Chapter 24 - A Night Back

James looked over at Janice and me. "Are you sure you can perform?" he asked.

Janice giggled. "Why wouldn't we be able to perform? It should be easier the second time. We won't have as many first performance jitters."

"And we won't worry about disappointing you," I whispered. "I missed so many notes while I was playing."

Janice looked at me. "I thought the orchestra was struggling a bit. What was going on?"

I shrugged. "Rather than using the sheet music, the AI was projecting music onto our stands. What we were playing was a bit more complex than what I had practiced."

"A determination was made that the musicians could play to that level. The music displayed was designed to give them the most performance time and minimize the use of digital recordings," the AI intoned.

Janice gave me a hug. "Well, it's nice to know that it thought you could play more."

I flexed my hand. The palm felt a bit spongy, but there was no pain. "I hope I can sneak in some practice before we perform."

Janice laughed. "Well, first you need to go and see your daughter. Bethany and I fed her, but she's definitely missing you. James, I'm going to take my sister here to cuddle with her daughter, and then we'll have to go get the stage ready. Candi, can you let the others know?"

"Randi and I will spread the word," Candi promised. "Now get our Little One home to her daughter."

Janice laughed and pulled me to my feet. I gave her a loving hug as we stood in the room. I turned to look at James to see a tear in his eye. "I'll be by shortly," he promised. "Yvette and I have to resolve one small issue and then I'll join you."

"We'll be waiting!" Janice called as she dragged me from the room.

Giggling we entered the command post. We had only taken a few steps into the room when Tiffany and Tamara engulfed me in hugs.

"You shouldn't"

"Scare James"

"That much," they caroled.

"He was"

"Too upset"

"To function."

"He worried"

"All night."

I looked at the twin girls. They had huge smiles on their faces as they held me between them. "I didn't try to scare James," I whispered. "We didn't have much time to get Amanda out of her armor."

Tiffany shook her head. "We know, but James was too worried about you to be all that useful last night. You mean a lot to him."

"Well, he's my life, so we're even there," I said firmly. "But I understand a little girl with black hair misses her mommy. So I should chat later."

Tamara giggled. "Go. We just wanted you to know we love you. You and your sisters are why James is the leader we so desperately need."

Janice giggled. "No, he's the man his concubines need. But you already knew that. Now, I better get this one to her home."

She pushed me towards the door. As it slid open I expected to see the back of the tapestry, but the far wall of the tunnel was revealed.

"The tapestry is on a rail and can move to uncover the doorway," Janice said as we stepped into the corridor. "It won't open if there are strangers in the hallway."

I nodded as she led me through the hallway. The meal I had eaten appeared to have rejuvenated me and I was able to keep up with my friend. She smiled as we came to the door to our home and stepped back to allow me to enter first.

The door opened silently. I listened carefully, but heard nothing from inside the room, so looking back at Janice I stepped into the room.

Arms engulfed me again. I fought them down and looked around. Bethany, Tina, Brittany and Kitty surrounded me, holding me closely.

Tina spoke first. "Don't scare us like that. I could see you were hurt, but you kept saying you'd walk to the medical bay. When you fainted in the corridor I freaked out."

"You scared all of us," Bethany said, giving me a kiss on the cheek. "We love you. Please, be more careful in the future."

"I can only try," I said. "Now, shouldn't I take a moment with my daughter?"

"Of course!" Bethany cried. "We just wanted to hug you first." She led me to our couch and set me down. Kitty brought Madoka over. My daughter appeared a bit upset, but quieted the instant I set her on my lap.

I took a moment to gaze on my daughter. She was a little more than two months old. Her hair was coming in dark and thick. She had deep blue eyes that gazed at everything. She looked back up at me and offered a toothless smile.

"My beautiful daughter," I said with a sigh.

"Who is probably a hungry daughter," Brittany said. "We heard you'd be awake soon, so we haven't fully fed her. We thought you should do that."

