Shara�Lynn of Velor � An Otherworld Story

by Jeff Titan@gadgethome.net

Last Revision 11/26/01

Hello true believers! This is Jeff, (Titan). Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you�d zigged instead of zagged, went to the market that day instead of taking that fateful airplane trip, or married the blonde instead of the brunette? (OK, I�m getting into dicey territory, sorry folks.)

Well, I�ve thought about a few things, like what would have happened to Shara�Lynn Best if, in another world, another place, a few things went a bit differently for her. I�ve tempted fate by telling that story. Here is that story. For those of you who�ve read To Be A Scribe, this will have special meaning, for those who haven�t, you might want to, or just sit back and enjoy the ride�

Chapter 1 � Confirmation

Thursday morning. The alarm went off early, ringing through her ears, singing the song of the future for Shara'Lynn. She didn't move though. She just lay in bed for a bit more, while the sound rushed over her and penetrated her being. Affirming that this was not an ordinary day but the one in which she would experience the Rites of Passage. Her day.

She was sixteen today, but there would be no birthday party. No celebration could be as important as confirmation within the Great Hall of Protectors after so many years of training and work. Her skin tingled with excitement, and then her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for the chance to prove herself. The very thought of that sent a chill over her, for a nearly missed opportunity of day that had almost not come.

The phone calls lasted throughout the night, nearly causing her to lose the much sleep that she would so desperately need for this day. So much had to be done, everyone had to be prepared, as the events that had transpired left so many questions, and so many people still asking them today. Questions like why she hadn�t been originally selected as a candidate for the rites, and what had transpired since then. Questions she just couldn�t answer, at the risk of not being able to keep her appointment today.

She remembered the fateful letter, the one that ripped her dreams apart and shattered her world. The letter had borne the seal of the Institute of Scribes and told her to report for training on Daxxan. A Scribe, not a Protector! A long month of agonizing pain washed away all hope as she and her best friend Jo'narr struggled to find out what had gone wrong.

Three Weeks Earlier

Shara�Lynn and her friend were sitting in her room, she was clutching the letter from the Institute of Scribes in her hand rocking back and forth, wondering what in the world she was going to do. She still couldn�t believe this had happened, nothing could have prepared her for the disappointment she was feeling ath that moment.

"I can't believe this, Jo. I trained hard for this, there has to be a mistake."

"I'm sure there is, Shara, I signed up as your sponsor, and was given my instructions and all the important things I would need to know. And believe me, it's stuff I never imagined!"

"Well, what the hell do I do? I'm told there's no fixing this. I'm to be a Scribe and that's that."

"Not if I can help it. Listen. First, we have to go to the council and ask what to do. Then we have to call---"

"Forget it." Shara threw up her hands. "Dad tried that already. He called every name in the book. They hung up on him. Mom got the official word the other day. The files are sealed, no appeal. The selection board considers the assessment final, not to be reversed or reviewed."

"Bureaucratic nonsense! They made a mistake and are covering it up."

"Well yeah! But where does that leave me?"

Jo's face reflected an inner decision. He frowned and his lips hardened in resolution. "The only place left. The hall. Where you should have been anyway."

"What?! No way, the place is forbidden to anyone not undergoing the rites." In spite of her protest, a small kernel of hope formed. "We can't go there. The penalty..."

"Is a small price to pay," he finished her sentence. "You want this badly enough?"

"Yes, but---" Shara said, allowing the idea to ferment. The kernel was becoming larger, taking on a new shape.

"But what? You said the other day that you'd rather be dead than accept this shame. Didn't you?"

"Yes, but I was pissed off! Being a Scribe is better than being banished!"

"You won't be banished. When was the last time you heard of that happening?"

"The stories in the historical archives, the warnings all over the gates surrounding the hall - I just can't ignore them." Her tone belied her words. She wanted to ignore them but needed a better reason, more than just her tattered dreams, to risk the consequences.

"I've been there." He averted his eyes, ashamed of breaking the vow of secrecy but judging the debts of friendship far more important.

"What?! How?"

"I'm�not supposed to talk about it, ever. It was part of my training for the sponsorship. I was there to watch the sponsoring of last month's protector, Kar'yn. Your friend, remember her?"

"Yeah." Understanding lighted the violet blue eyes with an impressed wonderment. "You mean you saw it? You know what happens during the rites?"

"Yes. Most of it anyway - my role at least. It's not at all what you expect. Believe me."

"And you can't talk about it to anyone, right?" The nebulous mass, which had been a mere kernel of hope, hardened into determination. If Jo had a plan and was willing to risk his future for his part in it, how could she do less?

"Yes. Only�"

"What? You're making me nervous. Jo'narr� Feran'la, please, what is it?" Feran'la was a special name, used only between especially bonded friends. Not a boyfriend, something much more. Much deeper.

"Only, if we're gonna pull this off, I actually have to show you. I have to get you in. And there's only one way to do that."

Chapter 2 � Protector Power

Very early the next morning, outside the Hall of Protectors

Shara'Lynn stood in front of the two-kilometer high building with her hands in her pockets, staring up at the huge building with awe in her eyes and fear in her soul. The rare few of her friends that had been this close to the Hall had become Protectors, and disappeared forever from her life. Only a small percentage of Velorian femmes were fit for this duty but, as she walked to the door, she felt the ache again. The familiar pain reminded her that she had been denied that particular honor. She intended to rectify that, though it seemed impossible.

She looked at the door; it towered nearly a hundred feet straight up, and she knew it to be nearly three feet thick. It was immense, and made of polished stainless steel. Skietra, she thought, "it must weigh at least a hundred tons. How the hell was she supposed to open this door? No automatic opener and one handle, attached approximately four feet high from the ground, just high enough for a young Velorian girl to grasp.

Where was Jo'narr? He was supposed to meet her here. She'd asked herself all night, why was it necessary for him to be here to open this door? Was there some kind of genetic key that only he had? She pushed those questions to the back of her mind; surely they would be answered soon enough. Little did she realize how close her guesses were to the actual truth.

She turned her attention back to the door, noticing that there was a small worn stainless steel panel, the only other piece of steel in this part of the marble front. A closer look revealed the depressions of feet in the panel. Female feet, from their size. She suddenly got a cold chill down her back. The rites of passage, meant passage through this door! Oh, shit, something was wrong here. She couldn't possibly, there was no way. Not here, on Velor! Its solid gold core prevented squelched the strength of the Velorian physique. Dejected, and so sure she couldn't possibly do this, she turned away, and started to walk back the way she had come.

She had her head down, and ran right into Jo'narr, nearly knocking him over. "Oh, man. I'm sorry, Jo."

"Where are you going? We have work to do!" He grasped her shoulders and turned her back - back to that impossibly large door with its impossibly large demands.

"I appreciate everything, Jo, but it's impossible. That door requires super strength to open it. It's just not happening."

"What are you talking about? You're gonna open that door. Today. Now. Come on." He grabbed her arm and took her back to the door.

"Look, Jo, the thing weighs at least a hundred tons. It�s a solid steel door. Five stories high and a meter thick.� "More like two hundred."

"What! Oh, man, come on, let's go. Please."

"No, Shara'Lynn. You want to do this? You can. You have it in you to open that door."

"I can�t imagine how."

"But you do! Trust me for a moment. Think back to your physiology class. I know it's embarrassing, but remember how Velorian girls get strong. I mean really strong, even on the golden planet?"

"Um, wait a minute. You don't mean." The classes suddenly flooded her mind like a tsunami nearly knocking her senseless, and for the fist time, she notice how Jo'narr was looking at her. The best description of his expression she could think of was needful longing.

