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Three Square Meals - Chapter 155 (Patreon)

Published:
2022-08-01 01:43:10
Imported:
2026-06
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Hi everyone,

I'll post a preview for chapter 155 to spread out the billing more evenly between this month and the next. Now you won't have to wait for the full chapter release to find out what the Maliri males wanted to discuss with John and Dana.

I'll wrap this up as quickly as I can, then hopefully finish off 156 and 157 in August. We've got some nasty fights coming up with the Galkiran thralls, and the big reveal to John on Kythshara, so lots of fun things on the horizon.

Cheers,

Tefler

Comments

TF007

First

Evan

Thank you, Tefler!

TF4EVA

You da man!!!

andrew finlayson

"The effect this will have on the homeworlds can’t be understated.” OK, so this is a pet peeve of mine, but it should be "can't be overstated". If you overstate something, you are making it out to be more important than it is. In this case what Edraele meant was "this is so important you could not exaggerate the importance of it".

Evan

Not precisely what I expected, but close. I was really expecting that the stations weren’t unused. I am a bit surprised by the idea that these four stations were repurposed - presuming that to mean that they were located and built up to support both the male population and the purpose of functioning as trading stations - when the Maliri’s neighbors began to encroach upon their borders, but that the other seven stations were both actively cloaked and lost, whereas these four were not. It sounded more like these four were simply in the right position to make use of them for the purpose, and the others were simply left alone. Now, if that’s the case, how were these four located and reactivated? Did the Matriarchs do it? Did the males? And did whoever did it record the knowledge of how to do it with the other stations? I simply can’t see the Matriarchs, those power-hungry paranoid rulers, allowing all knowledge of the powerful weapons aboard their own defensive stations, which admittedly they couldn’t internally use nor remove from those self-same stations, not only being lost but potentially being claimable by others who quite literally ran into them. Even if the stations and their weaponry weren’t portable, they wouldn’t ever tolerate such a station even potentially becoming active in the hands of a rival (Maliri or non-Maliri) who might use it to dominate a swath of their territories.

Paul Mansur

"John gave her a supportive hug. 'That's a probably a good thing.'" I think you have an 'a' in the wrong place there...

dakota downey

Always get a laugh out of the catgirls but since when did John have a captains hat

Azwiz

This is a masterful tale . Well writen . Personable characters . Lots of humor . And soon another epic battle .

Azwiz

Evan above missed a lot of points . These stations are heavily cloaked . To the point that no one could claim them . Especially outside of Maliri . But they even admitted that they themselves could not track them . Too advanced . No one is more advanced than Maliri . With the exception of Progenitors .

Big Orca

Tefler, i want to thank you for focusing on moving the story along. At this time, having pages of pages of sex scene can cause some readers to lose interest, and it looks like you are aware, and have changed your approach. Really appreciate this!

Michael56Smith

.18: You were quite correct Tef, it was wonderful getting the 'secret' meeting with the Maliri males covered in this preview, and it was helpful that John and his girls had become informed of the defense capabilities that still existed, and were maintained by the males at the trade stations, and luckily were ignored by the female Maliri for centuries, ... I wonder if the cloaked stations were/are as well maintained / survived as the ones at Kythshara? Quantum Flux Cannons on those defense platforms should add a nice surprise for bad ole Asshats and their Thrall fleets. now they need to be found, dusted off, and manned (womanned) in time to throw some trouble at Gahl'kalgor, that he so deserves. And ending the preview with an orgy, while the Wormhole Generator charges is just perfect, thank you Tef! ;-) TTFN

William Wallace

The sex is getting in the way of the story, and it realy losing intrest

mike2415370

Any ideas as to who they "cloned"? Was it Fay or Athena?

Bp Hlpt

Great start on the next chapter, Tefler. Glad to see that your muse is back. The general flow of the story is moving along nicely. Chapter 155 Typos (some found by others) As usual, almost 10% of the paragraphs have extra ‘spaces’ at the end of them. Come on, while the chapter is still small, please try and delete them and see if anything bad happens. :) There is an extraneous ‘space’ between paragraphs before - ‘Rachel smiled as she joined them.’ Lioness on his right, Edraele’s soothing voice -- Extraneous space before ‘Edraele’s’ Lioness on his right, Edraele’s soothing voice using the Invictus guns, -- Invictus > Invictus’ using the Invictus’ guns, That’s a probably a good thing. -- That’s a > That’s That’s probably a good thing. can’t be understated. -- understated > overstated can’t be overstated. skipped up the steps to the Command Podium, -- to > of skipped up the steps of the Command Podium, Please don't forget the final two corrections for 154: missed this one *We’ll be landing in thirty seconds, Master,* -- Extraneous space before ‘*We’ll’ *We’ll be landing in thirty seconds, Master,* isn't this better? In just a few minutes later, they arrived -- minutes later, > minutes In just a few minutes they arrived It will be nice to have a chapter officially in “Final” form. Also, please remember the typos previously posted for prior chapters. Maybe implement them as you post those chapters to the free sites? I know it's not your focus now, but having those done will make things easier for you when you eventually get around to putting things together into eBook form.

Azwiz

Nit pickers need to get a life .

AzureReader

The Maliri need a fleet of ships that could transport the men off the trade stations. Didn’t just such a fleet of captured Brimorian ships drop the Abandoned off at their new planet in Maliri space? Putting those transport ships to use would allow Maliri military vessels to focus on the invasion.

bjcreek

Really good chapter. Thanks!

IanBio

A highly predictable pre-charge for a chapter. But this time I am content as the preview he gave us was a significant chunk of a chapter (3000 words), with real plot progress included. I did not feel short changed. Definitely progress. But really really try to get two full chapters out this month Tefler and get ahead of the curve.

Anthony Kester

Is it too early to start breaking F5 keys yet?

Jim lynch

Hey tefler how about a big cheer for our lionesses on Sunday night beating Germany now those are lioness I’d get behind ( wink wink).

Michael56Smith

.48: I don't wish to slow down Tef's TSM roll in the least, but I was wondering about the free chapters. They finally received a couple of chapters back in April, ... but the last one was #142, and that was only the third one this year, ... We (those of us on Patreon) are a now over a dozen past that now, ... I feel that another couple of free (SOL and Literotica) chapters would reawaken some dormant fans back to rabid followers, ... just sayin' ;-) TTFN

Michael56Smith

.49: ... BURP! ... Ahhh, that Jericho beer, it's made with fresh mountain waters, it sure is good stuff, (Rachel says it is not so good on your Liver though), ... amazing what you can get delivered on Amazon, with a good 28th century address, isn't it? ;-) TTFN

2ndAndrocentric

At my first reading of 154, I thought it was badly written, by a LONG stretch the worst chapter Tefler has written. Second reading, as the Canadians say, "meh", barely worth the read. Third reading, still the worst chapter Tefler has written, but worth the read. The preview of 155 is good. As I am certain no one cares why I think that, especially it being a long list, I will return to searching for the life I clearly do not have. Fortunately for y'all, the life I do not have has become productively busy of late.

Newnotsure

Ya I too found it long winded and wanting ,some times Tefler does to much back ground build up for way too many chapter lots of sub plots not finished. Still like the story line I just wish he can move it along some times like he did in the very start

Myrnalin

Its the calm before the storm. Relax you will get your TSM shot soon(TM)

Craig Robichaud

I feel like this is something John could have pawned off to his matriarchs so he can focus on the invasion.

