? Either he would need to increase the times he can recruit, meaning more times per day, or he needs to increase the amount he recruits at any one time. Since I assume Tefler won’t turn him into some kind of orgasm machine, pumping out product day and night at all hours, the logical course would be more girls per feeding. But how to increase that number in a safe and, dare I say interesting, way? Low and behold, we are introduced to Giant John, quite possibly the art of using psychic energy to improve his biology so as to grow to immense heights. If, as he told Alyssa and Edraele during his time massacring the Kirrix saving the colonists of Meganus IV?, his member had increased in size by 3 times, it is logical to assume his potency and production value will improve the same amount. Thus, instead of 25 girls he could get 75 at once, give or take. I would argue that he could be even maintain 10x or so to up things to 1000 every day for weeks, provided he has the energy reserves to go the distance. But therein lies the rub: can John actually do such a thing? He held 3x against the Kirrix, which we were told took up 20% of his power, but has he enough strength to hold 10x or 60-65 feet tall for however long he would need to in order to recruit? How could we test such a theoretical capability? And now we come to the crux of the matter: Tamolith is able to reach a height of about 60 ft. tall. Who better to test this theoretical recruitment ability than a big powerful dragoness? In two strokes Tefler could reveal John’s sexual prowess as a giant and test his material’s potency, as in the normal 14 hour Change time he could completely alter Tamolith’s DNA to the thrall template. She would be the test subject for this improvement much like Jade learning she could grow tentacles from a good buggering. I don’t know HOW Tefler would incorporate the necessary blowjob, as he is the better author and writer by far, but it WOULD be necessary to test such an action before use on the Maliri, just to make sure it works. From that point on, like Niskera and Tamolith becoming lovers, or Tamolith gaining the power to grow and shrink, are mere idle speculations on future plot ideas, as there is ample time to explore a Change in the dragonlady. As far as the Pod Queens are concerned, yes, I agree that so far everything we’ve heard of them is baaaaaad. Rahn’hagon called them vicious, Valada called them abominations, and I feel like John has referred to them as something disturbing too. Be that as it may, obviously there is something wrong with their society for the males not to want to associate with them romantically or otherwise. For their society to flourish, though, something must be done, and who better than The Righter Of Wrongs? If the problem is biological in nature, unfortunately John would have to recruit at least one of them to fix the issue. There will have to be some diplomatic overture between the two groups, male and female, to save their civilization from peril, and John will likely be the bridge. That particular idea will be years in the future for us, though, as I imagine there is more than enough going on right now to occupy Tefler. There, my long winded rantings on Tamolith, the Drakkar, how to improve recruitment amongst the Maliri, and why I think it works now with the next Genthalas refit coming up in 2 chapters. Call me crazy, call me a fool, but the logic does tend to hold up, as John’s Protectorate Armada will be fighting Gahl’kalgor’s thrall fleet likely soonish and John will need more soldiers for his ships.

Brian Woods

I agree that this talk of Tamolith becoming one of John's girls is absurd but how about something that is more plausible. What if, in discussions with Tamolith, John discovers that a Nymph was gifted to the Brimorians and in the long and involved discussion that occurs it is casually mentioned that there were two Nymphs at Kinta but one of them died.

Steve Chatterton

of course he is, why do you think we speculate?

thomas rodrian

Tefler has to be rolling on the floor right now! LOL

Agreed. He already has a better dragon...

Or if during the course of the upcoming battle, Tamolith is wounded severely enough that her own healing and Rachel's power can't help, leaving John's elixir as her only hope.

Jedi Khan

Just no. Please Tefler just no. Do not listen to them, they are bored out of their minds and throwing out insane things for the hell of it.