"Shara'Lynn, as your sponsor and Feran'la, I wish to honor you in the ways of our people. To make you strong, as strong as you need to open that door, and accept your birthright. Are you ready, Shara'Lynn?"

He looked so cute and solemn at that moment she nearly busted her gut. Her giggles embarrassed him; his blush burning through his naturally tanned skin. Seeing this and realizing, for the first time, that he took the duty as her sponsor seriously, she stopped laughing

Finding the words, a phrase she had heard but once, Shara replied, "I can open this door if you will honor me in the way a man must, my Feran'la!"

Jo'narr's embarrassment began to fade, as he realized she was warming to the concept. They had made love many times, sharing intimacies as friends on Velor often do, but this time it was vastly different. This time is would be very physical. She had to become vastly stronger than him. And he had to help her.

His voice trembled nervously but he continued, knowing this was the most important thing he'd ever have to do, " Allow me the honor of giving you the best that I have to offer you."

Jo'narr took his friend's hands in his, intertwining his fingers in hers, and looked directly in her eyes. Saying nothing, telegraphing volumes. She knew what she had to do. Physical exertion was always the first step. She began to push against him, with all her might, and he pushed back. At first, he was stronger, the many years working out very apparent as she struggled against him. She soon found that as they struggled, she grew stronger, nearly his match in a matter of minutes.

They struggled on, she getting stronger by the minute, as her body began reacting to the unique forces he was unleashing in her. Beginning in her arms, Shara began to feel funny tingles all over her body, as the muscles tensed, tightening with a burning sensation of greater purpose. As immutable as any law of physics, his increasing force met her equal and opposite resistance. The burning became something different, intensifying to a heat within her chest. The energy rippled outward, sending strength to the mostly dormant long muscle of her shoulders and back. The seams and fabric of her clothing strained, losing the battle to contain the ever growing, harder than steel, curves of the new body that was now awakening.

Jo'narr struggled to ignore his protesting muscles, knowing he couldn't stop. Soon the pain would cease, and they would both become vastly stronger then either had been before. She playfully pressed her advantage, pinning his arms behind his body, as she pushed with all her strength, allowing the warm rush of pleasure that was beginning to grow within her. She began feeling more aroused by the moment, as her breasts began to swell, her nipples standing nearly completely erect now, filling his eyes with desire.

He caught her eyes with his and said, "Shara'Lynn, you are awakened. Now, let me bring you the passion of your dreams."

Her mind, swimming with intense sensation already, wondered that there could be more. The feeling swirling through her being, touching her, moving her, reminding her of things she'd never done but always knew. She guided his hands, burning with their own heat, and pressed them against her, lifting her breasts into his palms, offering them to him as she had many times before. This time, however, he would take her far beyond her arousal to the perfection of physical desire, sharing power with her, generating in her what she so desperately needed.

He gently traced his fingers along her breasts, spiraling inward to their center. Her body prickled, his soft touches inspiring latent genetic reactions, sending signals disguised as intense pleasure to her entire being. He slid his hands downward, along her sides, his touch remaining as light as a feather, exploring the newly rounded curves of her hips, and gently squeezing her now firmer buttocks. She gasped softly, not moving as he continued his slow caress, to find the hem of her tattered clothing. Gripping it with the strength of a man of Velor, he tugged upward. The once loose folds clung to her expanded curves but, with the steely strength born of their recent struggle, he pulled even harder. The entire dress came off in one single movement, and he flung it away. The shredded wisp fluttered to the ground beside them, making no sound that could be heard over the muffled cries and sighs of his companion.

His heart was pounding; she could hear it too. The sound gave her another rush of pleasure, and her heart answered with a similar cadence. The pulsing tempo reminded her of an Earth movie she'd watched about an ancient ceremony, in which the natives beat drums and danced to some ingrained rhythm. Jo'narr gripped his Feran'la with all his strength, and kissed her, deeply, their tongues finding each other as he slid his hands across her body, touching everything, missing nothing.

His hands found her twin mounds now, standing erect, demanding attention and proclaiming a need for the strong embrace that would encourage their hidden genetic power. "Shara'Lynn, look at you. My best friend truly is the unbelievable woman I always knew you to be. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known. You have it in you to be the most powerful Protector that ever lived, ad this day we will unleash that power."

His caresses to her breasts, increasing pressure as they responded, escalated his own growing arousal and strengthened his resolve. The energies from the dimensional void were slowly being absorbed and converted. His lips brushed hers, and lingered before traveling on. While caressing the right with his index finger, Jo touched the other with his tongue. Shara's gasp reminded him she was sensitive to this, now more than ever. He took her nipple completely in his mouth and savored her energy, tasting and touching as if possessed, a man overcome with the wonder of a woman.

Sliding one hand down her side, touching every inch of her skin, he continued his gentle but firm assault on her breasts. Finding her flank, squeezing gently until he was rewarded with a gasp again. He traced inward, searching out the warmth of her inner thigh, his finger teasing close but always denying the very center of her desire. His kisses moved upward, nestling in the small place below her left ear, and exhaled slowly, allowing the warmth of his breath to wash across the tender nerves in that very special spot.

Goosebumps prickled the velvet smoothness of the skin on her breasts, pinprick evidence that his intentions had been fulfilled. The way she melted toward him, clinging to his body, and welcoming everything with joyful pleasure decided him. She was ready for the next step of her release, and his fingers gently moved inward and upward to find her nether lips, as his mouth found hers. A simultaneous dance occurred, his lips on hers with tongues intertwined, and his touch down below, discovering a music that the lovers alone could hear.

Shara resisted the urge to embrace her lover as she longed to do, knowing full well that her growing strength could crush him. But the demands of her approaching orgasm required something, some action or response. She let instinct direct her.

She inserted her hands beneath his, and felt him withdraw slightly as her infinitely stronger fingers generated sensations his efforts could only hint at. He massaged her thighs and muscles, and, at first, worried that his efforts made no impression. Her soft moans whenever he touched her reassured him his touch was not only welcomed, but also desired. She turned to face the door, working feverishly toward her climax, as he caressed her shoulders, her back, her arms and her derriere. He continued to labor, kneading the living steel of her muscles to radiating warmth, eclipsed only by the fire smoldering between her legs. Each orgasm infused her with power, her strength building with every release, marked by the shudder and yelp of this, now, very Super Girl.

Her last release was a intense one, triggering the crackle and spit sound of the force field generator, shielding them from the gold core of Velor.

Soon, the air crackled and swirls of blue, almost ethereal energy encircled her, ebbing inward, causing her body to climax again, this time in sync with the energies that flowed though and from her. The energy surge knocked Jo'narr backward, sending him two meters back, to land in the soft grass. Shara'Lynn absorbed all the energy, eventually centering on her breasts, causing an incandescent glow, as her body channeled the energy into orgone, and the orgone into the strength she would soon use against the towering door blocking her Passage.

Jo'narr stood up; shaking off the mesmeric spectacle of sparks and light playing over her skin. "Now, Shara'Lynn, Daughter of Velor! Open that door. Claim what is yours!"

He reached around her and lifted her unresisting hands to the huge round handle. A touch on her thigh, and she raised her leg and placed her foot on the depression in the metal plate.

Movement awakened her. She knew what to do next. She braced herself, and pulled.

The door didn't move. It held fast. Not enough, she figured, and pulled again, this time closing her eyes and flexing every muscle in her body down to her very toes, gritting her teeth, to find strength yet untapped. The door moved slowly under the pressure. The excitement of the slight success gave her additional strength. She felt the warm, strong hands of her friend massaging her back, arms, and shoulders. The warmth spread outward from her center to grip her very being with a surge of desire and power and she pulled again, this time the door swung open fast, knocking them both down in the process.