I giggled as I struggled out of the halter-top I was wearing. When I lifted Madoka to my breast, she immediately latched on and started sucking.

"I'd say she was hungry," Janice said.

I nodded absently. My thoughts were on Madoka and the love that had created her. I hoped to have a few more children for James, but for now, I had to be there for my daughter.

The others we talking, but I was holding Madoka and not really paying attention when Kitty screamed.

"You mean we're going to perform again? But we already performed for the citizens."

I looked over at my sisters who had claimed chairs and were sitting in a circle. Kitty was staring at Janice. Janice smiled and nodded. "It came up during a meeting. James and Yvette were meeting with the captain of Cancun, and the show was mentioned. She asked if we could perform for her people."

"Is that a good idea?" Brittany asked.

Tina shrugged. "I met a couple of the crew when I was in the medical bay. They seemed rather nice. If they are respectful, I don't mind performing."

"You get to perform," Kitty said with a huff. "Brit and I have to have our babies before we can really join in."

Bethany gave Kitty a hug. "Well, we will probably be performing again. Perhaps we should work our show kind of like the original from Earth."

"How is that?" Tina asked.

"Well, the performers were always making changes. If there was a big scandal of some kind, they'd look for a song that fit, and try to sneak a new scene into the show. The whole idea was to keep the show fresh," Bethany said.

Brittany giggled. "So like since we have a ship with the name Cancun in port, maybe we add a few skits about spring break or something?"

Kitty laughed. "No, we do some skits about Mexico. But I don't know any songs that fit. The only one is that weird one by the former Harvard Professor."

"Ouch," Janice said. "That probably wouldn't be too popular."

"What about the scene in the one old Bug Bunny cartoon where he slaps around a bull to a tune. The tune could be fit in anywhere," I whispered as Madoka stopped sucking. I lifted her to my shoulder to burp her as the others turned to look at me.

There was silence, but I could see Tina start to nod. "That's silly, but it would definitely work. The older citizens would recognize it, and it fits in our pattern of abusing poor David."

Janice giggled. "We'll have it when he enters the bar in the first section. We'll have some kind of Latin rhythm playing, complete with dancers. He'll come in and the music will stop. Maybe we'll have one of the ladies dance around him at first, but then go with that skit and then continue with "I Dream of Genie."

"Who will be the dancer?" Bethany asked.

"It will have to be Heather for this first show," Janice said. "She knows a lot of different dances. But she'd happy teach someone if we had time. Meiko, I know we're here to welcome you back, but I'm going to rush around and see what other ideas we can get."

Janice dashed off. Madoka had finally burped and was lying on my shoulder half-asleep. I stood up slowly and carried her over to the cribs. After a quick glance at the others, I gently set her down next to Astrid.

"Why there?" Brittany asked from just behind me.

I stood up fast and whirled around in surprise, but the others were smiling. I smiled back as blood rushed to my face. "Because, I want Madoka, Astrid and Joy to grow up and become the best of friends. Why not allow them to be together?"

Brittany looked confused, but Bethany laughed. "Don't argue. I love the idea and wish I had thought of it."

I walked over to Bethany and hugged her tight. She held me in her arms for a moment and then stood up, lifting me off the ground. "I've got her!" she cried. "Kitty, quick, get the hot tub going."

I squeaked and tried to let go, but Bethany quickly moved one arm under my legs and cradled me as she walked towards our bathroom. Kitty and Brittany dashed ahead.

Bethany was still making her way to the bathroom when I heard water start pouring into the tub. This was followed by the shower starting up. I tried to turn my head to see what was happening. A light glowed in the bathroom, but the door was partial closed, blocking my view.

"Bethany?" I pleaded.

"Quiet!" she barked. "It's time you were properly cleaned."

The door swung open. Bethany carried me inside. She set me down on the counter for a moment, and removed my skirt and panties. Then, Kitty and Brittany grabbed my hands and dragged me into the shower.

The two pregnant teens left me standing under the falling water. I turned to dash out of the room only to see Tina stepping inside and closing the door. She shed her clothes and joined me in the shower. "You're not escaping that easily," she growled.