Nonconformist

I think a sushi pizza would be better than pineapple or anchovy. If you have not tried it, you should. First saw it in BC Canada but get it here in California now.

thomas rodrian

I cannot see Tamolith joining the group. John has already said he does not want to add anyone more to his group. Unless Alyssa brow beats him into it but that is unlikely after all the naughty behind the back things she has done of late.

rich ed

I think we all expect Tamolith to join up, and as for her thrall-appearance I anticipate it will be a reptile variant of the Nymph’s new forms: lizard tail, dragon wings, a possible snout instead of a feline nose, and scales instead of fur, with ninja turtle ear holes on the sides of her head. In addition, if the potency of his material in increased exponentially by an increase in size, I would think he would give her a Nymph’s shapeshifting powers, in order to change from his ‘perfect mate’ form back to dragon-in-charge. That way, Tamolith can still inspire awe amongst the troops if necessary and mother her little ones, while having a more...genteel...form for diplomatic purposes, and in general not scare the crap out of her staff ;).

Brian Woods

I think it would be hilarious to see John turn Tamolith into a sexy dragon lady. The smaller size might knock her ego down a peg or two as a side benefit.

AlyxHaestrom

You all wrong John's going to make pineapple and anchovy pizza. For his feline liter of Nymph 's.

You're probably right

Rhys

Ahhh.. the sweet torture of waiting for the next chapter! I’m afraid we are in for a bit of a wait yet,, though. Firstly, we haven’t had the ‘first half to the editors’ notification which tends to be a 5-7 days heads up notification. Secondly, The next chapter is going to be full-on Kinta conflict with the Brims, Tef has said he hopes (see how the word count goes) to wrap the whole Kinta thing up in this chapter. Tef has often said that writing conflict/action/battles is more difficult (eg keeping track of all the disparate elements) and therefore slower. So IMHO this is all lining up to ..just....squeeze in by the end of the month. Cheers. Tim

Timbo

My favorite time dilation effect is in the movie "The night they save Christmas". Someone get the TDD (time deceleration device) away from Sparks.

I think there's a sci fi story in how time works while we're waiting for a chapter!!!!!! LOL

Rhys

Welcome to the F5 club :P

ETNSosa

Ugh, its only been 6 days since the last chapter.....feels longer, I wonder if there's some weird time dilation effect with regards to this story. Oh well, they say patience is a virtue, so I may as well get some practice in LOL........

Rhys

Too bad you feel that way I. Bryant! You are missing a lot...including a surprise or two about Faye...and her "daughter!" You never know what might happen in Tefler's universe, but the great writing and suspense continues!

Arrowglass

... Tefler ... am looking forward to being able to vote on all chapters since 120 when you bring Faye back; I only made it a couple of chapters past that, due to realizing she was really gone, and haven't read any since; I have a thing about heroines getting 'killed off', I lose heart to see any more of that story/movie/book. ...

Each pulse hits as hard as a laser cannon, but fires much faster bringing the damage up much higher. I think Calara might have been underselling it too.

Sean Miller

Dear Mr Tefler, In Ch.130 Calara tells Maateo that the Pulsed Tachyon Cannon were the equiverlent of Terran Laser Cannons,but if the old Maliri Pulse Caonnons, fully upgraded with heatsinks and Eternity Chtystals hit just under Terran Beam Laser shouldn't they hit as hard as an upgraded Terran Beam Laser?

Braw

Finds out*

Rhys

I find it interesting, fractures seem to be forming on the domestic front on board the Invictus, I wonder how John will react when he finds out what Alyssa did to his mother, I think he'd be at least willing to talk to her if he knew........ I wonder how that's going to play out...... and as a result I'm already impatient for the next chapter....LOL!!!!!!!!

Rhys

I would think that Tefler will not allow this situation - so don't worry! :-)

Heinz Molck

One thing. Doesn't giving the Kintark EMP missiles mean they're now way ahead of the Terran Federation/Ashanath/Trankarans. Wouldn't they need to give them to those too to level the playing field lest Tamolith uses them to make a comeback once she has time to rebuild her fleets?

Marauder

Just re-read Ch. 132 again and enjoyed it even more the second time. Thx for the updates!

Arrowglass

Congrats Tefler on reaching 3700 patreons!

Arrowglass

While your though train is spot on, this conversation demonstrates how Tefler looks at the minutia to make this story top shelf reading. How many authors take that much time to detail that causes his almost 3700 fans to think beyond the box on every chapter? I can only think of one other: Lien Geller; and he hasn't updated his story in three years.