She got up first; taking Jo'narr by the shirt and lifting him with one hand, and set him down on his feet. Her visible elation at having accomplished this enormous feat sent shivers through him, the look on her face priceless beyond measure.

"Well, Shara, you ready? You go in first. I'll be right behind you." He would be supporting her all the way, she knew. Together they would face this, no matter where it took them. The triumph or the failure, he would share. Her Feran'la.

She smiled brightly at him, taking his hand in hers, and went inside. The translucent white marble glowed brilliantly as the sun lit the inside of the Hall with a beauty that had no description, utterly breathtaking. Surrounding them were dozens and dozens of statues of famous Protectors. Standing tall and life-like as they filled the huge lobby, some of them floated in mid-air five stories over their heads, their blond hair and red capes floating in the artificial breeze, that bright Supremis rune decorating their chests as a symbol of the indomitably feminine power that lay beneath it.

The sight gave Shara'Lynn a profound sense of pride, as she strode forward. Jo'narr's hand still in hers, they proceeded forward to their fate. Shara'Lynn soon began to find her control was faltering, and suddenly felt weightless. She was in flight; the only thing anchoring her was her tightly clinging friend. She squeezed his hand hard, making him wince, for while the Hall of Protectors had no gold core to weaken its inhabitants, she was vastly stronger than any man, Supremis or otherwise. He gently coaxed her down, allowing her to gain control again, as they continued forward through the main foyer.

The room beyond the foyer contained many more of the same floating statues of Protectors, some of the most beautiful and powerful women ever to be confirmed in this building. Suddenly one seemed more alive than the others as she turned her head up to look directly into her eyes! An older woman was seated behind the single desk in the room. She was dressed in a white gown that left her arms and legs bare. She looked to be about the most powerful looking woman they had ever seen. A glance at the soft lines of her face was a clear indication that she was probably many centuries old. She had to be one of the very rare Protectors who had returned to Velor after protecting her planet for centuries.

"Can I help you?" She said with a low and modulated Greek accent, as she stood slowly up to face Shara'Lynn, ignoring Jo'narr for the moment. Shining in the edge of the light that shone in from the door was the rune of the red and yellow 'S' that adorned her earrings, the symbols that confirmed any suspicion that she was a Protector.

"You're a Protector?" Shara'Lynn blurted out.

"This is the Hall of Protectors. Everyone who enters this building is." She said as she turned her gaze to Jo'narr now, "That is, until today," she added, raising her eyebrows. "How did you get in?"

Shara'Lynn began her pitch, and stood proudly to look proudly into her eyes. "I should be. Here I mean. I was born to be. I have to be. A Protector. I may as well die if I'm not."

"What is your story, young man?" the venerable one said to Jo'narr. "Are you dying to be a Protector, too?" The blue eyes sparkled, belying the severe tone.

"No. I was to be her sponsor. A violation of honor but I hoped to solve a more serious breach by bringing her here� To prove herself and to be seen by one of you."

"That certainly explains how she got in." The woman, aged but beautifully so, reached to take the crumpled letter from Shara'Lynn's hands as she spoke, the muscles of her body ripping with her every movement. She barely glanced at the letter before handing it back.

"It says you are to be a Scribe. Your Institute is on Daxxan, not here on Velor." She glanced toward the door behind them.

"But why? Why was I not selected?" Shara'Lynn asked, tears now beginning to well up in her eyes.

The woman sighed as she sat back down. "To be a Protector?" She shrugged. "That's simple. You obviously didn't fulfill all the requirements."

Shara'Lynn was nearly ready to cry now, "But I did meet them. I did everything right. I was born with P1 genes. I - went to P-schools all my life. I� I�" Her voice trailed off. "I opened the door."

"Physical strength and the genetics of birth are not the only requirements," the woman said flatly.

"But� But what else?" She asked, beginning to tremble. "I can do anything that anyone else in this hall can do!" she blurted out proudly.

"I'm beginning to think you can," the woman said smoothly as she smiled at her. "You came through the front door and you've definitely got a Protector's determination. That alone is impressive, as only someone with P1 genes could do that. Someone who could - and maybe should - become a Protector. Let me see your letter again."

She started to type something into the computer terminal in front of her.

"Shara'Lynn Best. Hmmm. Yes, it says you are physically fit enough. Bottom twenty-percentile on the Protector scale, but acceptable. You should have been selected based on that. I wonder�" Her voice drifted off as she pressed a few more keys. "Ah, here it is." She looked up at her as her finger pointed toward the screen. Her eyes were soft and blue now. "It says you failed on Sexual Orientation. All Protectors must be bi-sexual. You are not. It's one of our most strict rules, a rule that I established myself so long ago."

The words rang out like a death chime. It cut to her heart and she fell limp, all the muscle and power that teemed within her could do nothing to stop it. Her friend was the only one to keep her from hitting the ground. She spoke finally after getting her bearings. "But, but I thought Protectors always bonded together. That they loved each other. That only a Protector could, could, you know, really love another Protector. Physically. That we are sisters in all ways, including in love."

The woman's voice was soft as she stared into her eyes. "Shara'Lynn, that is true most of the time. But it has been found that women can become too strong when they love only each other. A Protector must open herself to the men of her world as well. She must share her power with them. In such a way, she stays human and connected to both genders. I'm sorry, but it's our oldest rule."

"But I have been with a man. I did. His name was Jan'El. We, ah, we were close, if you know what I mean. Last summer. He's a Messenger. He was my boyfriend." Her last claim was patently false, but at this point it didn't matter.

She pushed a few buttons on her computer. "But you confided to one of your teachers that you wanted nothing further to do with men, Shara'Lynn. That he raped you. That you loved only women. That your desires were purely femme."

She cried out. "But that was after Jan'El and I, you know, broke up. I was mad at him. I turned to my teacher for help. She, she told me that I didn't need men."

The woman sighed as she rose to her feet and walked around the desk to kneel beside her. "Your teacher put a record into the archives that classified you as exclusively femme, Shara'Lynn. That is why you were not selected. If that was a mistake, I am truly sorry. But it cannot be undone. Each year's Protectors are chosen only a single time. You could try again next year, but I'm afraid you will be too old. Your first Ples'tathy will undoubtedly come before then."

Jo'narr spoke finally, "With the deepest respect to you, Ma'am, if something is wrong, its wrong. All the way down the bureaucratic line. This woman clearly manipulated the system, which shows a possible flaw, which needs correction. Do you deny this?" His bold words scared both of them now, they were sure banishment was moments away.

"In deference to the circumstances I will pretend you never said those words. You risk severe punishment of the highest possible degree. You are not even to be in this room. You should be thankful that I have chosen to not make any record of this intrusion." Her words were clearly directed at Jo'narr. She turned now to Shara'Lynn, "I truly am sorry."

Shar'Lynn was a picture of despair, her face contorted with a pain that eclipsed the pleasures she felt that allowed her to move the door. She took her friend's hand in hers, and led him back out the way they had come.

"You realize this doesn't stop here, Shara." He finally said when he was sure they were far enough away from supersensitive hearing.

"Jo'narr, we're beaten. I'm sorry. The last court of appeal just sentenced me to a life as a Scribe. Please, let it go."

"No, I can't. There's one last place, one thing left to do. The Protector's not entering our trespass in the records gives us the last possible edge we need. I need."

"What is it?"