Mike Saxion

F5… F5… F5…Pass the Scotch… F5… F5… F5… F5… F5…single malt 20 year… F5… F5… F5… F5… F5… F5…oh hell he’s late again. Why charge if the rest isn’t imminent.

Michael56Smith

.90: ... poor, poor Tef, he is not only responsible for the backlog in the replacement F5 key industry, ... and now for so many of his staggering fan base that are developing a drinking problem, ... hic, burp, wipe chin, ... here, pull my finger, ... ;-) TTFN

commatoes

[read in the voice of a Ken Burns Civil War letter] Dearest Sarah, We have depleted our supplies of single malt and the men have resorted to "polymalt". Morale shall further plummet if we are forced to breach the bottom shelf spirits, thoughtfully bottled in voluminous sizes with convenient carry handles, to numb the suffering of our aching and callused F5 fingers. Some of the men are staring uncomprehendingly at the worn stump of their digit and the F5 key that mocks them like an oasis to a man dying of thirst. But still, the button is pressed in some vain hope that the Great Tefler will once more shine and warm us with his benevolence and dispel the heretics that hold him as a creator indifferent to our suffering. Yea, like the drum and fife doth buoy the souls of dispirited men staring mutely into darkness, I have read the missives of my fellows and exhort them not to lose faith that the seemingly interminable night shall be slain by the eventual rosy fingered dawn. But that is mean comfort for ones among us anxiously waiting in the darkness of an uncertain future. But I can only hope that soon our DTs shall end with a new chapter as the elation at the preview has waned and now mocks us with its incompleteness. Eternally yours, Thomas

John Jackson

I can see John having “Friend or Foe’ Issues for the battle ahead, when his Enemies are flying around in big black ships and his allies are also flying around in big black ships.

Joseph Casson

I would like to see the new Invictus configuration when it is completed.

Craig Robichaud

Does anybody know the size of each of the matriarchs houses? Like logistically how large is the protectorate? Number of inhabited planets?

Michael56Smith

.103: I recall a reference to a couple hundred stars in Maliri space, ... no reference as to how many were inhabited, ... House Valaden was mentioned as having 16 worlds, with 4 inside the Epsilon Aquarii System, but Edraele might well have given two worlds back to soothe a troubled rival Matriarch when she was establishing her council of Matriarchs. Guessing that all 18 other Houses would have less worlds than the Number #1 House, I and estimating each of the other Houses to have more than 4 worlds, but less than 14 worlds, so average of 9 each, times 18 equals 162 worlds, plus Valaden's 14 to 16 worlds, ... with a fudge factor of plus or minus 10 worlds, so my GUESS would be about 166 to 182 major worlds in the Maliri Protectorate,... however, I might be guessing too high, since the Laranthyran Empire only has 87 inhabited worlds. And maybe / perhaps a few of the Protectorate's Houses at the lower end have only a couple of worlds each, ... And we know that many Maliri cities have been abandoned, ... I wonder if any entire worlds have been largely given up? This was a very long-winded I don't know, sorry. Although, Tef may let us in on some of the House / worlds count when Baen'thelas does his head of state visits, ... ;-) TTFN

raymond sisko

One thing I've wondered about is (correct me if I'm wrong) but wasn't Genthalis built by Malnerak? And if so wouldn't it have had the progenitor version of a Nova Lance? that Dana would have been able to copy?

AzureReader

Why is there so much F5 key pressing? It’s not August 30 yet.

Newnotsure

Ya no ,not till August 30 past tells us that not reading till it comes out in full nope not going to read this part chapter at all. NOPE ,NOPE

Darkanite

Today is the middle of the opening of the lions gate portal you should be manifesting F5 to make it happen.

Tom Ray

yup.... full chapter now.... please....

Mike Saxion

I believe there is a great deal of faith belong lost because the continued promises are not met.

Newnotsure

Ya I set the amount to once a month for now

Michael56Smith

.135 So, a creative author can come through for you, or really come through for you, ... and just you get to decide which? -- are you living in a dream world? ;-) TTFN

Jim lynch

Me thinks tefler will struggle now to get three chapters done this month. When I read it I was thinking fat chance of that seen as we’ve been getting just one per month for ages now.

MuddMaxx

Once the children are in pre-school, the delivery rate should increase.

SB

In fairness he’s posting the equivalent of half a book in terms of word count with each chapter

TF007

F5

Grimlakin

It'll be end of the month before we see another part of the next chapter. Not going to lie the chapters are definitly shorter and structured to be broken up. I suppose that is a better writing trick teller has picked up but I'm not sure I like it. I miss the sprawling 60k word chapters. ;)

TF007

Tomorrow, the 15th, is National F5 day 😁. Since it’s the halfway mark.

Sam

macro F5 for the win.

Jim lynch

What are the odds tefler holds true and we get 155,156, and 157 all in this month ? I wouldn’t bet my house on it would any of you ?.

Kensyi

I'm hoping, but I'm not gonna hold my breath

Michael56Smith

.183: Okay, is Tef going to post #155 close to the end of this month, with or about the same time as #156, and at least a partial of #157? Or will he drop #155 on us this week? maybe? possibly? fingers crossed, Jericho beer can in hand (hey these 28th century containers keep the contents extra chilled) I await the Grand Story Overlord, Tefler,... burp! ;-) TTFN

Newnotsure

Michael your ball is not working correctly

Michael56Smith

.188: the Grand Story Overlord, Tef, has been cranking out a couple of chapters each month for a while now, ... ;-) TTFN

RonM

Does anyone know any good stories to read while waiting for the next chapter to come out?

Axel L

+1 for Home For Horny Monsters. Santa Reaper for the win.