Big Dude

In my second read thru of Ch. 132 Sakura says this. “That’s all true, but not what I was thinking about.” She took a deep breath, then said in a rush, “You need to cut me off from your network.” John cupped her face and gave her a look of sympathy. “Are you really sure that’s necessary? I appreciate how hard it is for you, thinking about why you’d be fighting my guide... but cutting you off is going to hurt you, honey.” “He’ll kill me if you don’t,” she said solemnly, looking into his eyes. “He can override Alyssa and just drain me to a husk before the fight even starts. We haven’t got any choice.” “Shit!” John cursed, grimacing in frustration. “I didn’t even think about that!” “That’s because it’s something you could never do,” she said, nuzzling into his hand. “It’s probably better this way. At least we won’t have to worry about any nasty surprises hidden in our connection that might stop me from keeping my promise.” So if he can do that to Sakura if John loose to him, what is stopping him from doing that to the other girls? Shouldn't they all be disconnected from his network temporarily? Wouldn't that give him more power to fight Sakura if they didn't?

prsstarid

Tef...did you recap Tom and Mason purely for my benefit???? jk great chapter and I camt wait to read what happens next!

Simorthelast

Now that her subconscious had shifted to the Astral Plane, Tashana's psychic form was denuded of her Paragon suit,

MeCherAmigos

Now that her subconscious had shifted to the Astral Plane, the Maliri psychic was denuded of her Paragon suit, Now that her subconscious had shifted to the Astral Plane, the Maliri's psychic form was denuded of her Paragon suit, -or- Now that her subconscious had shifted to the Astral Plane, Tashana's psychic form was denuded of her Paragon suit,

Bp Hlpt

Do Jehanna's parents now have to have their own security? I know her father is in private security, but is that enough, especially with what just happened on Olympus and Jericho?

Arrowglass

Satisfied that he was ready for combat, he took the second set of express-grav tubes down Satisfied that he was ready for combat, he took the second set of express grav-tubes down

Bp Hlpt

They shared a smile and he stepped into the grav tube They shared a smile and he stepped into the grav-tube

Bp Hlpt

I didn't find it too jarring, it seemed to flow and I understood the context each time, but personally, I would prefer that you continue as you "have been, detailing the transition-type scenes". I view every extra word you produce as a wonderful bonus, not a burden. So the more words you produce the better, as far as I am concerned. :) As to the sex sessions, I know there are those that would prefer you leave them all out, and some that want one every other page, but I think you usually have a good balance. You might have fewer lately than you did at the beginning, but as long as the number and descriptiveness of them varies between what there were at the beginning and now, then I think that's a good mix. The scene with Neysa was very well written.

Bp Hlpt

Yeah, he's been free of the forced visits for a while (basically as soon as Athena invited him to start sleeping there after Alyssa created her realm)

Regarding the chapter feeling rushed/disjointed: For the Tom Walker scenes, I deliberately gave them a short, choppy kind of a feel, to try and simulate his disorientation as he wakes from a coma, then shock as he's interrogated. I tried to make sure they still fit together without any timegaps, focusing on the key events in the hospital once he regained consciousness. For the rest of the scenes with John and the crew, I skipped some of the transition that I'd normally add in detail, just to speed things up a bit. For example, after the scene with John and Alyssa in the Astral Planes teaching Tashana about runes, I glossed over the rest of their training (which I refer to later when they create their defensive wards). I also skipped the after-training sex session where he slept with Tashana, who then fed Jehanna and Ailita. Jehanna refers to herself being fed by Tashana later on (just before she speaks to Avery), to fill in the previous gap in the timeline. Did it make it too jarring to read doing that? I'm happy to continue as I have been, detailing the transition-type scenes, but it must add at least another 1k words per chapter. Either way, thanks for the feedback, it's always interesting to hear how a chapter is perceived (technically or content-wise). :-)

