AL3 Ch1

Previously…

Everything started when Zander’s squad was whisked away from Earth to an alien planet due to malfunctioning Antecedent technology. They didn’t have long to be shocked over it, as they’d ended up fighting Entoma— giant alien insects— on the black sands of that new world to survive. That fight cost him friends, with one of them being the woman he’d grown to love, Selda Engel.

 Fractured Dreams’ crew took him and the salvaged ship off the war-torn sands after the fight was over; Zander’s view on life was turned inside-out when the pilots of the mecha turned out to be races from mythology. When he woke up, he found out that he was “one of the lucky one-in-ten-thousand” who a nanite AI accepted and, therefore, made into a pilot.

A week of craziness ensued where he met his fellow crewmates, a diverse crew who ranged from a father-daughter pair of Dwarven engineers, a Slime doctor, a Dryad purser and cook, a Succubus captain, a Lamia communications officer and navigator, two Animaz security guards, and an Ice Giant tactical officer. Along with them were the other pilots: a Vampire, a Kitsune, an Elf, a Changer, and a Rakshasa.

He managed to gain the confidence of every pilot except for Shivatin, the Rakshasa lead pilot. With the others behind him, he was poised to take over the lead role, but Shivatin’s plot for mutiny began. Leading the other pilots into combat against the invaders, Zander killed them, then the mutineers.

Veldiami, the captain of Fractured Dreams, wasn’t happy with just surviving the ambush. With Zander beside her, they boarded the other ship, The Righteous, and killed the captain, taking it as salvage. That left Zander on the captured ship, heading to MX Hub.

However, MX Hub had proven to have challenges that Zander hadn’t anticipated. Accidentally getting tagged by a rogue element, he thwarted corporate espionage at Maverick Mecha Manufacturing. Lavella Hemoesta, the owner of Maverick, met with him to work out a deal so her company wouldn’t be given bad press. That meeting changed the future for both Lavella and Zander.

After a few false starts, including a multiple homicide in a hedge maze, the pair finally found some time for intimate fun. Zander flipped the script on Lavella, making the Vampire prey instead of the predator, firmly setting their budding relationship in stone. After the whirlwind sex, Zander proposed a crazy idea that set the stage for something unseen by galactic society: a mecha tournament.

It was during the tournament that Zander led his team to victory, using his training as a military contractor. In doing so, he flouted the training left by the Antecedents, but his squad won handily every time. Some of the losing squads took it badly, but none as badly as Smaztil Hammish, the lead pilot of Proud Axe. When the Dwarven pilots lost, they physically attacked Zander’s at the end of the tournament.

With the tournament over and a party waiting, the crew only stopped long enough to try collecting their bets. The organized crime group who’d taken the bet refused to pay up, but instead of a bloody confrontation, Zander just forwarded the video evidence to the magistrates and they left the gang behind.

What would come from Zander’s flagrant disregard of the Antecedents’ training? Would the criminal organization take umbrage at being called out? Only time will tell…

Chapter One

“Tender, are you awake?” Sage asked, having felt him shifting around in her nook.

“I am, my wonderous peach,” Zander murmured before he leveraged himself out of her indented back. Taking a seat beside her, his foot touched the outfit he’d had made for her a little over two weeks ago; the fake poison ivy leaves that adhered to her body had been well-received. That brought a smile to his face as he stroked her hair. “Did you enjoy last night?”

“I did. Thank you for the outfit. Olmine was jealous of it, which was amusing, though we all had fun after I put it on for you.”

“I prefer Jassmi over Olmine, personally,” Zander said. “Jassmi accepts what we give her without attitude. Olmine just keeps pushing for more and more.”

“I have to say that I didn’t mind when she became aggressive when trying to lick your seed from me,” Sage giggled.

“There is that,” Zander chuckled, recalling how eager Olmine had been.

“You never did get the chance to explain the outfit to me.”

“It’s based on a comic book character who was able to control plants; that outfit’s how she dressed. Her bloodstream was rife with poisons, making her immune to all known toxins and letting her kill with a touch if she wanted.”

“Goodness, she sounds formidable.”

“Yeah, she was. Should’ve been even more deadly than they let her be, honestly. You being so tied to nature brought her to mind because of her affinity with plants.”

“I’m glad that my body doesn’t kill you,” Sage said softly.

“Me, too, Sage… though orgasms are called ‘the little death,’ so in one way, you do kill me over and over again.” That had them both laughing. “Any idea what your shore leave will be like now that the tournament’s over?”

“No. I’m sure the captain will call a meeting for Ping, Vorsa, and me so we can all go over a schedule together. We owe Ping more days right now.”

“Maybe she’ll come by and spend some time with me?”

“I hope she does…” Sage murmured, enjoying Zander stroking her blue hair. “What of you, Tender?”

“Probably give the crew a few days off, then go back to training. If they want, we’ll train earlier, but I think they’ll opt for the game instead.”

“How’s the game going?”

“We’ve had some close calls, but no one has lost a character yet.”

“I’d like to get you to join my game with Ping in the future, too. We picked up where you had played with her, so when you get the chance to join us, it should be the character you made for that.”