2ndAndrocentric

Or some low brow humor... Special Report with Jehanna Elani Avery opened an urgent file from his former employee Jehanna with anticipation and heard her very excited voice: “Welcome, I am Jehanna Elani, formerly employed by TFNN, reporting from Eshenestria, the capital planet of the Maliri’s 17th royal house. With me is Matriarch Faranise Eshenestria, ruler of numerous systems in Maliri space. This is a special broadcast from MNN, the Maliri News Network, of which I am now chief editor. We are providing this exclusive first ever in depth interview with a Maliri ruler to TFNN under special license; to further friendly relations between the Terran Federation and the Maliri Protectorate.” With that Jehanna turned to her left and the camera panned out moving towards a woman clad in ornate armor. “This report is going out through TFNN, please tell us about yourself and your people. Billions of Terrans will hang on your every word.” Faranise nearly jumped out of her seat and in a worried loud voice said raising her hands palms forward in the natural sign of being unarmed and unthreatening: “Oh no, we have no intention of hanging any Terran! We’re allies now and only wish to help any Terran well hung!” Laughing and shaking her head, Jehanna corrected, “No Matriarch, it is a figure of speech meaning that many Terrans will be very interested in anything you may tell them. I did not mean to imply the Maliri were out to kill Terrans!” “Oh goodness me, thank you for clarifying that.” Faranise said as she took a moment to exhale, and continued in a calmer tone. “Irillith and Tashana, you know them, the twin daughters of Queen Edraele Valaden who leads the First House? I believe you, Jehanna, are well aquainted with them?” That last part was asked in a very suggestive tone. For once Jehanna was very glad to have a dark skin, as with the make up it would help hide her blush. “Yes, I have heard of them.” “Yes well, I think you have not just heard about them, but have heard them on many occasions, if my sources are right?” Deciding that Faranise was too bright to beat, Jehanna decided to join her in the subtext banter. “Yes, I am well acquainted with them. They are both Lionesses and I have interviewed them while working for TFNN. I would say we’re close friends by now.” “Very close…” “As close as all that armour allows I suppose.” Throwing her head back, Faranise laughed. “Well, I don’t want to accuse you of getting under their skin, now do I?” “With respect your Grace, the viewers are more interested in you and the Maliri than in my rather boring life. Please tell us why you are speaking about the two Maliri Lionesses?” “Irillith and Tashana introduced me to a series of Terran Holomovies that they are fans of so that I could get acquainted with Terran culture and language. Nothing about hanging on words ever came up; so I apologize for misunderstanding you.” In fact, Faranise had not misunderstood anything, a fact Jehanna was well aware of. Fasranise was the most intelligent of the Matriarchs and to survive as a youngest daughter had plaid dumb most of her life. She could hardly believe that John was found her intelligence appealing, rather than a challenge. Now she could put those skills playing ditzy to entertain rather than hide. If for no other reason than to take John’s mid off all the burdens he walked around with. If Alyssa used sex to distract John, maybe she could distract him by making him laugh. Faranise continued, “I found the Alien Menace holomovies quite fascinating also. They explain that we Maliri hide because we’re hideously deformed, and hunt humans to eat. I found it surprising how accurate some of their ideas are.” With a grin on her face, curious to see where Faranise would lead this rather sharp turn that would definitely be a rating’s bombshell, Jehanna rolled her right hand and said “Please do go on. In what way is the Alien Menace series accurate about Maliri?” In a short pause, the camera focused in on the Maliri Matriarch. “We eat men.” “WHAT?” several voices, one distinctly male yelled off camera. “Women too, but what we find most delicious is man meat.” The camera panning back out so that Jehanna also came into view. “Your Highness, I believe we have another cultural misunderstanding. Just as I never meant to imply that you were going to hang billions of Terrans; I think you mean something else by eating men. To further peaceful relations between our peoples, would you please explain what you mean by eating men?” “Yes, perhaps I spoke too generally. I will speak for myself and all 19 Matriarchs that together rule the Maliri. We Matriarchs are only interested in eating one man now. All other males are quite safe from us now, since we made an alliance with the Terran Federation.” Suppressing a laugh, Jehanna decided to let Faranise continue. After all, this was not live and the entire interview could be scrapped if John did not approve. John was seated just to her right holding his ribcage, shaking, turning deep red holding his breath trying not to laugh. “Yes, you see, it was actually Irillith that actually got the first taste. Not long after Queen Edraele got some and basically dropped dead. When she came to, she forged a treaty with the best tasting man ever. In exchange for regularly being able to eat him; the Maliri would place themselves under his leadership. This is why after over 9,000 years the Maliri Regency became the Maliri Protectorate and we began to venture outside our borders to help various neighbors such as Terrans, Trankarrans and Ashana. This one man has forged an alliance with his flesh, because he is sooooooooo delicious! Oh, and he’s an excellent cook as well.” At this noises were heard as John activated psychic alacrity and bolted from the room, unable to keep himself together. There was also a thud and muffled melodic laughter from Alyssa, who was well off camera. *John!* yelled Alyssa telepathically, *Get back here and carry me out! I can’t even get up off the floor!* There was only laughter through from John though the link. In her most professional tone, ignoring the chaos just off camera, Jehanna continued, “Your Highness, all this sounds rather improbable. That the most powerful people in this part of the galaxy would turn over leadership and break millennia of isolation just to eat one man is difficult to believe. What happens when he’s dead from being eaten to pieces? Are you telling us that the Maliri are in fact a man eating Alien Menace about to literally gobble up humanity?” “He regenerates.” “Excuse me?” “His flesh regenerates after being eaten or cut off. He can even regrow an entire limb and even vital organs in less than a minute. However, his most delicious part takes 4 hours, so we have him on a schedule between us.” “Even so, what happens when he dies? Will the Maliri start eating Terran men then?” “He’s immortal.” “Who is this man?” “We call him Baen’thelas, the righter of wrongs, though some call him “the straightener” behind his back, especially the lesbians.” John had managed to control himself and had come back. On hearing this, he bolted again to laugh outside as Alyssa trying to breathe on the floor shot daggers at being abandoned again. John managed to tell her *You’re getting what you deserve, you little minx.” Jehanna’s professionalism was being tested to the limit, but she persevered being the “straight woman” while Faranise was thoroughly enjoying herself. “Your highness, I am not going to question your word. Would you care to tell us if this Terran man is known to our audience.” “Well, he’s half Terran. He is Admiral John Blake, the Lion of the Federation, the Champion of Ashana, the Saviour of Kinta, and the Great Protector-god of the Trankarrans and Kyth’vindathys, the vengeance of the Kyth’faren reborn.” “I apologize for correcting your Grace. He is no longer Kyth’vindathys. He has now become Kyth’farathys, the Kyth’faren reborn, but not from a lust for vengeance.” “Oh, thank you for the update. Is he still delicious?” “Last time I checked, yes.” “Good, so we Maliri won’t have to be the Alien Menace that hunts down human men. Because honestly , after one taste of the Lion all the others aren’t worth sucking. Oh, did I say that right? I meant, all the other men suck. Although none suck as well as John, of course. Goodness, all these Terran figures of speech have my little head all confused now. ” At this point John walked back in the studio, to a playful punch in the shoulder from Alyssa, both having composed themselves. With the camera panning back to show John sitting down in the chair to the right of Jehanna she said, “and here he is, the man of the hour!” “Or hours…” saying Alyssa as she regally walked behind John, mussing his hair, bending to give first Jehanna and then wave at Faranise in her armor “…Faranise my dear, I am so glad you won the right to do the first public interview with John. You really are entertaining.” John spoke up, “Yes this has been a lot of fun, but you don’t actually want to put this on TFNN do you Jehanna? I mean, really, how far will you go for ratings?” “Well John, I no longer work for TFNN so I am not concerned about their ratings.” With the camera pulling tight on her face, Jehanna added “Hi Avery! As you can see you do not need to worry about me. I am having the time of my life. So, how far will YOU go for ratings?” With that the picture froze at a very amused Jehanna. Stunned Avery sat, no thoughts at all.

TF007

F5…F5…F5…F5…F5…F5

TF007

F5…F5…F5…F5…F5…F5

Michael56Smith

.205: all hale 2ndAndrocentic, for his triple whammy repeat chapters(?)gave us some much longed for TSM story, filling a deep-seated need. Very enjoyable 2ndA, ... ;-) TTFN

Michael56Smith

.208: Also, a favorite free author of mine and a few thousand others is BurntRedstone, available in Literotica,... all his stories are good, and well written. I have a few series that I am fond of, ... the Ben Shephard series is his best-known work that he is getting close to concluding, ... next would be the excellent Jack Danner series (Sci-fi setting), ... then comes his venture into the realm of magic and fantasy characters, with Henry Gable in the Satyr series, ... and finally a lovely older three-part story following Ed Walters, begins with "the One Who Understands", ... also, there are quite a few others that overlap his 'main' stories, plus dozens of lovely stand-alone tales as well. Read and fall in love with this Author too. ;-) TTFN

TF007

I need something to read on the beach……F5…F5…F5…F5…F5…F5🏖☀️

Michael56Smith

.214: ... like a beach party on the Invictus's deck 3? Mohatos, and Jericho beer? Beauties in bikinis, ... you don't need anything to read, ... ;-) TTFN

Michael56Smith

.216: Two of the most advanced Maliri (Valaren) Fleets did not make it back in time to make the vital requestion trip into Laranthyran Space, ... Edraele has sent them on alternate missions, to where? And are they assigned to totally different, or are they on overlapping missions? Maybe towards the Trading Stations, or to possibly some other vulnerable areas near the Maliri boarders? Or might at least one fleet travel into the misty purples of the Loralar Nebula, to help man the Kythsharan defenses? Tef might be about to tell us in the next chapters we will get this month, but ... any thoughts? ;-) TTFN

Ralf

If tefler drops everything talked about last post, ill up my membership to $20 :)

TF007

I plan to UP my F5 posts……F5…F5…F5…F5…F5…F5

AzureReader

Only 11 more days until I can hit the F5 key and actually see something!

