Three Square Meals - Chapter 119

thx tef

I've updated the post with the final version. :-)

Tefler

hopefully soon

David Shmilowitz

so this will be finalized?

mine is back now as well. strange. oh well. EDIT: It's gone again for me. make up your mind patreon

David Shmilowitz

i can see my community tab...

Taco1085

It's back for me. Different computer than what I was using earlier, so not sure if that factored in. Will check again in a few hours to make sure.

Jedi Khan

When you posted was the first I'd noticed the Community tab had disappeared but, as I type this, it's reappeared!

ringill

Hate to break it to you Cignal, but those pics are not doctored. I have been and am still able to see and access the community tab.

PLRus--Founding member of the TSM F5 club.

I can see the posts from the community tab after I click a link to the Christmas poll that you provided on December 24 when promoting captions to LunarLiliths artwork, however even once I get there the community tab itself is gone, I just see the overview and posts tabs. I also double-checked my patron status and I'm still confirmed as a patron, so I don't know what patreon did to screw up this time, but it's apparently happening to all according to cignal.

David Shmilowitz

I can still see the community tab. Patreon have been messing around with the Creator interface, but if I go to my public page, I can see the Overview, Posts, and Community tabs.

Tefler

anyone come up with a guess as to why its gone? or how we can create our own post subjects as opposed to just replying now?

David Shmilowitz

Jedi, it is missing for all. Rus was just pulling your leg. Every screen shot he posted was doctored.

Cignal

I asked about that over on the Discord server a few hours ago as it's missing for me as well. It appears to be missing for some people but not others. Not sure what's going on.

Jedi Khan

Was just sitting here pressing F5 hoping for final version of 118 when I noticed that the community tab seems to have disappeared. Has anyone else had the same thing happen? Is it supposed to be gone (patreon changing format again, maybe)? hoping for answers, any info would be appreciated.

David Shmilowitz

Meh. I can see why he would move away from the sex, it can get a little formulaic at times and can use a little spacing out as the story needs the space. Plus with longer breaks it will make the scenes more memorable and might be better written as Tefler won’t be burned out with “John dick big. Girl cum. John cum lots of cum 4 balls” this is not meant to be a dig and more a joke at some of the earlier sex scenes (think chapter 1-15 ish) as hey it’s his first time and I cant write so that’s why I am paying him to make this amazing story.

Alphaonetango

Per Tefler, it will. Sorry.

Jedi Khan

It better not have less sex. That's the FUN stuff!

Who Me

That has been asked before and according to Tefler, to create a no-smut version of the story would require a major rewrite, basically changing the story from the ground up since the sex is so integral to the mechanics of what happens. However, Tefler has said that the sequel that he is planning for TSM will involve less sex.

Jedi Khan

This may be a stupid question and feel free to ignore it if it is, but are you planning to publish a no-smut version of this story at any point? I love the story and you write the smut just as well as the rest of it (even if the dialogue goes into porn territory at times) but sometimes I just want to read the space opera without the sex interruption.

John P

Not obscure depending on your fandom. I saw an nterview with Ryan Reynolds on some of the more niche jokes that he wrote for Deadpool 2. He mentioned that at some early screenings there would be only two people laughing seated at opposite ends of the theatre that would laugh at a particular joke. It made the writing more personal; like an inside joke between friends.

commatoes

Correct, Evan. The psychic communicator was only ever intended to be used by the Invictus and the Maliri, so that they could transfer all the new tech they find on their travels to Genthalas. The Ashanath are an exception in that they're also involved in working on the refit of Maliri ships, replating the fleet with Crystal Alyssium. John wants to give them the schematics for the Eternity Crystal cultivation beds, because the Ashanath have more than enough telepaths to mass-produce those crystals.

Tefler

Bob, I think part of the point was to keep the Terran Federation from learning of the advanced technologies that John doesn't trust them with since he doesn't have the same levels of control over them as he does over the Ashanath, Maliri and Trankaran peoples. The psychic bridge would - as has been previously stated - only be usable by telepaths. However, that is entirely separate from the idea of allowing Faye to communicate with telepathic entities. That, Dana should be able to achieve as has been previously stated, using existing Bolon and Ashanath technologies.

Evan

Well the story is following the line of using Edraele as the Maliri go-between, but otherwise you're right... even if Dana can make such a device, only the Maliri & Ashanath could utilise it... the Trankaran's & Terran's are still screwed when it comes to any schematics being transmitted.