She walked over to the wall and obtained some body lotion and a sponge. Ignoring my protests she held me under the water and proceeded to wash my body. Small mountains of foam were formed as she spread the soap over my body. Each touch was a cleansing caress. Once she was satisfied with how clean my body was she returned the sponge to the shelf and brought out some shampoo.

I closed my eyes as she dribbled the shampoo into my hair and started to massage it into my scalp. Tina was taking her time and working at spreading the lather throughout my hair. Suddenly, I felt a second pair of hands joining in and working to spread the shampoo down the strands of my hair.

I froze stiffly. There was another giggle and I heard Bethany's voice. "Don't worry, Little One. We just wanted to do this right. And I figured you'd like the attention."

"I love it," I admitted before I could pause to think about what I was saying. "But this isn't fair. You're doing too much for me."

Tina giggled. "Oh, I'm sure you'll return the favor in the future. There will be other days when one of us isn't feeling our best, and you've always been willing to cheer us up."

My two concubines guided me under one of the side showers. As the water hit my scalp, I felt another spray striking the hair that fell down my back. It took a moment before I realized she was using the hose setup on the central showerhead.

It seemed like an eternity, but finally the water stopped. A soft towel was placed in my hands and I used it to pat my face dry. "What now?" I asked as I opened my eyes and looked up.

"Now you relax in the tub," Bethany ordered as she put her hands on my shoulders and pulled me forward. "You're probably going to have a ton of visitors, so you might as well be comfortable."

"But they'll see me naked," I complained as Tina took the towel from my hands.

"I'm sure the worst they will do is compliment James on having such a lovely concubine," Tina replied. "And if you insist, I'll lay in the tub with you."

I hugged Tina. "Please," I whispered.

There was a giggle from the doorway. I tried to turn and look, but Tina held me tight and brought her lips to mine, giving me a loving kiss.

"You win, Tina," I heard Kitty cry. "You get the prize."

"What prize?" I asked hotly, as I pushed Tina away and broke the kiss.

Tina giggled. She picked me up and carried me to the hot tub. I was carefully lowered into the water and then she climbed in to sit across from me in the large tub. My eyes tried to bore through her skull, but she merely winked.

"I get to hold you in my arms tonight when we sleep, my little warrior. We all wanted to show just how much you mean to us," she told me.

"I'm just another concubine," I mumbled. I felt my face get red as a pair of arms descended over my head and offered me an awkward hug.

"No, you mean more than that to us," Brittany said. "But others want their chance to say that to you."

I groaned as Brittany took the arms away. My back was to the door, but I heard it open and several people enter. Immediately a pair of feminine arms came down to offer another hug. "Thank you," I heard Barbara whisper in my ear. "Thank you for doing what do you did for Amanda."

"But I just...." I tried to speak.

"You helped take her armor off," Donna said. "The AI tries to avoid revealing just how nasty the atmosphere is, but Amanda is still in the medical unit recovering. We think she inhaled some, as the unit is saying she has some lung damage. Without the actions you took with James and Tina, Amanda might have died."

Barbara released the hug, but three ladies bent down to kiss me on the cheek. I looked up to see Lisa, Christine and Zenita standing over me. "You saved our mistress," Lisa said. "And while she might not be James...."

"Who is?" I heard Donna mutter.

Lisa glared over her shoulder. "Anyways... we do love Amanda! She's been a treasure. Thank you for what you did."

"I just tried to help," I sulked. "I shouldn't be getting so much attention."

Tina laughed. "Mieko, you aren't winning this one. They want to tell you how they feel."

"And we know we can't really give you anything," Lisa said.

I sighed. "Well. I was going to ask if I can be one of the next ones to make a tapestry."

"You have an idea?' Zenita asked.