Bill

I'm new here. What does F5 do??

TF007

Yaaay it’s the 20th…..can’t wait for new chapter 😁

2ndAndrocentric

Alrighty then, having on many occasions posted unauthorised stories, I am now going to insult another author on Literotica by posting a cross over event. What do you get when you Semi-hypnotise50 times a teacher of English as a foreign language? An unauthorized cross over side dish. Were Wolves and Felines to Meet Kane standing under starlight, looking at Shai, longing for Aslin, opens the bond. She responds, wanting him. The bond is empathic, rare among the Luteri, a gift of the moon goddess Shai all 5 clans worship. No exact words would travel through it, but so much needed no words. The bond was available to only those men who are chosen by Shai to lead their clan, but only a few dared take it. It is a dangerous gift, the bond, at times killing the beloved of the gifted. Kane was accepted Shai’s gift of the bond to rescue Aslin when she was still his sworn enemy. He had dishonored himself for At the time she bore the Alverian name Emma and did not know her heritage. Kane placing love and justice above personal honor and loyalty to his clan; Shai had blessed his choice. Through Emma/Aslin, ended the blood feud between Kane’s Tavishi and Aslin’s Corsaire clans. The bond being strong between them, forged and tested again and again in adversity. The bond almost lost in a moment of Kane’s hatred for Corsaire. Kane still called Aslin “Corsaire”, saying it with fake disdain, teasing her as always. Frustration over the bond, Aslin searching for him, while he teased and laughed through it. This was good practice thought Kane. They had just barely started their third life together, being both a little over 200 years old. Peace and prosperity had reigned in their land for most of that time. It was an opportunity to practice both knowing where they were by using the bond. Besides, there were always games to play between them. Kane stayed still but oriented himself via the bond towards where Aslin was walking to him. It was like triangulation, with her taking steps in the wrong direction at times, but feeling the bond’s strength for correction. There were times when she would do the same, staying still while he found her. It would not do for both to walk at the same time. It was a game, but with a purpose. Should danger arise, he would be able to go to her and/or her to him. He was her protector, she was his oath, his Dutul, his bond. Aslin could renounce Kane anytime she chose, it was her right as a woman. Kane was bound to her as his oath, to be given only to one woman and could never be renounced by him. Even if somehow Kane would try to renounce his oath, the Other he was could not. That solitary primal beast that knew nothing of honor, clan, words or civilization mated for life. It was as much Kane as Kane was Kane and could not be ignored. It could not forsake Aslin. It was bound to her. Kane’s heightened senses heard and smelled Aslin well before she saw him. Reflexively in his longing for her, Kane’s eyes began to shift, the Other longing to see her through their shared eyes. Kane closed his eyes and held back the Other, soothing him to sleep again. He might wake him if Aslin wanted a more, primal, encounter. For now though the stars were bright and he felt calm. Finding him, Aslin closed the bond so she could better pretend to be angry with Kane. Aslin began the game: “It’s cold. Why would you bring me all the way out here for?” “Because you’re lovely when you’re angry Corsaire. I was cold and the fire in your eyes warms the night.” “And you’re small and wrinkled when you’re cold Kane.” Aslin was referring to the first time Kane had gone to the Corsaire keep, risking his life and more importantly his honor to bring Aslin back to her people. Aslin had returned the favor by locking him out of their room while he was naked on a frigid morning. Kane was then found outside her door shivering by Kane’s most hated enemy, Ruthe, while Aslin laughed from under the warm covers inside at him. The episode was still a matter of song and ribald among the clans nearly 200 years later. Even now that Ruthe and Kane were the Lords of their respective clans, there was no stopping it. It was good natured. Of the 5 clan Lords, none had nearly as much respect as Kane. None had known in living memory of a bond as strong, or a pair more courageous than Kane and Aslin. None with the love of strangers that both had either. For these reasons, there was no harm in making fun of Kane. They were both together living legends. Kane smiled and was about to return banter when he noticed Aslin looking askance at the night sky. Looking where she did, he saw that one of the stars was moving. Kane had seen meteorites before, their people colling them Shai’s dustings. They would recover them as the finest steel could be made from them. However this one was not moving like any other he had seen. It seemed, controlled, somehow, and it was clearly headed in their direction. “Aslin, perhaps we ought to move from here. I have never known of Shai’s dust to hurt anyone, but they do impact the ground with tremendous force. This one seems to be headed this way.” They both walked back towards the Tavishi keep. Aslin glanced backwards and tugged on Kane to turn around. This dusting seemed to still be heading towards them, growing much larger, but also slowing down. Kane began hearing a sound he had never heard before, like a waterfall but different. “Aslin, keep walking. I must see to this. Tell others to come.” With this Kane began to change somewhat, stirring the Other in him to half awake. He needed to be ready. Aslin began running towards the keep, occasionally glancing back, touching the bond that Kane would not open now. They were not far from the clan and they would come in minutes. +++ Matriarch Faranise floated down towards the airlock with Neysa. This world they were going to was on the edge of her House and a survey vessel had reported large quantities of Onyxium in an inhabited Gaia class world. They had also reported people with a primitive technology, akin to Terra’s 17th century, with various cultures of approximate level. However, the survey vessel was also equipped with a psy scanner. The readings were, inconclusive. There were flashes of significant psychic activity at times, yet the general population displayed no psychic awareness. Covert observation on the ground failed to show any such activity or knowledge beyond legends. However, here where the Onyxium was most abundant, a land known as Luteri, no one was admitted without invitation. There were many rumors, the Luterians being described as especially fierce merciless savages who rarely ventured from their lands; and rarely admitted anyone to them. It was rather unusual that a Matriarch would come on such a “first contact” mission, having so many other duties. Onyxium was important, and rare, but currently the Protectorate had more than enough. Faranise though was intrigued by the reports, she believed there was something very important about this Luteri besides the Onyxium. With Edraele’s blessing she was very excitedly going to see for herself. John had been somewhat reluctant, but once Faranise had convinced Alyssa that the intermittent psychic readings could be something very important, John acquiesced. The people were remarkably similar to Terrans, very possibly their distant ancestors, though how would ancient Terrans make it this far away and have such a primitive culture was unexplained. However, given the sexual dimorphism and cultural level; there was a widespread rule that women were to be afforded protection and were not seen as threats. For this reason she felt safe. Even more so as Edraele and Baen’thelass had insisted she take Neysa with her. While Jade was of course more powerful, by this time Neysa could transform into a 80 ton fire breathing dragon that could also throw lighting from her claws and mouth. Because of her temperament, Neysa also made an ideal candidate to initiate first contact. Faranise also carried a personal hard shield and a side arm which would seem innocuous to these people, but could take down a destroyer. However, she was not there to threaten nor bully; such was contrary to the Protectorate’s