“Oh, speaking of,” Zander chuckled. “Last game night, Vorsa and Veldiami joined us. The characters were making camp when we stopped for the night, and Veldiami snuck into my tent so we could have a little make-out session. My mage has elemental protection as a spell, so we got to have a bit of fun.”

Sage rolled over to give him a worried smile. “Just be careful, please? I’d prefer that you not burn yourself on her real body.”

“Came close yesterday morning. She came into the bathroom while I was getting dressed. The back-and-forth was getting intense; I almost had burnt Zander bits.”

“I stopped him,” Selda said over the room’s speakers. “It was close. She was getting eager for him.”

“Please keep him safe, Selda.”

“I will.”

“I’m doing my best, too,” Zander snorted, “but she went full-court press on me.”

Sage sat up, her hand resting on his bare chest. “Please, Tender…”

“I don’t want a charred dick, either,” he murmured before kissing her lightly. “Come on. Let’s get breakfast.”

Sage’s orange eyes began to sparkle as she flopped back onto the bed, then twisted so her head hung over the edge. “I’m ready for my meal, Tender.”

Zander’s body responded to that offer. “Hmm… very well. Selda, let the others know I’d be glad to meet them for food in… fifteen minutes.”

“A-firm, Zee. I’ll tell them thirty so you can double-dip our wonderful Dryad. She deserves it.”

“Thank you, Selda,” Sage moaned as Zander got off the bed.

Zander exhaled roughly as he gave Sage what she wanted most. “I might’ve lost the woman I loved to get here, but she would love what I’ve found.”

“I do indeed, Zee. Now focus on our tasty peach,” Selda murmured.

~~~

When Zander and Sage made it to Warm Leaves for breakfast, they found the place was packed. One of the staff came hurrying over to them, ushering them through the restaurant to the private room. His squad, plus Veldiami and Vorsa, were already seated.

“Wow, this place got busy,” Zander chuckled as he took his seat beside Sage.

“Almost as if someone named it as an eatery he enjoyed the other day,” Vorsa laughed. “That clip of you thanking businesses has gone ultra-max. The whole Hub knows about them now.”

It went viral, Selda informed Zander, and it’s marked for better translation now.

“I hope they wanted business,” Zander laughed.

The Naiad server who’d helped them before came into the room. “Fractured Dreams, welcome back. We didn’t expect you to name us during your victory speech. As you can see, things have gotten busy because of that.”

“We’ve enjoyed coming here,” Arlizarista replied first.

“The food’s very good,” Crish added.

“We hope it’s not too busy for you,” Kayo chuckled, her three fox tails fanning out behind her.

“It’s a pleasure to be back,” Sage smiled.

“My name is Wassera. I’m the daughter of the owner,” the Naiad said, introducing herself to those she hadn’t met before. “Your meal this morning is on us, and we’ll give you a twenty-percent discount for all meals in the future.”

“I enjoy discounts,” Veldiami grinned, her sharp teeth briefly visible.

“I’m sure we’ll get even more discounts for the crew, too,” Zander added. “Wassera, you have my dietary requirements. I’ll leave the food choice up to you.”

“Oh, let me give them a recipe for your beverage,” Sage said, pulling out her datapad.

“I’ll gladly do my best to make it.” Wassera smiled as she glided forward.

“I’ll have that same drink,” Veldiami said. “Let’s see if Sage’s recipe for it is better than the one from the banquet.”

“I altered it slightly; it should be even closer to what Zander wants,” Sage told the captain.

“I’d like to try it,” Crish said, their blue cheeks darkening slightly.

That got everyone to ask about trying it, as well. After that, it was just a matter of the food, which they all left to Wassera’s discretion.

~~~

Breakfast was amazing, the food was superb, and the coffee was as close to real coffee as Zander had gotten since being away from Earth. Arlizarista hated it, saying that it was too bitter and made her throat dry. Vorsa was on the other end— he wanted a gallon of it with his food. The others were mostly indifferent to it, though Veldiami did agree this version was better than the one at the banquet.

“I’ll be going over potential pilots today, Zander. It’ll just be the first pass of who’s available, but tomorrow, I should have a list for you to go over,” Veldiami said. “Also, don’t forget the Terran should be here soon, too.”

“Copy that. I’ll make time tomorrow.”

“Back to the ship for me,” Vorsa said. “I’m going to be drilling security on defensive simulations. We should all be aware that when we do leave the Hub, we’ll have a lot of attention on us.”

“Because of the Antecedent ship we’re selling, and the tournament.” Rasisar’s naturally pale face was serious when he spoke.

“They won’t be as ready as they think they are if they try anything,” Zander snorted.

“How many pilots should I be looking for?” Veldiami cut back in.

“Three, at least,” Zander said. “With two juggernauts on board, I’m not sure Dreams can drop two fingers.”

“Not as she is currently, but I could have her upgraded to do so. Who would run the second finger?”

“I’d put Rasisar in charge of it after we bring the newbies up to speed. Anyone disagree?” Zander looked at his squad, who were quiet.