I think what everyone is missing here is the device needs to work with non-psychic personnel. Which is different than what the Bolons and Ashanath do. There are no psychic technicians in the Trankaran, Maliri, or Terran civilizations that could receive and understand technical drawings.

PLRus--Founding member of the TSM F5 club.

Tefler, I thought Dana was wanting to build a device to communicate instantly and send schematics etc to all of their allies, ie the Maliri, Trankarans, and Terrans, and not just the telepathic ones. Dana is able to "see" a schematic and utilize and reproduce it faithfully, but since none of the Terran and Trankaran engineers are telepathic, do you plan on John "changing" them as well or were you thinking that the Trankaran queen and Lynette would have to do that technical task?

Bp Hlpt

Agree with my namesake there. Bob Clarke, makes a point, that's exactly what Faye needs to connect to Alyssa and become a full fledged Lioness, able to interact with the Harem psychically too.

bob lakhanpal

But the Bolon's robots are essentially walking talking computers, likely speaking internally in binary, so any conversion would be psychic > interface > binary > speech synthesiser & vice versa... so not only should Faye be able to use it for 2 way telepathic communication with Alyssa, but there shouldn't be an issue with transmitting plans either

Love the obscure reference to White Russians and bowling. <a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/the-celluloid-p-16-8755" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.thekitchn.com/the-celluloid-p-16-8755</a>

TexanInParis

You just have to make things difficult for the feisty little redhead, don't you?

Who Me

The Bolon interface is similar to the ones that the Ashanath have, allowing them to convert telepath into audible speech. What Dana is trying to build would allow one telepath to contact another telepath across the Astral plane and send images like schematics. Kind of like a psychic phone/fax. That way they can share tech schematics without having to broadcast them over Comms Beacons.

Tefler

Dana is/was working on a device to enable physic communication, the Bolon already have such a device to allow their robot to speak for them. Have I missed something?

I fear we are heading to: ‘I am your father’; ‘Noooool’

Denis

More that they would be well versed in the Prigenitor own tec and John and the grills need to get ready for some nasty cyber-warfare. Also as a note for Tefler, if hacking does happen make the “Boys” go slightly Ape on the ship.

Alphaonetango

I had to turn the phone off and that fixed it

jerry661

I had that thought a long time ago, that there might be some backdoor in the Progenitor tech they don't know about. We'll just have to wait and see.

Jedi Khan

It is a cool reference, noted by Bigfoot earlier in this thread.

John Jameson

Thanks I'll give that a try if I knew how to clear the cache on my phone

jerry661

Am I the only one that caught the Lebowski reference with the White Russian? Pretty freakin awesome btw!!!

The most likely explanation is that your webbrowser/smartphone cached the old version - if you can clear the cache you will be able to download the new version

John Jameson

My reaction also. When Dana first met John she described him as a "take charge kind of guy". She must have had her brain addled by his Progenitor influence not to notice what a complete failure he has been in that respect. He is not even in charge of himself, let alone the girls. No wonder Larn'kelner considers him a loser. He seems to require an epiphany like this (from the girls) every few chapters, and it is starting to sound like a broken record.

John Jameson

I'm not sure that pre-cog is a standard progenitor ability. MN seemed to be unaware that Ranagon was even in the system until he started his attacks.

Thanks Tef for another Great Chapter. Love all the intrigue arcs. I have concern with the Digital Defenses. “The defensive subsystems are fully integrated with the hardware. We were able to create the necessary code as per the blueprints, but I’ve no idea what half of it does.” “The attack routine for the Data Sentinels is listed as ‘Neutralise hostiles’...” This got me thinking about Wrath of Khan, when Kirk transmits the code to drop the shields on Khan's ship. Can they trust that the Progenitor Server would see any attacks by LK as hostile. Are there any Progenitor backdoors that can be exploited. They know so little about the tech they are using. Perhaps, with Irillith and Faye having some Digital "Wargames" they could discover any vulnerabilities or develop some new wrinkles to add to their defenses.

VycronDyz

“For the last six months, I’ve been wallowing in guilt and regret about the best decisions I’ve ever made.” He looked at each of them in turn. “Thank you, for finally making me understand the truth.” - Cringeworthy. Yikes.

Denis

I downloaded the update but it didn't have any changes 69 pages on both copies

jerry661

I was thinking the same about the Ashanath being able to benefit from a 'living ship'.