laws and spirit. She was coming to bargain and pretending to be stupid was a well-practiced routine. Faranise and Neysa disembarked on the far side of a small forest, hopefully away from being seen, but the captain had warned her that the ship might have been spotted from far away by two people alone in a field. The captain apologized profusely, claiming the sensors somehow did not alert them until they were very close. Something the chief engineer could not yet determine had caused the sensors to report these two people as local wild life. One of them still read as a very large wolf like creature even though the visuals confirmed it to be a large well dressed man armed with a sword. There were also confused psychic signals coming from his direction. No matter, to anyone on the ground it would look like a meteor. It did mean a rather going through the forest and both of them were in long dresses. However, Faranise had a ride; Neysa would lead the way. Even though she had adopted the shape of a smallish woman at barely 5 feet, complete with round pupils, her senses were still that of a cat and so nocturnal vision, enhanced hearing, smells even vibrations through her feet were much better than Faranise’s. Plus should danger arise, Neysa could absorb damage that would cripple an advanced destroyer without risk. After some discussion, they were both blue skinned and sported pointed ears. There was a wide variety of skin tones and various races had been seen. Since they claimed the truth, to be from a far land, their obvious difference would lend credence to the story. +++ The Luteri warriors reached Kane within minutes. However by then that mysterious object from the sky had seemed to change course and fallen behind the rim of a forest. Without a word Kane mounted his war horse that had been brought. The horse would often initially resist and some time would be spent where Kane would curse at it, Luterian war horses being very spirited and stubborn. However, they were also well trained and very intelligent. All the horses sensed from the riders this was no time to be difficult. In a moment then they all set off following Kane who, trusting his senses, knew exactly were he was going. After a few minutes, Kane spoke. “Something landed just on the far side of that tree line. It might have just been one of Shai’s dustings, but I have never seen one act this way. I do not know what to make of it, but if nothing else we will have some fine swords made as it was rather large.” Some time later they had circled around the bend where the forest gave way and most of the men saw nothing. However, Kane could see subtly disturbed ground and an edge of flattened grass in a straight line about 20 feet long. There were several unusual fading smells. It was almost as if something, or someone, more likely more than one had disembarked as if from a ship that was no longer there. Being familiar only witrh ocean going vessels, it seemed the ship had only touched the ground at the edge of a gang plank. As if the ship rode on air instead of water, Kane mused. None of the other warriors had ever traveled outside Luteri, nor even seen an ocean going ship though they knew of them. Kane had always had wanderlust, very unusual in Luteri. Kane closed his eyes and thanked Shai for the gift of wanderlust. It had brought him to Aislin, it had made his clan prosper in trade, and now it was alerting him to visitors that were…unusual. He would have to be wary. “Well, I am not surprised!” lied Kritos, who could always be counted to hide his real thoughts. “I have chased two dustings myself and they never seem to land anywhere you think they have. Shall we disperse and look around or return in the morning Kane? If it is in the forest, we better return at daylight.” He was trying to keep Kane from embarrassment. Shifting in the saddle, his horse snorted and stomped sensing Kane’s suppressed irritation. “You’re wrong Kritos. Something was here just minutes ago.” Kritos was as aware that Kane as leader, had the blessing of Shai; senses far more acute like those of a beast, than that of even the best tracker. If Kane saw something, or smelled it maybe, there had to have been something there. All the men waited as Kane allowed time to see if anyone would question him. Kane asked “Kritos, where are the leaves?” “Yes, that’s right! I could tell something was off but not why.” Exclaimed Trester, their best tracker. “We’re on the edge of the forest and the ground before and beyond is littered with leaves. Here there are none, it is as if a strong wind has blown only here and look.” as he pointed to the line of crushed leaves. ”What made that line?” He dismounted but Kane held up his hand. “I saw that awhile back. Do not disturb it. Something here does not smell right. I want to get closer alone.” As Kane walked closer, he crouched on all fours like a beast sniffing the ground. The horses grew restless, and the men wisely let them retreat slowly backwards. They saw only Kane, but the horses could sense the Other in the wind. As the apex predator he was, Kane’s smell changed and now brought fear to even Luterian war horses, renowned for having no fear. Or rather, no fear of anything natural. After a few minutes, Kane straightened, seemed almost to grow a little smaller, and the horses calmed. No one would speak of this of course. Some silently gave thanks to Shai that they would live another day. While sometimes the men would joke about strange loud noises in the woods, even to Kane and Aislin; none had actually seen Kane exerting such control over the Other. No other Luterian Lord in living memory could do it. They knew Aislin was as much of the reason for it as Kane. Rarely, in the moonlight, in the coldest days of winter; Aslin had been seen from far to shed her clothes and shimmer with the light of Shai from within. At times the Other would come by her side and even howl at her, as if to Shai herself. They were indeed living legends, beloved of Shai. They all resisted the urge to kneel and bow to Kane. He was not pleased to be adored. He preferred camaraderie and banter. “They went towards the Keep, at least 2 women, maybe more, and perhaps an animal with them. We will say that we thought we saw something come from the sky but were fooled as to where it landed. This is all you will tell anyone that asks tonight. There will be time much later to speak more openly, but only when I say. We will greet them as if we know nothing and see what story they give. Now we’re going to ride back and wait. They probably have already heard us riding here, but unlikely to have heard us speaking as they are too far for me to hear them now. They must be halfway through the woods by now. They must be moving very quickly” With that they all mounted and rode back at a leisurely pace. When they arrived Kane told Aslin the entirety in private, and as far as anyone else was concerned, the next day they would search for the iron rock that had eluded them that night. The nightwatchman was not told anything, but somehow, he was more alert. Something was off, he was too old to be fooled. +++ Faranise was very excited as she cleared the last few trees riding on Neysa and could see the large organic looking dwellings in the distance. Even though it was getting late in the day, they had made short work of the forest as the Neysa Tiger had silently run through the forest. Soon they would be close enough to be seen so she patted Neysa who stopped, dismounting. She handed Neysa who now looked like a 5 foot nude Maliri woman her clothing back. In a few moments they set off again. They were both wearing rather plain dresses in a style similar to what most local cultures had trying to aim for something without clearly identifiable origins. Neysa could hear Faranise’s heart beating so loud it was like a drum. Otherwise, there were the many sounds which were not too dissimilar to a Gaia class wooded area. Sooner than they imagined they approached a gate, where an older man was looking down at them with feigned indifference. “Who goes there?” “My name is Faranise and this is Neysa. We know that uninvited visitors are not welcome here but the hour is very late and we have traveled far to speak with your leaders. We trust that your people are too generous