I nodded. "James seems to like Japanese things. He has a huge collection of anime and manga. I have studied a bit about the old watercolor paintings that were created in Japan. I was thinking of making a tapestry in that style. It could have a lady in a kimono standing in the foreground, but looking away from the viewer. In the middle would be one of the arched wooden bridges that people think of seeing in a Japanese garden, and in the distance would be an old building. It wouldn't be as elaborate as Tina's, but if I can compose the right picture, I think it would be quite good."

"Wow," Lisa said. "I kind of want to do one, but the only idea I had was a sandy beach as the sun sets."

Tina just smiled. "Well, I've done a big one, so others can try those. I was going to try a small one though. But I'll keep the art secret for now."

"Tease," I said as I splashed water on her.

Tina just shook her hand at me as the others giggled. Barbara then bent down to hug me again. "Be proud and never lose your courage,' she whispered to me.

The concubines kissed me again, leaving with Barbara. Donna then knelt down and put a hand on my shoulder.

"How is the hand?" she asked.

I lifted it up, talking another look at it. The medical unit's repair looked perfect. I could see no scar or discoloration. Donna put a hand on my arm and gently guided my hand back so she could look at it closely.

"Make a fist," she commanded.

I did. The hand closed easily and I sighed in satisfaction. Donna quietly released my arm.

"It appears fully healed," she said. "Just be careful. The acid might have done some damage the medical unit missed. If you feel dizzy or in pain, come in immediately so we can check.

"Oh, Meiko is always dizzy," Tina said. "Sometimes it takes her hours to decide what to say next."

I splashed Tina again. This time she retaliated. I squealed in surprise and excitement before pushing more water at my friend.

Relaxing in the hot tub now became a splash fight. Tina and I exchanged splashes and waves. Our giggles must have rang out throughout the pod, but at the moment all that mattered was making sure Tina got wetter than me.

We must have been at it for several minutes when a bucket of cold water was dumped over my head. I screamed, this time in surprise. Tina matched me with her own blood-curdling scream. I looked up to see Kitty holding an empty bucket over her head.

"Brittany is behind me isn't she?" I asked Tina.

Tina nodded. "I think we should do something to them."

"You won't!" Kitty snapped. "You are supposed to be dignified ladies. Instead you scream loud enough to wake your babies and we find you having a water fight in the tub. There is water everywhere in here. Who will clean it up."

I looked over at Tina. She smiled and nodded as we stood up. "The AI,' we snapped in unison.

I climbed out of the tub and found towels hanging on the wall. Quickly I wrapped one around my body and then used another to start drying my hair. The others moved around behind me, but I ignored the noise as I finished drying off.

Sometime earlier, someone had taken my outfit away, so after placing one towel back on the rack to dry, I walked back into our living area with a towel wrapped around my body.

James was sitting in the living area. He had Tolwin bouncing on his knee, but carefully returned him to his crib as I entered.

A huge part of my heart told me to run to him, but I kept my pace slow and walked until I was just in front of him. Then, I knelt down and kissed his feet.

"Your humble servant awaits your pleasure," I intoned.

James laughed. I felt his arms reach under my shoulders and lift me to my feet. The sudden movement caused the towel to flutter to the ground, but any squawk of outrage went unvoiced as his lips pressed against mine.

The kiss was long and loving. Passion slowly entered my mind as James teased my lips with the tip of his tongue, never fully pressing against them. I have placed my own hands on his shoulders and was about to pull him to me when he backed off.

"That's the Meiko, I love," he whispered. I noticed him looking over my shoulder for a moment. "Now, how about we go to the bedroom for a long relaxing cuddle?" he asked me

I jumped into his arms and kissed his neck. "Perfect," I cried.

James laughed again. "Then for us and any of your sisters who wish to. It's time for an early nap."

He carried me into the bedroom. Kitty and Brittany followed us in with a giggle. When we got near the bed Kitty tripped James. This caused him to sprawl onto the bed. I bounced onto the mattress, only to have Brittany jump into my arms and give me a kiss. A moment later a second pair of lips was teasing my pussy and I soon was lost in a sea of pleasure.