As John said ch.72, He pulled Dana back against him, and rested his hand on her curved abdomen as he said wryly, “So many deserving tummies, so little time.”

ringill

Loved it I found it a nice change of pace. I think John needs to start feeding Dana much more if it only took half a day for her to get new tech she might even get a soul forge before the day is out.

Jim lynch

Have the boys refitted as mini-Zambonis would be hilarious.

@tefler - Just a crazy thought to toss out there... since the crew hasn't been able to spend much time on Jericho, what are the chances that Faye could figure out how to temporarily drop the temp in the lagoon. Create some fake snow for snowball fights, ice skating on the frozen lake, etc. It could be a great way to relax without leaving the Invictus.

LunarLilith

a epik chapter

Mjk154

thank you tefler that was aepik

Mjk154

Great chapter, as always. The dude abides.

Sindre Bjørnhjell

There are a number of beings who are going to have some surprises in the near future... and I suspect that most of us are looking forward to that. The Brimorians (from so many sides). The assassins sent after the secret Lionesses. The assassins sent after Maria and the rest of Calara's family. The daughters of Matriarch Baelora. The former Admirals of the High Command. Larn'kelnar &amp; Ailanthia. and not to be left out, most especially, perhaps, John &amp; the girls.

Evan

Tefler, nice addition. I enjoyed it. swaying alluring to music -&gt; swaying alluringly to music felt that irresistible tingling his quad -&gt; felt that irresistible tingling in his quad

Evan

I recall a comment way, way back from Athena I think where she said this Projenitor wasn't acting the way one would normally expect.

ringill

I rather enjoyed the part where Irillith felt sorry for the Kirrix drone carriers she sent to Kirr-Inax. While it's probably too late for them I wondered whether the hive ship, Fruitful Harvest, taking the colonists back to Menganus IV could be sold to the Ashanath? I expect they'd be quite interested in a psychic ship! Also, the part where they were talking about what would have happened to Tashana if they'd not rescued her, since her pyrokinesis had already developed I'd expect she would have had to be killed quickly and from a safe distance while being surrounded by toasted Enshunu.

ringill

Tefler, another great chapter, that I enjoyed! Your teasing us with Progenitor warp gates, Quantum Power Augmentors and stealth field generators, but it’s all good! Only a few suggested edits for Chapter 119, that I have not seen others post, and three are just missing spaces; are as follows: Page 3: Sakura gazed up at him adoringly.( )“I missed you so much...”; Page 7: She ran a diagnostic on her power supply to make sure that there (were) no glitches in the software.; Page 10: “Helene’s got a beautiful soul; she only sees the good in us... I just hope I can live up to the way she sees (in) me.”; Page 14: Jade wrinkled her nose in distaste.( )“Without the four of you to defeat the pirate fleet,; Page 18: “The Brimorians might already by (be) killing them on a vast scale.”; Page 59: Dana giggled then handed him a bottle.( )“Can you wash my hair, please?; Page: 71: John shared a(n) affectionate glance with his Nymph matriarch,; Page 72: Sakura blushed, much to the rest of the girl(’)s amusement, and sat demurely on the bed.; As always, if you disagree, I completely understand. Good luck with Chapter 120. Cheers!

Ok, not sure if this has been mentioned before (I think it has just not sure if it went into detail) but all the girls have variations of John's progenitor abilities, right? Except maybe Rachel, there was some issues giving her the healing ability. So if Calara is a precog, it would make sense that John's father would have the same ability, only stronger after millennia of use. So how likely is it that the steps John had to take in order to rescue these girls were seen and actions taken specifically to make it possible? The "rescue" and subsequent escape of John's mind controlled (maybe?) Mother would be child play. Setting the rest of the pieces would be harder but still possible. I just don't know how LK fits in to the designs yet. Is he a tool to help John and the girls grow? Or an adversary that was always coming and John is being raised as this corner of the universe's defense?

Roethan

Tefler, I curious why Larn’kelner had not claimed any of the races in this universe before now? They had been available for thousands of years since the last of big Progenitor wars. Is it because he came from a different universe and so they were off limits so he deiced to have them Kill each other off to remove more of John's possible allies?

prsstarid

Yes, they're on the way to Arcadia at the moment. I cleared that up in the new scene at the end.

Tefler

The notes I have are... extensive. :-)

Tefler

You're welcome! :-)

Tefler

I've added the final scene, which wraps up the end of the day. I hope you enjoy it!