Tefler

Does this mean that John's is free from more visits to the Astral Plane when he adds psychic enhanced thralls? 'John stretched as he woke, being careful not to disturb the two luscious girls draped over him. He’d spent a wonderful night with Athena in the Astral Plane, kept safe from Xar’aziuth’s clutches despite having just added the Nymph to his network of girls. Jehanna’s mass of dark hair didn’t so much as move when he stirred, but Ailita lifted her head and greeted him with a dazzling smile. '

prsstarid

Thank you for the chapter, it was a great birthday read. I really liked how two of the other four nymphs (from both personality extremes) recognized what John did for them after seeing Ailita fawn over John in her pure nymph state. They realized how they used to act vs. now how they really feel towards John. I look forward to Dana meeting her brother Tom in an upcoming episode. To the guys/gals above thinking the chapter was rushed; Tefler is trying to start tying some threads together. Yes there may have been some information overload but wait for it. Think about the chapters before the Kintark attack. Go back and read them and then look at the comments back then.

Big Dude

Another excellent adventure into the mind of Tefler. Thank you for the birthday read early Mother's Day before the fun began.

Big Dude

Amazing chapter, thanks for another fantastic read.... love the action and dialogue...

Taco1085

Thanks very much for the edits! :)

Tefler

From what the story gives us in info, somewhere between 60,000 to 70,000 years ago Mael’nerak created the Lenarrans, aka Nymphs, for some unknown purpose. Several thousand years after that, he came the current setting for the novel and eradicated the Achonin, presumably on orders from Xar’Aziuth. He waged war on the Kirrix, stopping just shy of their execution due to the Shroud curbing his bloodlust. Over the next tens of thousands of years, he mellowed out and created the various races that populate the area, and in the process released the Lenarrans from servitude thanks to Valada. The thousands of years likely refers to their time under Mael as his servants.

Brian Woods

NGL, I kind of agree with you here. Alyssa is really starting to get on my nerves. My expectation is that Alyssa f***ing around in his mum’s head is going to be the final straw. As for the pacing, I think it comes down to how much this chapter jumps between so many points of view. It got kind of hard to follow in places as by the time we return to a character, so much has happened that you’ve lost track of where things are in their story. The big one for me was Tom Walker.

The Crimson King

Liked the chapter. The (at some point) upcoming serious Alyssa & John conflict when John discovers that - yet again! - that Alyssa has done something truly important without telling him ought to be something more significant than "I'm sorry!". John spent time in the military, and one of the truisms of military thought is "Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, the third time is enemy action." Alyssa *not* learning to either stop acting unilaterally and/or not *telling* John what she's done is not something that can continue - stuff like that destroys the necessary trust in relationships. (I'm quite looking forward to seeing how this gets resolved!) The only complaint I have is the pacing for this chapter feels... odd? I've only read thru it once, so maybe I need to re-read it, but something is off about it. It's not bad, but it feels a little disjointed/rushed to me. Not at all sure how to articulate the specifics, just thought it didn't quite 'feel' like Tef's normal work. Or, it could be that I'm suffering from not enough sleep/not enough caffeine, or some other such thing...

I didn't see this mentioned so maybe I'm wrong. Didn't the nymphs get enslaved when the Terrans found their planet, 300 years ago? When John and Neysa had their scene she mentions nymphs being enslaved for thousands of years.

It’s obviously Mason. There were several clues.

SomeYoungGuy

They could, but I think they are trying to avoid the complications of a full-scale war with the Enclave.

Sean Miller

Thank you for the new chapter. I have a question, couldn't they have started attacking/harrasing Brimorian assets to provoke their fleet into turning around and protecting their holdings? It was my understanding they sent most all their forces into Kintark space.

Matt

Glad to see Tamolith is coming back. Now how is she going to become part of the harem? My guess is nursing from the Jade Dragon.

Mapper

Little One

MuddMaxx

Can someone help me out... I read in the text there is a Daphné? Normally I have got a good memory, but no idea who Daphné is... Did I misread?

JTR soars

I would not be surprised to find out Tom Walker was also part of the enhanced eugenics experiment...that he might be Dana's brother...would that make his father Dana's? Admiral Walker is so sure Tom could NOT be disloyal to Anna...why? Who will turn out to be the traitor really...is Mason or Beth still alive? Riveting questions in this story line!