"Don't you worry about it. This is my problem now. You go about your business as your letter says. We have two weeks left, and if I can be successful we'll have our day. I promise you I will not stop until I m convinced there is no other way."

Chapter 3 - Revelation

Shara�Lynn hadn�t seen Jo�narr for nearly two weeks now. He�d been in and out of the school, checking records, he�d been to see the council, asking questions, causing a bit of trouble for himself. He never answered the phone, and barely said hello to her in the school halls. Always reading something in a file, or flipping through data cards on his personal PC, he�d gone over the edge. He spent little time doing anything else, save eating, and sleeping. She was scheduled to leave for Daxxan in just under a week, and she wondered if he�d come out of his funk long enough to spend an evening with her to say goodbye.

Jo�narr was terribly frustrated. He�d gathered everything he needed. All the information pointed to the truth, but he had no concrete proof. He needed it if he was going to have any hope of turning over the decision of the selection board. If that was even possible at this point. He�d tried to contact every Scribe on his list. Three were dead, along with their Protector�s planets, the other eight were just too far away to be of any use to his case. In a final attempt, a last minute desperate act, he sent communications to every planet in the system that has new Scribes or Protectors assigned within the last seven years.

Then it happened. The sharp knock on his door in the middle of the afternoon woke him from his nap. He�d not slept well since this all started, and he needed this sleep. He dragged himself to the door, and opened it, to find an envelope sealed with the red and yellow �S� rune of the Protector Corps! This was unusual, he figured to himself, as he tore the envelope open, wondering what the protector corps wanted with him?

�Jo�narr Ham�el, you are ordered to appear before the Velorian council for questioning regarding several attempts at covert communication with Scribes and/or Protectors serving off planet.� A chill ran down his spine as he read the word �covert�. He�d tried to keep the communications as simple and unassuming as possible, except for the last ones. He was very specific in his request and wondered if the council had merely traced the transmissions, or actually read the contents. It wasn�t supposed to appear secret. He was in for big trouble now. They�d surely ask what he was doing these past two weeks. He wasn�t ready, and they�d blow everything. There was no way he could turn down the council; it just wasn�t done.

He had two days to respond to the summons. This was going to have to be finished before then. He spread out the files and work he had collected for the past 11 days and sat, stunned. He couldn�t believe how this had gone unnoticed by anyone. He and Shara were probably the first to ever question a decision of the council. The evidence was staggering, but he knew they�d just say it was circumstantial. There was no way he could do this without help. With two days to go before he stood before his makers, that looked to be an impossible task.

Two Days Later

Shara�Lynn sat dejected, staring out her window, wondering what was going to become of her life. In just a few days, she would be on her way to Daxxan, and she hadn�t reconciled anything. Holding on to an idea that was but a pipe dream was no way to spend the last few days on her birth home. She had too many disappointments already, why did she have to add isolation from her friends and family to the list? Five days, and counting. It was time to act.

She felt wonderful for the first time in weeks. She dove into her closet like she still had the power of flight, and tore apart the contents, looking for just the right outfit, finally dressing in a pair of leather pants and colorful long-sleeve top that left her midriff bare. Too many nights had gone by with nothing but the four walls. She grabbed the phone, and her phone book. Tonight she was gonna party hard, and long, with all her friends.

Her first call was to Jo�narr. She had to try once more to snap him out of this. She was feeling really down without him to talk to these days. She wanted him to celebrate with her. If nothing else, they could enjoy the last few days together. Besides, Tamra�Lynn was going to be there, and they were an item. If anyone could get him out of his shell, it was her.

She dialed slowly, each tap of the pad thumping in her ears with her heartbeat, wondering what had brought them here. Why didn�t they leave it alone? The hall, the Protector, how he had made her feel, the things she had done, how he had made her so powerful. She was really going to miss him. They had been so close since forever, sharing everything, from mud pies to their first loves. Today she wasn�t even sure he wanted to speak to her again. The many years of their lives spent becoming so close washed over her thoughts as she hit the last number on the pad, as she realized that it might have all been over that very day.

His mother answered on the first ring. �Hello?� �Oh, hi, it�s Shara�Lynn, is Jo�narr there?� �Oh, hi dear, its so good to hear your voice. No, hon, he�s out. Grabbed a letter he received from the council and took off early this morning. Said it was urgent he go, and that he would be back tonight.� �The council, a letter? Did he say what it said?� �Not really, he mumbled something about communications off planet, then ran out.� �Tell him we�re all going out tonight. We�ll be at the Forbidden Rose, all of us, including my sis. She misses him.� �I�m sure that�ll get him over there. Hey, we�re all really sorry about the rites Shara, if anyone deserved confirmation it was definitely you. I hope you�re not too messed up over it.� �I was at first, really bad. Tonight is my night to come to terms with everything and break out of the funk. I want ALL my friends there with me.� �He�ll be there, even if I have to drag him there myself.� �Thanks, I love you guys, so much. I�ll really miss you most of all.� �Feelings mutual. Take care, and have a really good time tonight.� �I will, bye!� She hung up the phone, but didn�t let go of the receiver, wondering what the hell he was doing at the council chambers today? What did they want with him? A glimmer of hope stuck her, could he be on to something? There were two days until the rites, how could that be? Maybe he was being reprimanded for his actions, whatever they were. She had no idea what he was doing the past two weeks, maybe he challenged the high council itself! No way, it was probably nothing, he did say he�d be back later. She hoped so that he would.

Inner Chamber of the High Council of The Enlightenment

Jo�narr was fitted with a pair of gold bracelets, and then led into the inner chamber. The council hall was gold-inhibited, much like the Hall of Protectors, which explained a few things. After the initial rush of lightheadedness, his vision cleared and he stood erect, waiting for something to happen. The hall was dark, save for a small light above where he stood.

�Jo�narr Ham�el, please step forward and declare your status� The sound of the high commander rung throughout the building, as if he were surrounded by microphones. The voice came from directly in front of him, yet he couldn�t see any faces, as a shadow had been blocking his vision from seeing exactly who was speaking to him. He got the impression that there were many other people in the room, also that he couldn�t see. He had his practiced speech ready, but somehow at this moment all he could do was breathe.

�Please declare your status.� Was repeated. The sound of repetition reminding him of the reason why he�d been investigating in the first place. These people we no better than the computers they entrusted their records to.

�Jo�narr Ham�el, fourth year student in the Velorian genetic arts.� �Thank you. Jo�narr, do you know why you are here?� �You summoned me.� �Do you know why you are here?� �I have come to answer charges.� �Do you know what those charges are?� He was getting annoyed. No wonder nobody came in here unless they had no choice. �I am accused of inappropriate and covert communications with person/persons of planet.� �How do you answer these charges?� �Not guilty.� �The records show 30 communications sent in the last five days. The keycard signatures are yours.� �I am guilty of sending messages. I have communicated with no one. No one has answered.� �Why have you sent these messages? Surely you did not send them unless you expected to communicate with them?� �I am doing advanced research into a problem I have. One I can only solve with the information I receive from one of the Scribes on the targeted planets.� �You have sent thirty messages, to Scribes and Protectors on 15 worlds, all non-members of the Enlightenment. The breach of protocol is appalling. These worlds are seeded, but not contacted. You risk their very development, and thereby broken our most sacred directive. Not once, but 30 times.� �There are circumstances that warranted those messages. I would never willingly risk our people�s lives, or the lives of those on the protected worlds. I had no choice.� �Do you have anything more to say before we decide your punishment?� �What can I say?� �You can tell us what was so important that you risked 16 worlds, and your own life.� �I�m sorry, I can�t.� �Jo�narr, you claim to have a problem so large you seek help from outside our world, yet it�s not large enough to share with us.� �With all due respect, sir, members of the honorable council, the problem here, is you.� For the first time there were more than just two voices heard, as a whisper began from one end of the room to flow to the other, and then back. Soon the noise from the voices became very loud, and disorganized. Finally the High Commander rose, and spoke louder than the others �Silence please! We are in session!� Jo�narr knew he was in for it now. He�d just accused the council of something, not even knowing what it was.