to deny shelter to 2 young women this night.” She spoke the Luterian language, having so learned it from one of the Siblin traders, with almost a native accent. Siblin and Maliri were gifted polyglots. Lenarrans, being telepaths created as the perfect spies, even more so. “Now that is an unusual greeting from 2 beautiful women, in our language no less! I have not seen anyone looking so cold either, but neither shivers.” “Blue is our natural color kind sir. We are not cold.” “Please wait there, in my long service I have not seen this before. It will have to be discussed by others before I let you in.” With that he lit a small fire, serving as a signal of danger at the gate. Within minutes several riders galloped near, Kane at the lead. After a brief conversation, the gate opened and having dismounted Kane walked towards them. “My name is Kane, I lead the Tavishi whose land you are on. By what invitation are you here?” The wind was blowing from Kane’s back towards the women. Their long beautiful hair making ripples in the night. “None, my Lord.” Faranise stated as she deeply bowed. Neysa however was on edge, something not smelling right. The short hairs on her body rising. Were she in cat form she would have looked like a hissing cat, even her back arching a bit. Still, this was a diplomatic mission and they were in no danger from these primitives. Neysa then also bowed, and forced herself to be still and ignore her instincts for now. She fidgeted uncomfortably and Kane noticed. “Then tell me, what is it that you wish? We are not known as a tourist location.” Kane decided it would be better not to mention that anyone entering Tavishi lands would be noted long before arriving here. He was going to play along rather than interrogate. “We come from very far away, as you can see from our skin. We know very little of your land or customs. If it is offensive for us to be here, we will leave. However, perhaps we could stay the night? It might interest you to hear of a trading proposition we have for you. Nonetheless, these are your lands, and we are trespassers. We will do as you say.” “Well, you have me at a disadvantage. To refuse hospitality for 2 young women in the middle of the night would be dishonorable. I will permit you lodging and food tonight. I will hear your proposal. My people are not wont to travel; but I am unusual and have visited many lands. You are fortunate to have come here. Most of the other Lords are not as welcoming of strangers. Still, remember my people are not fond of strangers.” With that Kane motioned, everyone dismounted and turning they began to walk towards the meeting hall, Faranise and Neysa following at a distance behind. In a low voice, trusting the excellent hearing not only of all Maliri, but even more so of Faranise who had been augmented to the peak of performance by Baen’thelass, Neysa whispered in Maliri. “Something is very wrong here. There is a smell of an evil predator, an animal. I am forcing myself to be very calm, but my every instinct is telling me to either strike or run away.” Kane pretended not to hear the whispers. Having learned many languages, it was curious to him that this one was unlike any of the other he knew. He thought best to pretend not hearing. Most likely no one else would, the sounds being so low. Once they were at the hall, a silence came as everyone studied the strangers, and Kane forsook his usual habit of seating next to anyone almost at random. Rather he went and sat on the chair on a dais, overlooking the hall, making it clear he was in charge. Aslin however would have none of it. Having endured much as a stranger in a strange land, she was dead set on making the 2 strangers welcome. This, Kane saw as an asset. However, Kane was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Once he was out of the wind, the smell from the 2 strangers was coming to him. One of the scents which was very faded, animal like, was now more distinct and he remembered where he had smelled it before. It was as if someone had brought Mika here. That foul wretched small predator that Aslin had so loved 2 centuries ago in Alveria. He had done nothing to provoke the wicked beast, yet it snarled and hissed at him, clawing with every opportunity. It was called a cat. There were no cats in Luteri. Someone had just walked in with one of those malevolent tiny beasts and it seemed to be hiding somewhere near the strangers. With disgust he saw that, once again, Aslin seemed to be unawares of the true nature of such. “Never mind everyone else, they’re just nervous because we get no visitors. Please tell me all about your lands. Like Kane I have also done my share of traveling.” Aslin said though her friendliest smile. Faranise returning the smile spoke as Neysa tried not to stare at Kane. “As we said to Lord Kane, we are from very far away. I doubt you have ever heard of our people, the Maliri. We do much trading and leaned your language from the Siblin. We believe there is a black stone in your lands that we value for making implements. We have come in the hopes of trade, but also because we are a curious people and wish to know more about you.” “Well, we do trade. However, we’re not very open about our ways. Luteri is a very ancient land, and we mostly keep to ourselves. Please do not be offended if many of your questions go unanswered. Now, your friend there seems very nervous. What’s her name and how can I put her at ease. While coming here without an invitation is never a good idea, Kane has decided to afford you protection until you are asked, or decide on your own to leave. No one here will harm you, nor permit harm to come to either of you.” “My name is Neysa. I apologize for being unsettled. I will cause no problems.” Laughing, Aislin said “No one here is worried about you causing problems. Kane has admitted you, no one will question that, and if you offend some one the most you will receive is harsh words, if that.” Kane got up and approached them, putting a hand on Aislin’s shoulder. “My love, do you find our guests good company?” With that Aislin’s face went from a smile to a serene, neutral look, and began to shine with a soft light much like moonlight. Kane took his hand away and the hall descended into a deep silence as no one dared even breathe. “You are welcome here among my people. You come with clear hearts.” Turning to Neysa, Aislin, or whatever Aislin was at the moment continued. “Neysa, you sense my gift in Kane. It is not something Luteri speak to outsiders of and it would be best if you did not either. He will not harm you.” With that Aislin ceased to glow, blinked several times and shook her head a bit. “Oh my, Kane so flustered me I don’t remember what we were talking about!” Turning to Kane she said, “Shoo, go away, you’re disturbing Neysa.” Kane remembered similar words from Aislin when Mica, the small cat she so liked and hated him became an issue between them. He stood there and was certain. Neysa was in fact a cat, a hideous small beast that would hiss and claw at him no matter how gently he approached. That cat seemed to react to no one else like that but him. Clearly it was the Other inside him that disturbed cats. Faranise looked back and forth, not sure what to do. With a smile, Neysa began to shimmer and her dress fell into a pile from where a house cat emerged slowly. However, instead of hissing and clawing, the cat cocked it’s small head as if curious and extended a paw with claws sheathed. Wary Kane slowly approached and put one finger near the paw. Neysa began to stroke it. Moving closer she sniffed, looked up at Kane, and with a gentle meow liked his finger. She sat, raised both her front arms in an obvious gesture to be carried. Despite his previous experience with Mica the cat, Kane understood this was a creature much like him and no ordinary cat. This was a shape shifter, perhaps gifted by another god or goddess much as the leaders of Luteri were chosen by Shai herself in being able to transform into a massive wolf like creature. He gently, still worried, picked up Neysa the catgirl as every eye was transfixed on them. He began to stroke her fur, and Neysa to mewl contentedly. “Well now, I guess I can keep this kitty!” said Aislin as Faranise’s laughter broke the tension and everyone laughed.