Arrowglass

I have also been basically skimming those sections in order to get back to what Invictus and crew are up to.

I didn't get where the Tom Walker plotline is supposed to be going. It's just me? but I found it very distracting and boring. Otherwise good chapter 8/10. Edit; I had to go back twice to check if I got his name correctly. I think it speaks how much I personally don't care about that plotline.

'comms interface' or 'comm interface' ??? t-shirt --> T-shirt (capital T) en-route --> en route Calara was sitting beside her and when she saw John had arrived, Calara was sitting beside her and, when she saw John had arrived, clasping her hand and give it an encouraging squeeze. clasping her hand and giving it an encouraging squeeze. “Hi Marie,” John replied, “Hi, Marie,” John replied, “Go ahead,” Sakura replied, -- use some other verb other than 'replied', since there was not an actual question asked, maybe either 'gently stated' or 'gently said' ? -or- change the description of Jehanna glancing around to be a more blatant implied question compared to all the other space-faring race compared to those of all the other space-faring races -or- compared to those of any other space-faring race (you were talking specifically about the hulls, not the Brimorians) The Kintark are still outnumbered at least 4 to 1 though and with that many enemy destroyers protecting the capital ships, we’ll be lucky if any of their missiles get through the defence grid.” The Kintark are still outnumbered at least 4 to 1, though. We’ll be lucky if any of their missiles get through the defence grid, with that many enemy destroyers protecting the capital ships.” flashing him a rueful smile, before focusing on her route again. flashing him a rueful smile before focusing on her route again. *Everyone’s finally getting out the way.* *Everyone’s finally getting out of the way.* that was just from talking to his mother.* -- he didn't actually talk to her, did he? I thought they just exchanged voicemail messages, relayed through Daphne? So maybe: that was just from hearing the message from his mother.* nimbly dodging the succession of eldritch walls nimbly dodging the succession of Eldritch walls ??? (later you use 'Kyth’faren Eldritch alphabet') It’s far more likely they would simple kill a captive Nymph, It’s far more likely they would simply kill a captive Nymph, I actually spent all morning practicing I actually spent all morning practising -- ( I thought British English uses practise as a verb ) both you and Irillith have different affinities to her. both you and Irillith have different affinities than she does. ??? Tom balked at the idea that he was gone, Tom baulked at the idea that he was gone, -- (isn't this the Brittish spelling?) making Neysa tremble to his touch making Neysa tremble at his touch -- this form is more familiar, at least to me to sultry seductress in the blink of an eye and the lust blazing in her smouldering gaze to sultry seductress in the blink of an eye, and the lust blazing in her smouldering gaze Alyssa asked, tiling her head back as Sakura rinsed her hair. Alyssa asked, tilting her head back as Sakura rinsed her hair. he took the second set of express-grav tubes down he took the second set of express grav-tubes down defensive preparations they’d practiced the previous day defensive preparations they’d practised the previous day -- ( I thought British English uses practise as a verb )

Bp Hlpt

Another Chapter so rapidly devoured, I guess it shows one thing. Just show good and captivating a writer Tefler is ;)

I don't think it's intentional though. It sounds a whole lot like teenage-itis (not thinking things through), and as Dana might say; "a fuckton of stress".

It feels like trouble is brewing in paradise. What's up with Alyssa? It's like she's trying to undercut the team in some ways.

Tefler, you referred to Tashana as "the Maliri psychic" and I don't think you ever have before. Am I reading more into the term "psychic" in this instance than you intended? Might you have just meant her psychic form since she was in the Astral plane at the time?

Bp Hlpt

Thank you kindly, Tef - appreciate the lovely distraction!

J B

Jordanian heroes (the author, not the country) always, always, always have problems that could have been solved by TALKING TO EACH OTHER.

J B

Anyone who thinks John and the girls in Astral space won't be in the next chapter until the end when they return raise your hand. *raises hand* and there will be a chapter or two where they don't have time to discuss what they discovered and learned but it will be obvious they are more capable now and on another level. That's my prediction.