�Jo�narr, you have interested me. Please tell us what you have to say. I see you brought paperwork and files with you. If there is something you suspect, we obviously want to get to the bottom of it.� �I believe, sir, you don�t even realize that you�ve been manipulated. We all have.� Voices trailed across the room again, hushed this time by the solitary hand of the High commander, raised above his head. �Present your case.� Jo�narr brought the files forward, to see that he had been speaking to a man that could have been his great grandfather�s great grandfather. He was old as the ages, yet was in physical condition that rivaled his own. He was in very good shape.

�These are student�s files. All students that have become Scribes in the past five years.� �Yes. I checked their files, and their computer records. They each were passed over for selection for confirmation for the same reasons.� �And that being?� �Sexual orientation. A note in their records indicated that they were exclusively femme in orientation.� �Are you saying they weren�t?� �Well, I can�t be sure. It was the teacher that inserted the note in their records that made me suspicious.� �Which ones?� �Not ones, one. Only one. The same one. Jan�eske Phel�leps. Her file is there, second from the bottom.� Pages were shuffled, then �Ah, yes, here it is. Jan�eske, creative writing, highest class. She turned out the best Scribes we ever had.� �The best, perhaps. Surely the most powerful.� �Your point?� �My point is, every one of those young girls were to be Protectors. At least top 5 in their classes, P1 class, to be denied by a single entry in their records. By that teacher.� �They being Protectors is your own supposition. The evidence is circumstantial at best.� �Yes, I agree. So I checked into her background as well. Check the contents of the last file.� More shuffling, then silence. For too long. Then finally �You claim here that she was abused by several men in her past. The record shows she is exclusively femme, and further, she has no records at all prior to five years ago. You also claim that each of the girls that had special notes entered in their files by this woman had confided in her for advice. Might I ask how you gained access to such files?� �You must not expect me to divulge information that has no direct bearing on this. That clouds the issue. The issue is, I believe that a serious wrong has been done to these young girls, and I wish it to be exposed.� �It may seem that way to you, but to a trained observer, information that has been �discovered� could just as easily been �fabricated�.� �Not in this case. The dates on record are clear, and as you see I have crossed referenced much of the data with events that could only have been recorded on the dates in question.� �The Enlightenment prides itself on truth, above all, however all truth cannot be assumed or read from files and records. It is because of this that we have to give everyone their chance to answer for the charges put forth against them. You here now, and Jan�eske as well. Please take a seat outside. We will call you back in when she arrives. She will hear the charges against her, as presented by you, and answer in her defense. That is our decision at this time.� Jo�narr couldn�t believe this. They actually wanted to call her in to face him! He partially wished Shara�Lynn was here, but he also didn�t want her to suffer the indignation of facing her teacher. He would keep her name out of this as long as he could. He decided for better or for worse, he�d do this alone, unless he had no other choice.

The wait wasn�t a long one. He saw the woman led in, her eyes glaring at him as she entered the hall. She was fitted with bracelets like his, and led to the inner chamber, and he was led in behind her. He suddenly had a terrible feeling of doom, something he couldn�t put his finger on, but the hair seemed to bristle on the back of his neck whenever she looked at him. Something just wasn�t right about her.

�May I ask why I am here?� She spoke up loudly, an angry tone to her voice.

�You have been summoned to answer charges.� �What charges are they?� �You have been charged, although not necessarily by this council, with manipulating the records of several young girls to prevent them from being considered by the selection board of Protectors.� �What? Are you kidding me?� �No, the charges are quite serious, as we are.� �Who charges me?� �The man you entered the hall with. The man standing beside you, Jo�narr Ham�el.� She looked at him again; this time there was fire in her eyes. A chill ran down Jo�narr�s spine. He suddenly felt like he was part of some terrible movie scene. Something about this woman was so familiar, yet he was at a loss to understand why.

�I assume he provided some kind of proof, or I wouldn�t be here right now!� �He has, the files are here. They are at your disposal.� She stepped forward, taking the entire pile from them, tossing them aside. �I�m sure they�re very interesting. You can give me the short version.� Jo�narr spoke up, pissed off at her arrogance �Can you tell us where you were prior to five years ago? There are no records you ever existed.� �I was on an extended sabbatical. I needed to get away and rest. When I returned, I inquired as to my records. I was told they were lost in a computer clerical error. There was nothing I could do.� �Over a dozen young girls who had trained hard for years to be considered as Protectors were given a special notation in their file that they were sexually predisposed to women exclusively. Notations entered by you! No other teacher ever made such a notation in any students file. This destroyed their chances of being considered as potential candidates for the rites. Do you deny this?� Jo�narr was getting agitated now, he was against the wall. Something he was sure she was supposed to be feeling.

�Of course not. They came to me for help. They had been hurt and needed advice. I convinced them they�d be safer dealing with women only. They agreed.� �Did you tell them it would affect their future so dramatically?� �It didn�t come up.� �You mean you deliberately withheld it from them. They probably didn�t know about the notation and recommendation in their file. By not telling them, you manipulated them.� �How dare you accuse me?! I did nothing wrong. They came for advice, I gave it, and they were better off for it. Protectors die all the time. A scribes life is an honorable one, and safer! And they don�t have to deal with men, ever!� �That isn�t your decision to make. I can�t believe you�re taking this so lightly. All those girls, disappointed, and dejected, because you didn�t think they needed men! I say how dare you! You know what I think? I think you satisfied your own personal hatreds and bigotry against men, and maybe even protectors, by manipulating the records of these girls. I can�t understand why. It makes no sense.� �It�s none of your business. The girls come to me, and they trust my council. You are way out of line here! You have such limited vision, and no compassion! What should I expect, you�re a man!� Jo�narr was so angry now he forgot himself, and blew his cover. �I am a man. A man who was supposed to sponsor a girl you destroyed! She was so broken up when she found out she was not selected due to her �sexual orientation�. She will never forgive you for what you did to her. She came to you angry, and scared, and you manipulated her just like you did all the others. She now has no choice but to accept being a scribe because you blotted her records.� �Ah, now the truth comes out. One girl regrets her decision, and you try to make a case for her by manufacturing a case of so-called girls who were led astray! This is rich. Can I go now? I have classes to prepare for!� Jo�narr cringed. He knew he�d blown it. What the hell was the matter with him? He just destroyed all his work in a single moment of anger.