TF007

F5

TF007

F5

MikeA

Yawn, 10 days to go.

Patrick Raimer

Stupid question: noticed SOL is on chapter 142, posted here September 10, 2021. I don’t remember there being such a discrepancy before.

JP

So he may or may not finish the chapter he owes us, and then he will precharge us again for the next chapter to "balance out the payments."

TF007

F5F5F5…..take a drink….F5F5F5….sight in my scope….F5F5F5….fire round on keyboard….oops….Anthony do you have an extra keyboard? I can’t find my F5 key plus half my keyboard 😁.

Alan A. Hobson

Personally, I don't read previews because I don't want to spoil the full chapters.

Newnotsure

Ya no thanks I will wait for the full chapter

Michael56Smith

.273: ... back when John was being pulled into the deep Astral, for his deadly nightmares, the big-bad there called him JohnBlake, like the Ashanath do. Larn'kelnar also called him John. So, where did Gahk'kalgor's nasty master get the Maliri name for John, Baen'thelas? If this was explained, I missed it, granted that Larn MIGHT have known of it, but he did not pay any of the girls/thralls, who may have addressed him that way, much attention, ... so, any thoughts? Or was it just the Author's (Tef) way to give our heroes a little more time? ;-) TTFN

Tom Ray

well 85 8w the 23 and no chapter... looks like another promise not kept. and I am tired of being charged before producing. I think it should be mentioned to the host.

Kensyi

I think what irks people is that Tef just keeps doing it, like you I pledge 2$, it isn't the money or even that he waits until the end of the month. Like this is usually when I start getting the need to start checking for an upload, what irks me though is that he says things like hey first week I should have this, then mid month another and end of month another. Stop promising or just follow through, cuz when you tell me hey next week, then in gonna look next week, and if it doesn't show up, I'm gonna be mad cuz I just wasted some of my time I could be doing other things, don't promise and not follow through. Just say see y'all at the end of next month and I will check back then and we can all be happy.

TF007

F5

Michael56Smith

.300: swallow Jericho beer, ...burp! ... wipe chin, ... focus, press the F5 key, ... belch-burp, sigh, ... wipe again, .... sip, ... start singing (off key), ... rinse and repeat, ... ;-) TTFN

thomas poulsen

Tefler Fan 007, maybe its because he is bored and need to troll something like a true moron?

TF007

F5

Who Me

It's a lot more fun to disagree on the TSM Discord!!!!

Cornbread

I have made an observation: There is no ebony character mention in this story. Please let me know if I am wrong,

20 ton

One of the guards on Olympus was black, Darius I believe. Remember Just Jenna

TF007

Oh where, oh where did my F5 key go? Oh where, oh where can it be?……….found it F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5

Steve

My outlook uses shift+F9 for folder refresh

TF007

So in the upcoming battles I hope Calara make some sort of statement right before she ambushes the first fleet like “For the Damocles!!!” and then she starts tearing them up.

TF007

Seems it only affected Rus.🤔

DemonHunterCole

Oh look, another broken promise. I’m seriously considering filing a complaint with Patreon because of how often this happens. I don’t mind paying him, but I do mind him taking money without doing the work. I don’t get my paycheck early at work. I get it 5 days after the pay period is over.

TF007

Tefler could catch up with 155 and then post 156 to be back on track.

Grey Manley

Occam's, though I don't get the use of it

Evan

I remember when we went months without hearing from Tefler - and no one paid at all during that period - and I’d rather hear from Tefler at least (okay, honestly, more than) once a month rather than go back to that, even if it’s consistently on the last day(s) of the month with a completion of the chapter we’ve already paid for and a placeholder for next month’s chapter. Yes, I’d like to hear from Tefler once a week or so, even if it’s just a couple of sentences such as: “Things are going slowly, but they’re going.” or “It’s been hot here. Hope everyone is doing well.” So long as I get what I’ve paid for, I’ll continue to try to support Tefler’s efforts and creativity.

Wozza

I remember a time when you could wait years for a new book, rarely read anything from the Author, and be happy when you saw a coming soon write-up or display in a book store, and happy when the new book came. I appreciate it whenever Tefler can post a new chapter and will wait patiently until he does!

2ndAndrocentric

And now a word from our sponsor. Alien Menace III on the “Creature Feature” show fades out. Close up on lips finishing lipstick. Pan out to headshot of a sultry blond with bedroom eyes and a wry smile. “All is fair in love and warrr…” descending from speech to purr, from Alyssa. Stiff military salute olive skinned Calara in her Lioness dress suit, holding a crop in her off hand. Then cracks the crop on her right palm. Close up to face, “Redundant! Love is war. To the winner goes to be spoilt.” As she sternly reprimands the audience; ghost of Patton pleased. An excited redhead wags a finger at the audience. “But you have to have the best gear.” Goes back to putting on mascara. 6 catgirls stop their swaying dance to look at the camera. “When you’re in the hunt for big game; be the Lioness, not the housecat.” They dip their tails into a large pot of powder and begin to apply powder to each other’s faces. A woman wearing a white coat with her back to the camera in an elaborate laboratory, in a familiar refined aristocratic voice: “I’m busy testing. Find someone else to talk to please.” A blur cartwheels onto an empty set; stops and points 2 ninjatos at the camera with a coldly fierce face. “I have the right gear.” She lets go of the swords, the camera pans to her face as she smiles coyly. “I got my man, and I am keeping him.” As she begins to accentuate her eyes with a thin brush. Back to Alyssa, “Lioness invented and approved war gear.” John in full dress Lion suit. “All profits go to the Lion Foundation for orphans, because everyone needs a fighting chance.” The boardroom of Clinique, the oldest and now most expensive brand of Terran makeup; crap with a 99.95% advertising budget of profits, panic.

Stephen Paynter

I support on Patreon a number of sites where the fee is a flat monthly rate, and one gets whatever the site provides - no promises made. IMHO Tefler should move to such a scheme, and it would diffuse some of this entitled moaning. We are paying for early access to chapters, which otherwise we would have to wait for on SOL ... which is back at chapter 143, if I remember correctly.

Newnotsure

No sorry my man the issue with most is the pre charging I don't care if the chapter shows up each month or not. I have to say don't make a change after a agreement has been made .I have never joined a patron where I needed to pay up front each month and knowing you may only get a chapter 3 times a year.

MikeA

Stephen, I suggest you look at Tefler’s membership criteria:- Terran Marine £1 per Chapter You'll get early access to each chapter, fresh off the keyboard! Patrons also get to see chapter previews -etc. This is what I signed up for. If it said something like pay x£ per month and If he feels like it, he might give you the next chapter or maybe It will be next month if you are lucky, then I would not have subscribed. So stop being painful and holier than thou… there is a implied contract here and people are rightfully voicing their displeasure in paying in advance. Last month Tefler did also set the expectation that he was dropping new chapters soon, that, for me, implied before month end, people are understandably disappointed that this has not happened. Tefler can set whatever rules he wants to, he should just make them visible to the subscribers and then people have a choice to accept them or leave, it is that simple.

Bp Hlpt

For everyone complaining about "pre-charging" you are only pre-charged once (for those of us who have been here awhile that was last year). After that one and only one time you have not paid a single penny more than if Tefler was not "pre-charging". Don't believe me? Do the math. Not a single penny more. So even if Tefler calls it a pre-charge, since it rolls over every month, and he only charges once per billable section, it all washes out. [I know there have been one or two exceptions and extra payments were billed last year with no content provided, but out of the many years that Tefler has been posting, if that was enough to make you leave you wouldn't be here.] New supporters have it even better, they are NEVER having to pay in advance for a chapter they haven't received, if you ignore what the payments are called. ie, if someone joins today, they can download the teaser from last month now. Tefler will probably post the balance tomorrow, along with a teaser for the next chapter, both of which can be immediately downloaded. Then on Sept 1st the new supporter will get a bill for one chapter. So one entire chapter plus a teaser has been downloaded, and a payment has been made for one chapter. Sounds like the new supporter got what they paid for. Yes, the payment is "officially" for the next chapter, but does it really matter what it's called? And that doesn't even count that the new supporter can download every chapter that Tefler has ever posted without ever paying a penny more. Not all Patreon authors are so generous. Many require additional payments for access to older material. Yes, we all wish that "tomorrow", "next week", and "as soon as I can" didn't all translate to "the last day of the month", but that has become the way that Tefler posts for almost a year now. We all have the option to quit and go somewhere else, but I'll stick around for a while -- the story is just too good.