Tefler

So now we have more possible characters introduced in this chapter that could be the traitors that contacted the Brimorians. My odds on favorite at this point was Doug, I believe he was Admiral Morgan's XO that lost his family to the Kirrix when the Federation abandoned the the outer rims worlds. He had the most motive. And my other suspects were Tom Walker and Mason Buckingham. But now there are a few more possibilities.

prsstarid

Another outstanding chapter Tefler! Thank you

I have been thinking of that for a while too. Both Evil Progenitors seemed to have a change of attitude after a while in this galaxy to their thralls. I am wondering if there is something in this galaxy's air or something.

prsstarid

I'm not so sure it will be a normal fight against Lynette Devereux or Jehanna. John built in a defense package to protect them according to Alyssa. Now Rachel's Dad or Calara's mom is different story but Rachel's dad may have his own security.

prsstarid

Perhaps when I hit the button to convert it to a cellphone format, it screwed it up.

For some reason when I first opened it, WORD had it at less then 30k. But you are correct. I apologize. Upon reopening it has changed its total to match yours.

It was something like 30,150 words, but I'm writing another scene to finish it off. :-)

Tefler

Done I do have one point though. When Rachel created her shields, there was no indication that they were conditional in accepting what could pass through them. Being able to attack outward from inside a shield, but not being able to get in is a significant factor in their effectiveness, and likely wouldn't go un-commented-upon. I had to take a mental double-take to make sure I hadn't missed that revelation.

zingowner

It's not over 30k. It's under.

It was a good point that John hasn't properly pursued any of his girls... I see the point, and I don't know if I'd like the harem expanded now, but it would have been nice if there ws at least one girl who John was like "I like her. Gonna make her mine."

James Hârn

Btw, does Faye's baby have a name yet?? She's always calling it Little One....

bob lakhanpal

Hey Tef! I'm not very far into the chapter yet, but I like that they are reviewing what would have happened to the girls if John had not rescued/taken the girls. It's kind of like a little highlight reel. It made me wonder though, is anybody still keeping a word count on the story? I don't often read ALL of the comments so it could be happening and I'm not seeing it. Anyway, good stuff as always! Peace, Steve

Dude, Tefler, I'd seriously hate to see your notes, with all these plots, sub-plots, and Sub-sub-plots... Although, I'm sure it would make for interesting reading, I'm sure... I'm really interested to see in Ch. 120 if John and the girls reach Arcadia, and Finally get all the answers we've all been waiting for... Is Johns mother still alive? Is his father? If so, how will John react? If not, did they leave him a message? Or even know he was alive? What kind of tech is there, just waiting for Dana's special mind to "requisition" Also, will John finally beat his Guide, and how will that effect him, and the girls? All of this, and more, On The Next Episode Of DRAGON BALL... sorry, had to...

Horny Rhino

Am I to understand that they enroute to the planet where Johns’s mom might be? It was not mentioned directly so I am drawing that conclusion based upon all of the other chapters I have read. Please correct me if I am wrong.

"Alyssa nodded sombrely. She's desperate for..." sombrely. "She's?

zingowner

I find the newly white haired Matriarch and change in attitude towards her to be very interesting. Is it a consequence of Progenitor age, some phenomena in this region of space such as the Veil, John’s influence, or something else? Very interesting, indeed.

Evan

Wonderful chapter! I especially like the new twist with the daughters setting off to meet their mom!! Will they end up with white hair too? The mother child interactions of Faye and her child are intriguing too. Excellent work, tefler. Thank you once again.

bob lakhanpal

It's fun writing character scenes, but getting the content balance is always tricky. Anything not obviously advancing the plot tends to often get dismissed as "filler", even when it's focused on character development. Either way, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! :-)

Tefler

That's very true, but the presentation was mainly focused on the girls and the impact John had on their lives. Collectively, they've saved a ton of people from a whole host of different bad guys, but it would have turned into a huge monologue if I'd listed them all. :-)

Tefler

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know about the telepathy mismatch. :-)

Tefler

Ah, well spotted!

Tefler

I don't like putting too many pop culture references in, but the girls are big movie fans and I couldn't resist that one. :-)

Tefler

Thanks, I'll go check them out!

Tefler

Great chapter. Almost makes me wish the cosmic plot would just go away for a bit so the characters could just hang out with each other. If you want to write more kinkiness, I'm all for it...