“I’ll be disappointed not to be with our squad, but I’ll lead the new squad as you have led us, Zander,” Rasisar said solemnly.

“Which means seven new pilots…” Veldiami said slowly. “It might be difficult to find seven right away. A slow gathering might be better, and we’ll likely be on the Hub for a few months. Your pay from Ormu’s ship has already been sent to your accounts, along with the mecha sold. That should hold all of you over for a while. If the Hub makes the asshole bookie pay up our bets, you’ll be more than merely comfortably well off.”

“I need to see if Lavella will let me order the juggernaut now and pay her once the Assembly buys the ship,” Zander said.

“I’ve informed them you are to pick out the grand prize juggernaut, as well,” Veldiami smirked. “Have fun with that.”

“I already know what I want for mine, and that’ll be copied over for Vlad’s command unit.”

“Me?” Rasisar asked in surprise. “You’re not going to keep them in the same squad?”

“Nope. I want the squads to reflect each other. This way, if we need to, we can switch up pilots, and everyone will know what the mecha are capable of.”

“Solid planning,” Vorsa nodded.

“It’ll put a juggernaut, an infantry, three cavalry, and a single scout on each finger. Zerker, Diva, Scamp; today, you three are going to get familiar with the mecha. I’m running two types of cavalry mecha— one with the particle cannon and one without. The one without will have a whole lot of medium rotary lasers, instead. Selda will make sure you have them both to try out. Figure out which you feel more comfortable in.”

“A-firm,” Crish said.

“Affirmative,” Arlizarista nodded.

“Copy, Badger,” Kayo grinned.

“Can you send the specs of the juggernaut along, as well?” Rasisar asked. “I’d like to get familiar with what I’ll be piloting.”

“Copy that. Minimal Interruptions should have it all lined up for you when you get there. Say hi to Jassmi for me.”

“Sure, sure,” Kayo snorted.

“I’ll be going,” Veldiami said. “A reminder for all of you: the Hub magistrate might ask to see any or all of us about the disputed bets.”

“We’ll be ready to assist them if needed,” Zander said, “which also means we all need to stay aware of our surroundings. That prick might try something stupid if the magistrate’s already moving on the case.”

There was a round of agreement before people started leaving. Zander stayed at the table to finish his coffee, Sage beside him.

“I should go let Ping off the ship,” Sage murmured. “If she comes by, you still have my full approval, Zander.”

“As you have mine for her, Kayo, Arlizarista, Veldiami, Gravtina, Lavella, and Jassmi,” Zander paused. “That’s a hell of a list, now that I think about it.”

“It is. I can’t do anything with the captain, though. She gets too hot for me,” Sage giggled. “Once she gets more control over her temperature… maybe.”

“I know that feeling,” Zander snorted. “As much as she teases me and makes me want to take the risks, I’m not a fan of crispy Zander, so I’m still holding out.”

“Thank you, Tender,” Sage murmured, leaning in to kiss him sweetly.

“If you’re free, let me know. I’m not sure if I’ll be with Lavella or not, but if I am, I’m going to try to get you two together.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

With one last goodbye, the couple left the private dining room. Before they made it halfway across the restaurant, people noticed them. Cheers went up as people called out his name. Zander gave them a grin, waving as he kept going. He did spot three small groups that were not cheering. Instead, they were glaring at him.

The flat-press is taking pictures already. Tomorrow’s headline will be how you and Sage are an item, Selda told him.

Never been a celebrity before, but I already hate the paparazzi, Zander replied back to her.

Take separate sleds. This way, they have to choose who to follow. I have two coming in now.

Copy that, Selda. Thank you. Zander thought at his AI, then whispered to Sage what Selda had told him.

“I don’t mind if they print that we’re together,” Sage smiled, staring at one of the photographers. “I’m very proud of my Tender.”

“Fair enough. Ought to cause a bit of a stir, more so when they see us with others.”

“It’ll be very amusing,” Sage beamed. “I’ll be envied by many of my race.”

Zander paused when the first sled landed, then opened the door for her. “Stay safe.”

“I will, Zander.”

He leaned in, kissing her softly before shutting the door. The sled lifted off a moment later, with Sage waving to him as she flew away.

Zander looked around, noting the press watching him. If I have people watching me, it’ll make it harder for anyone to cause shit.

Only for now. The press will go away in a few days.

Let Lavella know that we should stay apart a bit longer, for her sake. I know she hates the flat-press.

A-firm, Badger, Selda replied. I’ve informed Maverick that you are coming by to talk mecha. I’m sure Lavella will ask to see you in her office, at the very least.

Her office should be safe enough for today, Zander smirked as his sled landed.

I’m sure it will be. You should know that Olmine sent you an apology for being so aggressive last night.

Really? I might give her a second chance, then. Maybe we can get her, Jassmi, and Sage together for a night. A Dryad trifecta… it might kill me, but it’d be worth it. Zander chuckled as he got into the sled and let it take him to Maverick Mecha Manufacturing.

That’d be amazing, Selda moaned at the thought.

Have to thank my dear Maker, Zander thought at his AI.

A happy hum was Selda’s only reply as they flew off to their next destination.