Bp Hlpt

@Austin, actually, I don't support @MikeA and @Stephen's suggestion for Tefler to switch to a flat monthly payment plan. It would not solve the expectation "problem" we have when we hope and expect a chapter any day, but it always ends up being released on the last day of the month. AND, then Tefler has no incentive at all to produce more than one chapter a month. The old timers among us can fondly remember the days when he has posted as many as 3 chapters in one month. And Tefler has repeatedly stated that he works better under pressure and needs a deadline to do his best. To my knowledge, on a flat monthly plan there is NO requirement that the author produce ANYTHING in any given month. Your statement "Maybe he posts 2 chapters, maybe he only gets to one." should more accurately be restated as "Maybe he posts 3 chapters, maybe he doesn't post any." How much complaining and wining do you think there will be if Tefler goes 2 or 3 months in a row with no postings yet we get charged anyway? I think it's better to leave it the way things are.

Mike Saxion

I am so surprised that so many members try to excuse and justify poor management and poor response. Remember, Tefler on the first precharge said it was a one-time even and now he sees it as standard. Promises of chapters with none provided. I have no issue with Tefler’s issues if only he communicated so we can support him. Now it appears like he like to exists in silence

TF007

Mobile Patreon only shows two posts at a time unless you click “more comments”. These long posts make me have to scroll to much.

TF007

F5😁

Cassandra Wren

Hey Tefler, I am so looking forward to reading the next chapters. You have been steadily building to this crescendo of a moment and it really does look like it's going to be a big one, but I really hope that some of these other minor threads get tied up soon too? Excited, doesn't begin to describe the feeling I have for your work. Your stalwart dedication to your craft is very admirable, you have inspired me to try to put my own story down on paper too, thank you

John Gregory

Looking forward to Chapter 155 being wrapped up and chapters 156 and 157 being completed by the end of August... not too sure that's gonna happen somehow. I have no issues with delays as I know full well that life gets in the way, but it would be nice to be kept in the loop if it's not going to happen.

Puttanegra Ficondo

My only wish is that Tefler becomes half as good a time manager as he is a Sci-Fi erotic author. If only he stopped making promises and not maintaining them and if only he could set a more rigorous release calendar and sticking to it. I love the story and the world he built as much as I hate pressing F5 with increasing frequency as the end of the month approaches.

PLRus--Founding member of the TSM F5 club.

Tefler is a self-procalimed procrastinator. When someone suggested he not be so specific about a release date this time, I knew it would lead to him not getting anything published this month. He needs the stress of a release date, even if he doesn't meet it.

Malcolm Rickarby

It’s the last day of winter here in the merry old land of Aus and I can feel spring and a new chapter are just one sleep away.🌱🕊🌱🌏

TF4EVA

F5 testing testing....

TF4EVA

Here, spring is sprung, lambs are gambolling and the blooming daffodills are bootiful. Only thing missing......F5

AzureReader

Today is the day to press F5… maybe in about 14 hours. Sadly the people who started pressing F5 on the 1st are now staring at a little nub of worn plastic where the F5 key should be.

Michael56Smith

.446: ... burp! ... wipe chin, ... focus, ... find F5 key, ... press F5 key, ... belch, ... burp, ... sip, ... Ahhh! ... (what was I doing?), ... oh yeah, ... press F5 key, ... sip, burp! .... etc. ;-) TTFN

Sushant Bhartiya

अभी तक नहीं आया! 😭

Tygre137

Sigh, sadly another in a growing litany of dissatifying experiences with false promises and no information. Will be considering how I react to this one.

Walter Ross

Living month to month...get that payment at the end of every month...

Walter Ross

If the billing cycle was semi monthly we could we get 2?

Sceptre

Wishing, in an empty hand, full chapters come to call. Knowing, yet, it won't occur, till August's curtain fall. We start the cycle and repeat the pressing of a key, and if you know not which I mean, welcome aboard, newbie. For on this road we all look t'ward, month's drawing to a close, when Tefler's story comes alive, Progenitor's to depose. Devoured as a ration, we clamour for another, not just a snippet, but in full, yet naught else is the offer. We grumble, mumble, and complain, hope left in disarray, till then and we shall meet again, October's on the way!

TF4EVA

It's close to midday (press F5), and something evil's lurking in the dark (F5) Under the noonlight (F5), I see a sight that almost stops my heart I try to scream, but terror takes the sound before I make it I start to freeze (can't push F5) as horror looks me right between the eyes I'm paralysed..... there's no 155!!! Tefler's story must come alive.....push F5...

Mike Saxion

Did not mean toe delete my message. Thanks for correcting the time issue. I believed it was UK time.

Tefler

I'm just wrapping up the last two scenes. It'll probably take me a couple of hours, then I'll post an update as soon as it's finished.

TF4EVA

thanks for the update. Not just my and Kester's F5 thank you but I suspect millions of F5s across the world thank you. Now just ignore these words and finish those scenes....

Cignal

Thanks for the update Tefler.

Anthony Kester

Ok, it's been 40 minutes since Grand Writing Overlord Tefler has spoken. Back to abusing the F5 keys. F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5F5

Michael56Smith

.467: Teflers' deadlines are producing chapter(s), so another hour, plus another two hours to correct his overly optimistic time reference, ... that makes it between 7pm and 9 pm Pacific Coast time (where Patreon is located) when Tef drops a big load on us, ... pressing F5 for luck, ... ;-) TTFN

Bp Hlpt

Thanks for the update Tefler. Looking forward to the chapter.

Michael56Smith

.480: YES! exactly between 7pm and 9 pm, ... it was at 8 pm Pacific time, atta boy Tef, ole Grand Writing Overlord, sir, ... *salutes* ;-) TTFN

andrew finlayson

YES!!!!! YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!! Nothing else I can say about the ending of 155 really ;)

Timtom

Seriously? You give us a "preview" and then finish the chapter with a bunch of filler. Granted Faye was a good touch. Then to top it off you precharge for 2 chapters that you didn't complete yet. If you really thought you would get 156 done by next week then why not wait to charge for it when you actually release the full chapter. Regardless of how much you charge your patrons per chapter and no matter how much people say it's ok its still considered fraud.

Michael56Smith

.487: AND Tef needs to get on the ball, and post a few 'free site' chapters to catch up, ... being over a dozen chapter in arrears, with the last ones posted back in April, ... the freebie Fans are losing interest, ... or joining Petreon, if they can, ... PLEASE Tef, find the time for ONE or TWO CHAPTERS on Literotica and SOL each month for the next half a year or more, and be largely caught up, or at the very least to not fall further behind, ... ;-) TTFN

Michael56Smith

.489: I had a thought, that if Tef were to take one of his multiple side stories out of the main chapter of the month and post it (perhaps at less than 9K words) as his 2nd chapter each month, or every other month. This might allow him to produce better and still bring in the income his family has gotten used to. And this occasional short chapters could give him a little more wiggle room when advancing his tale, ... just NOT the Tom Walker side-story, at least not until it gets interesting, ... He could even go back to Valea Gate and catch up with Luce and Theo after her Governors conference, ... and check out deputy Anthony Pheonix and his girls getting their new place (Maybe have a barn-raising) His side story would not need to be told in the mainstream story, but the fans might enjoy it. ;-) TTFN