James Hârn

When Rachel was giving the presentation to John about the impact he's had by recruiting the girls, she should have also reminded him that without the team, the invasions by both the Kintark and the Kirrix would have succeeded, not to mention that Nexus would have destroyed who knows how many worlds in its desire to exterminate the Terrans, leaving what was left wide open for attack by the Brimorians. The entire Terran civilization would likely have ceased to exist except as slaves, if that. Surely the Maliri, Ashanath, Trankarans, and all of the other "good" species would not have escaped the attention from all of those "bad" guys. And, of course, there would be no one left to prevent the remaining Progenitor from doing whatever it is that he plans to do. So while the loss of the 13 girls on his team would have been a very personal one for him, along with the loss of his own life as was pointed out, his and the girl's influence has saved and will continue to save hundreds of billions or more. So while it is admirable that he stays concerned about his influence, and he should continue to do so, he should also get his head out of his ass about his fear of turning into what the past Progenitors have been.

Bp Hlpt

So any guesses as to who the former admirals were talking about? I'm leaning towards... forgot her name, actually. The one who was fighting Lynette for Charles' attention. She's definately well placed. Looks like we'll be getting a chapter about Maria's neighbors soon. Interested to see a normal fight, since those are kinda rare.

Roethan

Another excellent addition and yet more sub-plots added to the mix all turning up at 3.30 in the morning! Still, that's the advantage of working from home and for yourself, you get to fix your working time to when you want. Meanwhile, spotted one of those telepathic/normal speech mismatches. ... Edraele said earnestly. *Without him, I never would have existed... and without the new version of me attempting to consolidate your control of the Maliri Regency, eventually all the Young Matriarchs would have been killed by intra-House assassinations.”

ringill

The feels are strong with this chapter. And the plot thickens as well. Very intriguing. I had a thought about Irillith's eventual goal to hack a Progenitor server. I think she might need to brush up on her combat skills, especially in melee. Hacking can only get her so far, once she's detected, she needs some way to defend herself. She was nearly taken out by the TFed's pitiful defense programs back on Mars. Sure, she's a much better hacker now than she was then, and could probably avoid detection now, but still...it doesn't hurt to be able to put up a fight. In fact, all the girls should be working on their melee combat skills. Aside from John, Calara, and Sakura, all the others would be screwed in a close quarters fight where ranged weapons and powers won't help.

Jedi Khan

"You've changed to," she said sincerely .... too

Shout out to Tefler for his inclusion of a series of references to THE BIG LEBOWSKI (“Is that a White Russian? I’ve always wanted to try one of those!” and “It’s just a shame the Invictus doesn’t have a bowling alley...”). Love it!!!!!!

Bigfoot

Technically, midi-length skirt or midi-skirt is an actual fashion term similar to mini-length or mini-skirt.

LunarLilith

Thanks for another fabulous chapter, Tefler. I added a small list of edits to discord for you. Also, I loved the nod to the Christmas picture of John. :D

LunarLilith

Thanks

“ I thought I -&gt; extra space between “ and I. midi-length -&gt; midi? Should that be mid? contact with one of those hexagonal tiles and stroked her -&gt; contact with one of those hexagonal tiles and stroked it (the tile isn’t female even if the generator is) can make it a long stronger! -&gt; can make it a lot stronger! seductive smile teasing her lips as rode him -&gt; seductive smile teasing her lips as she rode him like cats on heat -&gt; like cats in heat Dana cradled the slight bump in her tummy, her stomach still full after Jade had fed her only a few hours ago. -&gt; Dana cradled the slight bump in her tummy, her stomach still full after John had fed her only a few hours ago. — Or was it actually Jade? Those little idiosyncrasies Faye programmed in has given them -&gt; Those little idiosyncrasies Faye programmed in have given them Great chapter, Tefler! Very interesting and enjoyable!

Evan

Great, thanks Tefler!!!

Old Cruiser

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet

Roman Andrew Chalfant

yuss. thank you, thank you, thank you. excited muchly

rich ed

Thank you Sir :)

Nchalada

Thank you, Tefler!

I forgot to charge for the first one. :-)

Tefler

Whoo! I bet it's good, lets find out!

Horny Rhino

woot woot good bedtime reading

Dragon

Thanks

Posted twice?

Muledrvr

Thanks Teler

Cignal

Yay 4th :(

Woohoo

Yay!

Jedi Khan

Thank you, Tefler! Wow. First comment... never had that before.

Evan