The High Commander spoke again, an angry tint to his voice. �Jo�narr Ham�el, this is disappointing indeed. You have wasted the council�s time and still haven�t answered to the charges initially read against you here. I suggest you drop this immediately and accept our final judgment this day.� There was a long silence. Nobody said anything for what seemed like forever. Jo�narr finally spoke. �I have given my account based on true and objective investigation. Yes, initially I was driven by my friend�s despair, but as I looked deeper into the case, I found that I didn�t need the motivation. The case began to speak for itself. I do not retract anything, and I defer to your judgment in these matters.� �Jo�narr, we are sorry, but we cannot pursue this based on the limited information you have brought us. It is indeed with great sadness and disappointment that we---� �Chancellor, excuse the intrusion� came a voice from just to the left of the High Commander. �You had asked that we monitor those transmission keycodes, and there are several communications that have been detected in the past several minutes.� �Origin?� �Off-planet sir. Many locations, but definitely off-planet.� �Direct them to my private chamber, I will return shortly. Excuse me, but this is unavoidable. You two wait here.� They were left alone, and the teacher walked up to Jo�narr and whispered in his ear �You have signed your death warrant, young Velorian! Nobody does this to me, and lives. Ah, your eyes tell a story, you understand completely now, don�t you? Yes, I am your enemy. I will destroy you, then one at a time, make sure that more and more young girls miss the opportunity. The strongest ones, to be sure. The ones with the most potential. You know, as a precaution, each and every one of them must take my course, just in case they become scribes. That puts them all right in my path.� �You, you�re an Arion! How---� �Keep your voice down! Amazing what a bit of hair dye will do! Before you decide to do anything stupid, look down at my wrists. You see, I have no gold on, I have these substitute painted steel bracelets on, and everyone in here dies if you so much as break a sweat, you understand?� �Yes, I understand all too well, you infiltrating vampire. I�ll honor your demand for the time being.� �Good, you�ll be dead soon after, and there�s nothing that will stop me. After this, I�ll be a heroine, and you�ll be a memory.� �You�ll be exactly what you were before, a mere shadow of the proud and superior race you pretend to be.� �Why I�ll---� She was interrupted by the re-entry of the Supreme Commander. �Everyone please take their places, and listen carefully. I have received some very disturbing information that bears upon this case. Apparently, Mr. Ham�el has a legitimate claim, it seems. I have intercepted eleven communications from various Scribes located throughout the systems. They were very specific in their anger and disappointment concerning their not being selected for their rites originally. Not understanding what could have been the reasons, yet accepting it as good young women were brought up to do.� Jan�eske responded with anger �What does that have to do with me? I�ve done nothing wrong, I demand to be released!� �Not yet, Miss Di�ar, not yet. It has everything to do with you. Not only were these girls not selected because of their sexual orientation, due to an entry in their permanent records, an entry you placed, but at least three of the responses I received included accusations that you coerced them, and made them feel bad about themselves where it concerned male relationships. It would appear, Miss Di�ar, you attempted to manipulate them. And those you couldn�t, you sabotaged, and further, told them their futures were in no danger.� Jo�narr, forgetting the danger he had just recently learned they were all in, jumped for joy, with a loud �YESSS!� �Please, son, contain all outbursts until the proceedings here are finished. Miss Di�ar, you are hereby charged with manipulation of the system, and sabotage of the careers of at least 11 confirmed young Velorian girls, and their futures. How do you answer these charges?� �I answer, with this!� At that, the bright blue of her eyes flashed red, and two bright beams shot forward, striking the Chancellor squarely in the chest, knocking him back into the wall. Her beams swept across the boardroom knocking each and every council member unconscious, with the exception of the Chancellor, who seemed to be merely stunned. �And now, Mr. Investigator, your fate has been sealed. I may eventually lose, but I�ll have the pleasure of incinerating you before I go. Then I�ll finish off the council. It will be a long time before anyone knows what took place here, and by then your fabled society will have disintegrated beyond any reasonable repair. So, good-bye, Jo�narr Ham�el.� Everything happened in slow motion. The woman�s eyes began to glow brightly once again, and there was a brushing of electricity in the air, almost a breeze, yet warm, not cold, as a dull blur preceded the beams just short of their target. Shara�Lynn took the brunt of the attack, an attack that was intended to incinerate anyone normal it touched. Fortunately, she was anything but normal. She lit up bright red, and fell to the floor of the chamber, singing it as she landed, curling up in initial pain.

�You insolent girl! You will die, after watching the life of your friend go up in a puff of smoke! You are the cause of all this, you are going to be the example I set for all to fear. The Arion Empire will rule!� �I don�t think so, young lady.� The voice was not unlike a melody, the song of a dozen generations made perfect with age, and experience. The voice commanded power, and respect, like no other voice in the world. The voice of the oldest and wisest Protector to ever live, Aphro�dite! Protector Superior of the Hall of Protectors, once a Goddess herself, now completing the creation of Goddesses several dozen times a month.

�Who are you? You will die with the rest old woman!� Her voice was filled with venom as the beams again shot forward, this time aimed directly at the ancient protector, hitting her squarely in the center of her chest. All she received for her trouble was a bright glow, which faded quickly as her breasts absorbed and converted the energy immediately into pure focused power. After all, she was the most powerful protector to ever live, and she was pissed off!

The Arion woman ran forward to attack her enemy full on, to be stopped in her tracks by a pair of the most powerful arms in the universe, reaching out to grab her and hold her fast. The girl struggled without success as the much older and more powerful woman held her to her breast with the forces of the universe at her command. She closed her eyes, and focused all her unbelievable power to the center of her chest, her building arousal apparent by the faint glow coming from her chest, to spread outward, enveloping them both. The young Arion girl struggled once more, as the power grew, until they were all blinded for a moment by a brilliant flash that ended her life.

The Protector gently laid her lifeless body at her feet, as her body began to return to its natural coloring, and she to her most perfect and natural beauty. Everyone Stared in awe as she just stood there, luxuriating in the heat of her own arousal, as the glow completely subsided and receded into her body.

Shara�Lynn was the first to speak �Oh my God, that was the most amazing and beautiful thing I have ever seen!� She was sitting up now, the effects of the Arion�s heat vision worn off, and her body returned to the beautiful tanned color it always maintained.

Jo�narr walked slowly up to the ancient protector, lowered himself to one knee before her, and said �Thank you for your help. I know we didn�t get off on the right foot earlier on, but I am very glad you showed up when you did.� Then he turned to Shara�Lynn, �And you! What were you thinking taking that girl�s heat for me? Damn, my friend, I owe you my life.� �You can pay me back by sponsoring me in the Rites tomorrow.� She said beaming, looking at the chancellor, now recovered and fitfully making an entry into his computer�s log.

The chancellor just looked up from his terminal and spoke with perfect robotic monotone �I�m sorry young lady, but the selections have all been made for this year. I cannot change what is. A change that dramatic would surely raise a lot of questions. Our goal above all things is the protection of our society as it is. If word were to get out of this Arion woman�s infiltration, it would send a signal of fear out among all the people of our society, that we were no longer a safe, secure planet. You�ll be expected to sign paperwork to keep this to yourselves at the cost of your lives, and you will go about your business in the direction your lives were heading before all this transpired. I truly am sorry.� Jo�narr was fuming now �We just saved your collective Asses, and this is our repayment? You�re standing there alive because of our intervention! You have no right to deny her what is rightfully hers!� �I have every right and am exercising my right to protect us all. We are indebted to you, yet our society as a whole must remain intact, and there is no other way for that to happen.� �You haven�t learned anything here today, have you? It�s inflexible bureaucratic claptrap like that that got you into this in the first place.� �Young man, I�m not saying we�re perfect. There may be a few flaws in our procedures, and we intend to look over them all, but the rites are scheduled for tomorrow for all girls reaching their sixteenth birthday, and a day is not enough time to decide which of our procedures need adjustment. It�s too big a risk to take right now. I truly am sorry.� The protector stepped forward, and spoke now, her voice again like a melody on a summer breeze as she said her peace. �Chancellor, I believe we can make an exception in this case. Surely you can�t believe that this one girl will change our society as we know it.� �Aphro�dite we certainly recognize your supreme wisdom here, and appreciate your role in the protection of this hall, but the rules are specific, as they stand, most of which you yourself established so long ago. Are you saying that your wisdom may be flawed as well?� �Oh don�t pull that with me Chancellor, you are playing with fire. Yes I am aware of the rules and guidelines I established so long ago, rules designed not only to protect our society, but rules that were intended to prevent us from losing our humanity in our efforts to perfect our society. The very rule that was exploited here today, that of bisexual orientation was designed to prevent our young women from falling into the dangerous place of considering themselves goddesses by reminding them of their need for others, even those of the opposite sex. I�m sure we can come up with a reasonable explanation for the reversal of this girl�s selection, and I will make the time for her, in addition to the girls already scheduled for tomorrow�s rites.� �Madam Protector, I strongly---� �I will not take no for an answer, Chancellor.� She interrupted, �I believe you have some work to do, explaining all this to the public. These two young people have a long night of sleep ahead of them, for they have a special event to attend tomorrow.� With that, she turned, and took both Jo�narr and Shara�Lynn�s hands in hers and walked them out the door of the council hall, her graceful movements not lost on any council member staring as she left their sight.