Grimlakin

Tefler, great chapter! A couple suggested edits for Chapter 132, are as follows: Page 61: He study(ied) her joyful expression and could see that she was bursting to tell him.; and Page 68: “Is there anything special you want me to do?” Alyssa asked, til(t)ing her head back as Sakura rinsed her hair.; As always, if you disagree, I completely understand. Good luck with Chapter 133. Cheers!

OhMyGoshOhMyGoshOhMyGosh...we might finally get some answers around here! I'm so excited, THE NEXT CHAPTER! I GOTTA WAIT AGAIN??? Seriously, Tefler..this chapter was essentially moving some pieces around, then a cliffhanger. Is there a "Cliffhangers Anonymous"? It's okay...we won't judge you. Good chapter.

CJ Mora

It will get interesting for certain.

Great chapter Tef. Really liked the interplay between John and Alyssa on the Outer Rim, great scene! And, as usual, ran out of chapter too quickly!

Man, I don't think it can be overstated just how badly and monumentally Alyssa fucked the whole Outer Rim situation into the ground. By promising the Lion's backing, the colonists are probably gonna be emboldened and tell Lynette to go fuck herself when she comes calling asking for diplomacy. And what then? As Fleet Admiral, she simply cannot let rebellion of any kind stand. It would make her look weak, it would jeopardize her position, and her lack of response might even embolden other such independence movements. Hey, if those colonies can get away with so easily, why not others? And never mind that the colonies aren't a priority for John, would he and the girls really want to jeopardize everything they have invested in the Terran Federation by supporting insurrection against them and potentially killing many Terran troops? Alyssa put Lynette in a hell of an awkward position, and it's probably only going to get worse. I'm definitely hoping we get a chance meeting with Rahn in the Astral, and to see what info they can gleam from the Fortress.

kinky-kong-keith

Amazing chapter Tefler thanks!

I can't believe that Alyssa didn't come clean to John about her changing the progenitor influence on Jessica. You would have thought after the fiasco she just went thru with Lynette that it would make her want to be more honest. If I were John, I would be quite angry at the girls that knew for keeping me in the dark about that.

prsstarid

Tefler I am curios as to your thoughts on why they needed to make this unnecessary trip to the Astral Plane before a pending battle? They have not always come back from those visits unscathed. You hope for the best but plan for the worst so this seems to be an unnecessary risk.

prsstarid

Thanks, Tefler!

Bp Hlpt

So...I just had a weird bit of thinking...given that Rahn has been roaming the fortress in search of answers to his burning questions about his son...will the two groups end up running into each other in the Astral? And if so...what will be the consequences? Do they fight? Do they power up and draw the monsters to the fortress? Will Alyssa merge the fortress with her own sub-plane, as they’re very similar in design, to make it safer to visit? What is this ‘power’ that Xar’Aziuth is sitting on in the Astral?......When will we get our next fix, I mean chapter, oh mighty Tefler ;P?

Brian Woods

As I get near the end of a chapter, I always have to find some reasonably convenient point to stop writing. I usually like to finish up with some kind of stepping-off point into the next important bit of the story. :-)

Tefler

Thank you! It's always great to hear that people enjoyed the chapter. :-) I'm sure there might be one or two Progenitor fights on the way!

Tefler

Yeah, I have to end it somewhere unfortunately. :( That Mulan tune is so catchy!

Tefler

Great chapter. This is turning into one of the better books I've read lately. Of course the ending sucked. ;) I hate waiting to see how a plot turns out.

Henrie Timmers

There's some big stuff coming up... hopefully it'll be entertaining. :)

Tefler

Thank you! :-)

Tefler

Glad you liked it!

Tefler

I've used practicing throughout the story, so I'll just stick with it. labcoat I switched to lab coat. wargear I kept as one word... I'm too used to it like that from WH40k! I come from mostly English stock with a few very distant Irish relatives. :-)

Tefler

Thanks!

Tefler

Super, glad you enjoyed it!

Tefler

Yeah... then I have to start a new word doc!

Tefler

Yeah she was just checking in with everybody. I'll re-read it and see if I can make that clearer.