Chapter 4.0 - Birthday

Shara�Lynn left her thoughts of that fateful three weeks with the bed she got out of today for the last time. In an hour they would come for her. To take her to her destiny. Sixteen felt so differently than she ever imagined. She was more than a year older today. She felt a century older in her mind, after the experiences of the past month, the roller coaster ride that marked her coming of age, before her coming of age!

She walked into the shower and turned the water on, full blast, as hot as she could. It felt so good. She had no time to shower the night before, as she didn�t get in until late, and spent the next several hours calling her friends, family members, and everyone she could think of to tell them the news. She had used the story the council had transmitted to her private netpad of the clerical error that made the mistake, and sent her the wrong letter. That there was no mistake with the selection board�s choice, just an error in the mailroom. It would have to do. The rest was up to those in power to clean up the rest of the mess they had created.

She stood still as the water rushed across her chest, and she held herself, massaging the fullness of her breasts. It had been a long time since she felt this good. Everything was finally going right in her life after so much pain. She had Jo�narr to thank for it all. His determination where she was willing to give up; giving her strength and hope, where there was none to be had. She had drawn on that strength when she went to the Protector for help after considering the letter his mother said he received from the council. She was sure there was something wrong, and stood at her chamber door for an hour, her resolve like steel, not giving up, until she was let in, then finally convincing her to go with her to the council chambers, their arrival just in time. She remembered the Protector telling her she had never seen such determination and will in any girl selected before her. She had secretly confided this in them as they left the chambers, that she was sure that the decision they made that day was the best decision they had made as long as she could remember.

That Shara�Lynn would become the most powerful and effective Protector since her day. Possibly even more powerful than her. This sent her flying on a cloud that lasted her the entire night, almost causing her to lose all chance at sleep. Sleep came eventually, and with it dreams of the many wonderful worlds she would see. Worlds she would Protect.

She allowed the warmth of the hot water to be absorbed by her body, converted into wonderful energy, making her tingle all over. When she was finally satisfied, she turned of the water, and wrapped herself in the full length towel she�d recently bought, and stepped out of the shower, to be greeted by the three glowing faces of her Mother, Father and Sister. They had gifts, and a cake, and were standing in her room, waiting for her. She beamed with excitement, forgetting she was nude under the towel, and she unconsciously let it drop to the floor. The quick color change of her father�s face gave it away.

�Oh, god, I�m sorry. I don�t believe this, what is this?� �Honey, we were planning this for weeks, to soften the blow of your letter from Daxxan. Right until yesterday, we had no idea that it was going to turn out this way. We still have a half hour before they come, we thought we�d do a quick celebration before we go.� �Oh, Daddy, thank you!� she ran to him and hugged him close, her frank nudity against his body making him blush again.

�Shall we celebrate?� Her sister said, �I want to spend one more half hour with my skinny big sister before she gets all bulky and Powered.�

Chapter 4.1 � A Velorian�s Rites

The doorbell rang. Shara�Lynn�s heart pounded. It was time.

�Shara, honey, you have to get undressed and wear this robe, it was brought here for you.� Her mother said after returning from the door, holding a long white robe, the red and yellow �S� rune adorning the back. She put the robe on and followed her parents downstairs and to the front door, where a young woman was waiting for them, to take them by airbus to the Hall of Protectors.

Her heart pounded harder now, nearly deafening in her ears as she boarded the bus, her parents and sister boarding after her, each taking their seats for the half hour ride to the hall. The ride seemed to last an eternity, the last time she visited the hall clear and vivid in her mind as building after building passed them by, the shining spires reflecting the new morning sunlight reminding her of the hall, and its brilliance.

Their arrival was met with the faces of all those she had expected to see, and many she didn�t. Her family, Jo�narr�s family, two young boys from school, two of her Sisters� closest friends. She was puzzled by some she saw there today, but said nothing, for this day would surely present her with many surprises, that she was sure of. Jo�narr was there, waiting at the door to the hall, as before, only this time, the door was open, and he was standing beside it, the gold nullified field making him look so strong, so regal, so manly. It was very strange to think of him that way.

Jo�narr spoke, �Shara�Lynn, come. I wish to present you to all those in attendance.� Shara walked slowly to him, a questioning look on her face. �Jo, the door, what about the door?� �You have already proven your ability to open this door. This is a special ceremony, one that has been modified just a bit for you, and you alone. All those present have been told what to expect, and have accepted all they have been told. Are you ready to accept your birthright, Shara�Lynn Best?� �I am.� She responded, as she walked up to him, and hugged him close. Suddenly she felt the familiar tingles of energy crackling around her, as the dimensional energies released by the force field began filling the air around her. She closed her eyes, waiting for the special feelings to envelop her bosom, as she felt the strong hands of her friend slowly remove the robe from her, sliding his hands under it, and caressing her chest upward, to her shoulders, slid the garment of to allow it to fall to the ground without a sound.

He then began his gentle caress, touching her in all the right places as the energy began to surge inward, filling her, as his hands now centered on her breasts, began massaging them to erection, filling him in return. Moments passed, his massages increased with strength, as he knew that every second she was becoming stronger, her breasts beginning to glow with their own light, that light now beginning to envelop her entire body, giving her a healthy glow not lost on the crowd, as their appreciative gasps could be heard. When it was over she was too big for his hands to contain, and he turned to all those present, and gave his learned speech.

"People of Velor, I give you one perfect daughter to enter service with the Federation. Shara�Lynn Best. She was but a girl yesterday; she will be a woman today. She will become a Protector. Do you accept her perfection and beauty? Do you accept her strength of body? Do you accept her entrance into this Hall of Protectors?"

A collective �We Do!� rang in her ears, making her entire body tingle with delight and pleasure, as she realized for the first time in forever that it was finally real. It was going to happen after all.

She stood proudly for all her family and friends to see, then turned and walked inside. The statues of the protectors of old were less intimidating this time around, yet no less impressive, as they all seemed to be watching her, seemingly giving their approval as she passed them one by one. Suddenly a series of loud gongs stopped her in her tracks, and a very powerful woman floated down from above to stand before her. The familiar face of Aphro�dite smiled at her, as she spoke with majestic command. The others surrounded them in a close-knit circle.

"I am Aphro�dite of the First Canton of the Protectors of Velor. I am here to guide you through the next step in your life, Shara�Lynn Best. Are you ready to join your sisters in the protection of Velor?"

"I am." She said proudly.

"Are you willing to give your life to that cause, to protect the weak, to preserve the ideals of Velor, to journey into the unknown with only your strength of body as your companion?"

"I am."

"Then know you now that you are not yet prepared. A final step must be taken. Are you ready for that step?"

She opened her mouth, in shock, not able to speak at first. She couldn�t imagine what it could be. She forced the response from her lips that she knew instinctively was the correct one.

"I am."

At those words, everyone opened the circle wider, as Jo�narr stepped in to stand beside the Protector, holding a long red cape, to attach it to her shoulders. Shara blushed as she suddenly realized he was very naked, and sporting the largest erection she thought she had ever seen.

"Then know that all who stand around you are prepared to lend their power to you. There is an act, Shara�Lynn, that is called Mutagensis. It is the granting a portion of one person�s power to another through the transformation of DNA. It can only be done once, and for a Protector, only when she enters Ples�tathy for the first time. I will give you that power when you are ready to receive it."

Plesta�thy. She�d heard of that. It was the ultimate in arousal for a Velorian femme, the most intense and powerful orgasm attainable, lasting sometimes for days. She suddenly realized, looking at her friend now, exactly what was expected of her. Of them. She thought back to several weeks ago, when they came here to open the door. She remembered the sexy way he made her feel, the look in his eyes when they touched, how ultimately powerful he was capable of making her. Here, with no gold to inhibit them, she knew this was going to be an unbelievable experience, one she�d be having for the first time in her life.

The Protector came over to her, and took her hand, and placed it on Jo�narr�s massive erection, and held her there. Instinctively, she gave him a squeeze with all her native strength, feeling him throb under the pressure, yet not yielding. Once the Protector removed her hand from Shara�s, the crowd around them applauded and stepped back further, giving the two lovers the room they would need for the next part of the ceremony.

Jo�narr responded with the most appreciative look he had ever given her, the sexy way his eyes tried to bury themselves into her soul spoke volumes, as he reached up to caress her breasts, making her entire body shudder with excitement, as she suddenly felt sexier than she�d ever felt in her life. She wanted him so badly now.

She needed no further instruction for what she was to do next. She took her hand from Jo�narr, and squeezed her thighs slightly to lift a meter off the floor, and placed her hands on his shoulders, steadying herself. She gave herself up to him as a woman does a man, lowering herself on him, taking him fully, and deeply, wrapping her arms around him now, holding her to him with all her strength. She wrapped her legs around his waist, as he thrust himself deeper inside her, and she took him in, lifting them both in the air, as their bodies became as one being, lifting higher, to float above everyone in the room, as they applauded and cheered them on.

He felt so wonderful, she was in heaven, the most important person in her entire world was making passionate love to her in front of everyone they both had known all their lives, and she didn�t care. His kisses found every part of her that mattered, his hands were so strong, so determined, making her feel so wonderful. He was such a man now, strong, sexy and powerful, as he took her over and over, giving her everything he had, his every release feeling like a cannon exploding inside her, giving her such pleasures as she had never known. And making her stronger each and every time.

For nearly three days straight, he loved her. He had saved himself for her for over a month, since the day he was called to the hall of protectors to train for the sponsorship role in the rites. He had known her since they were children, he had given her the best years of his life as her friend, her Feran�la, and now he was giving her the very best his Velorian genes could offer, the very best the unbound strength in a gold inhibited field afforded him. He gave and gave, until he finally gave out.

Chapter 4.2 � The Golden Goddess

After many days, the feast continued, each of the participants having shared the intimacies of Supremis lovers, here under the gold-weakened field in the hall of protectors. Jo�narr was the one enjoying himself the least, for while the girls of Velor were the most beautiful by far in the universe, his secret pain being the knowledge that he would soon lose the companionship of his lifelong friend, his Feran�la, or Bestfriend, to the lonely, yet glorious life of a Protector.

Being Shara�Lynn�s sponsor gave him a unique honor that was not lost on the attractive and sexy girls he shared classes with every day. Their attentions were enthusiastic to say the least, after seeing how long he lasted with Shara�Lynn, his initial intimacies lasting nearly three days, as he gave her the energies and powers she was right now having enhanced, before finally giving out to select his successor.

His successor De�lan barely lasted four hours, being a former lover of hers at one time, Jo�narr was sure he was intimidated by her, realizing he was a poor choice from the beginning. Za�Lar was a better choice; he followed De�Lan and thankfully relegated him to but a memory. Jo�narr had grown up with Shara, for years knowing she would eventually become the most powerful and beautiful of all Protectors ever, and he had dedicated his entire life as her friend to helping her train, spar and play hard. She was by far the fastest and best Scrumbles player he�d ever seen. She played as if the gold core of Velor barely affected her, with her powerful legs always looking more toned and shaped than the other girls.

He could remember the deep pain of loss he felt, when he came to just in time to see the Protector take Shara to her, joining in flight to her special chamber located on the balcony level several hundred feet above them. He knew this was the final step to her achieving the very power of her birthright, what she had trained and studied for her entire life. He also knew that it marked one of the last times he�d ever see her again. She would soon leave for her interview, then off to her protectorates, whoever they were, never to return to Velor.

As Tamra�Lynn, Shara�Lynn�s sister was passed along to him, he took her gently and embraced her with all the powers of a Supremis male. He loved Tamra, and would have asked her to marry him if not for the fact that she was in line to undergo the Rites in a couple of years. They surrendered to each other with enthusiasm born of the stars, as they both enjoyed each other fully, as they and all their friends and family awaited the fateful moment when the silver bell would sound, bringing a stop to all festivities as the new Protector would emerge from above.

Many hours later, the Hall of Protectors Feast Table

There was a loud gong, repeated many times as the bell rang out in the hall indicating the time had come. All activity stopped, and all eyes were fixed on the high balcony above that led from the Protector�s private chamber. Many minutes passed as Jo�narr gripped Tamra�s hand tightly, waiting, both of them secretly dreading this moment, yet at the same time both elated and proud of their Friend. The lights began to dim, as a hush fell across the crowd.

Shara�Lynn�s audience consisted of her Parents, her Sister, Tamra, her Feran�la, his family, all their friends from school, many of them young women who would someday be reading of the exploits of their friend, written and chronicled by the Scribe of her Protected world. The silence now rang deafening, as the silver bell was silent, and the door to the Protector�s chamber opened, a bright light emanating from the room, silhouetted by the figure of a woman, a very powerful woman, who floated out to the edge of the balcony under her own power, as a collective gasp rang out from the crowd below.

�I present to you all, friends and family, Velor�s newest Protector, Shara�Lynn Zor�El!�

Everyone applauded and took their place at the table, never removing their eyes from the sight that descended to them from above. Her body radiating starbright, her hair shimmering and glistening under the main hall�s lights, her eyes a bright Violet-Blue, her skin a golden honey color, she was the personification of beauty and power.

Jo�narr�s heart jumped in his chest, as a tear fell down his cheek. He was right, from the beginning. The most beautiful and stunningly powerful protector to ever exit the chamber was floating down toward him, slowly, to take her place at the head of the table. The images of hundreds of Protectors past and present littered the halls of this building, including that of the legendary Fairchild Zor�El, yet their beauty would be eclipsed by the woman descending at that moment.

He choked back the rest of his tears as she alighted to her position at the head of the table, with her Father to her right, next to her Mother, and he to her left. The wine was poured out for her, and she raised her glass, as they all waited for him to speak, her Feran�la and sponsor to be the first one to toast this new Protector.

A hush fell over the entire crowd. Jo�narr raised his glass, followed by everyone present, and gave his blessing, his love and his devotion to the Golden Goddess standing beside him.

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