Tefler

Damn.. It is to be taken as a compliment that i resent you for leaving us with such an ending of the chapter, only heightening the anticipation for the next chapter. Those are some writing skills you got there Tef you never seize to amaze me.

Richard de Leeuw

That was a lovely chapter. I am enjoying what feels like forshadowing, in the battle with a fully connected pregenitor we found that the miliri network was unusually poweful and the crew could outlast an entire standard network. Now John is running three complete networks and continuing to power them up. I dont know what the fleets will look like but the next duel is going be a very entertaining stomping assuming the guide is dealt with... Also if sakura doesn't end up infiltrating a dreadnaught and straight up assassinating a pretentious warlord during a massive fleet engagement, or similar, I will be vaguely disappointed. Wonderful work and a wondrous universe tef

thomas

Nnnoooooooooooo, the chapter ended. Tefler I mentioned this last month this needs to be fixed. This is a major problem. J/k, amazing chapter, love the bits with Tom. Also the "let's get down to business" line made me start singing the Mulan song and that threw me off for a second. Love the nymphs, love the sass.

Kensyi

You continue to weave so many threads together so well! It feels like the stage is being set for some epic chapters..or three!

Arrowglass

Very nicely done.

Florida Reader

great chapter! darn not a cliff hanger but definitely left me holding my breathe. Thank you as ever

TF4EVA

*practicing > practising *that not's a good idea > that's not a good idea *lab coat and not labcoat, and war gear instead of wargear, and catgirl should be cat girl, although I doubt you mind those. You of Dutch or German ancestry by any chance, Tefler? Those languages revel in concatenating words. (I know... everybody deserves a friend like me!)

Great chapter.

Muledrvr

"Everyone's finally getting out the way." out of?

zingowner

That was awesome Tef. Really enjoyed it. And you always seem to leave us excited for the next one

Don't you hate that feeling when you realize that was the last page...

Jewbear

Page 23 - are all those different people having conversations with Alyssa...not sure what is going on there...might need a little more clarity...at least for people of my limited brainpower?

Arrowglass

I will get to this one soon, I'm in the middle of an archive dive and just reached chapter 120. Looking forward to reading 132 in sequence!

Thanatos95

Yippie

Mac of Alden

I had to stop reading in the middle of the chapter to write this. If they got Jehanna to do a special on the state of the outer rim colonies to check in on their recovery from the Kirrix invasion and the progress on relief efforts being put in place by the admiralty, and also had Lynette contact all the colony governors to apologize for the admiralty's neglect of the outer rim and negotiate increased support and representation, I feel like they would stand a decent chance of preventing rebellion. I can just imagine how terrible things would turn out for the colonies if they broke away during all this turmoil.

AlyxHaestrom

Possible spoiler? I wrote in the reply.

AlyxHaestrom

Sweet

Thanks...a great way to end my evening...sitting in my study with a glass of sherry...with the sublime satisfaction of thoroughly enjoying another TSM chapter!!!!

Arrowglass

Nice suprise

Shree_Pratham

Yuss, Thank you

rich ed

Woohoo. Saturday night sorted. Thanks Tefler

happy dance

Awesome!!

bob lakhanpal

Woot!

Awesome, thank you

Steve

"...her gloriously-pert rump, making..." gloriously pert?

zingowner

Woohoo! *yawn*

Awesome! Changes my plans for the day

Thank you, Tefler!

Evan

Awesome, got something to read in a few minutes

Muledrvr

Thanks! 🥰

kenna

thank you telfer.

Not Telling

Thanks Tefler

Cignal

[said in the voice of an over enthusiastically waving teenage Japanese girl} Yaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy!!!!!

commatoes

woohoo!

Frostfyre

And here I was, almost asleep. Good thing there’s nothing to do during quarantine! Cheers teff.

Andrei

Thanks!

Jedi Khan

Great chapter! Looking forward to find out what they learn in the archives. Also the developments with the nymphs were sweet

Welp Rus missed it! Great timing Tefler lol

Nchalada

I am second

Hi

First

Forbsey