Chereads / Once upon the Void / Chapter 14 - CHapter 14 | The First Step

Chapter 14 - CHapter 14 | The First Step

The entrance to the Admiral of the Right's room creaked softly as Rhox pushed it open, the sound barely disturbing the quiet ambiance. Stepping inside, her gaze was immediately drawn to the intellectual landscape before her: tables overflowing with neatly stacked books, data terminals displaying intricate details about individuals from various empires, and a colossal screen at the center projecting a vast array of information.

Amidst this sea of knowledge, Rhox's attention zeroed in on Gel, who was deeply engrossed in a conversation with an unseen interlocutor, seemingly oblivious to Rhox's entrance. Sensing an opportunity for some light-hearted mischief, Rhox decided to make her presence felt in a more unconventional manner.

Silently, Rhox approached Gel from behind, enveloping her in a tender embrace. Gel, startled by the unexpected contact, signaled to Rhox to maintain discretion while she navigated the ongoing phone call. Ignoring the warning, Rhox had other plans in mind.

With a playful glint in her eyes, Rhox began a sensual sequence, nibbling gently at Gel's neck while her other hand ventured southward towards Gel's abdomen. Gel's soft gasps were muffled by Rhox's hand, her attempts to maintain composure during the conversation adding to the playful tension. Rhox's mischievous allure deepened as she settled into Gel's lap, showering affectionate kisses upon her collarbone.

"What are you doing!?" Gel exclaimed in a hushed whisper, her voice barely audible over the phone, encapsulating a blend of surprise and intrigue.

Rhox, a teasing smile playing on her lips, whispered back, "Just making sure you don't forget about me," her breath warm against Gel's ear.

Gel struggled to keep her voice steady as she continued her conversation, "I... I understand. We'll... we'll discuss this further in our next meeting." Her words were punctuated by involuntary shivers as Rhox's kisses and touches continued their sensual assault.

As Gel finally managed to end the call, she turned to Rhox, a mix of exasperation and affection in her eyes. "You really are impossible, you know that?"

Rhox grinned, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief. "I just wanted to remind you who you belong to," she replied, her tone both possessive and affectionate.

Gel, unable to stay mad, chuckled softly. "You have a very unique way of reminding me," she said, her voice filled with warmth.

Rhox, satisfied with her successful distraction, leaned in for a deeper kiss, her lips meeting Gel's in a tender yet passionate embrace. The tension melted away, leaving only the warmth of their shared connection.

Rhox, compelled by the magnetic pull of desire, found herself lying atop Gel's desk, their tongues engaging in an intimate dance. As Gel began to undress Rhox, the heated moment was momentarily paused by Rhox's suggestion.

"Let's go to the bed," Rhox whispered, her voice a mix of urgency and tenderness.

In unanimous agreement, the duo migrated their amorous pursuits to the more comfortable setting. Positioned on the bed's edge, Gel observed Rhox's deliberate approach with bated breath. Rhox, shedding her outerwear with deliberate grace, paused in front of Gel, theatrically discarding her inner garments until she stood completely naked.

"Come closer," Gel whispered, her face flushed and her breath heavy with anticipation.

"Why the blush?" Rhox teased with a chuckle, seating herself on Gel's lap. Leaning in, she continued, "I'm entirely yours," the whispered declaration tenderly caressing Gel's ears.

In a surge of passion, Gel took charge, turning Rhox and guiding her towards the bed, marking the next chapter of their intimate encounter. As she positioned herself on top of Rhox, Gel's voice took on a playful yet commanding tone.

"Not responding to my messages is a sin in my book, Rhox, and I will punish you for it," Gel said, her eyes gleaming with a mix of desire and authority.

Rhox's eyes sparkled with amusement and anticipation. "Is that so? Well, I suppose I'll have to make it up to you," she replied, her voice dripping with playful defiance.

Gel's hands roamed over Rhox's body with a sense of ownership and affection, each touch igniting sparks of pleasure. "You better," Gel murmured, her lips tracing a path along Rhox's neck, sending shivers down her spine.

Rhox's breath hitched, her hands gripping the sheets beneath her. "I promise, I'll never ignore your messages again," she said, her voice a breathless whisper.

Gel's laughter was soft and filled with warmth. "Good, because I intend to keep you very, very busy," she said, her hands continuing their exploration.

Gel, seizing control, securely bound Rhox's hands to the upper railings of the bed. With a playful smile, Gel positioned herself on top, beginning to kiss Rhox's neck, slowly trailing down to her chest, and finally her abdomen. Rhox's body responded instinctively, bolting slightly, her arms straining against the restraints that held her in place. Gel chuckled softly, her amusement evident, as she continued her descent, eventually reaching Rhox's most intimate area.

With a teasing glint in her eyes, Gel's tongue traced delicate patterns, causing Rhox to gasp and jerk in pleasure. As Gel's hand found its way to the sensitive bud, her touch sent electrifying sensations coursing through Rhox's body. Unable to move her arms, Rhox clung desperately to the bed's railings, her grip tightening with every surge of pleasure.

Rhox felt the flames inside her grow until they erupted into a torrent of ecstasy. Gel's tongue moved with expert precision, driving Rhox to the brink. The relentless stimulation brought Rhox to loud, unabashed moans, her body shuddering under the unyielding waves of pleasure. The bed creaked under the intensity, Rhox's legs trembling as they struggled to support her amidst the onslaught.

"S-Stop!" Rhox managed to exclaim between gasps, her voice a mix of desperation and overwhelming pleasure.

Gel, unfazed, replaced her tongue with her fingers, delving deep into Rhox's core. Her fingers moved with purpose, guided by Rhox's moans, seeking out the most sensitive spots. Rhox's moans grew louder, her teeth sinking into the pillow beside her as she writhed in ecstasy.

"So it's here," Gel murmured with a mischievous smile, her fingers increasing their pace. Rhox's body responded instantly, her moans turning into cries of pure bliss. The intensity of Gel's touch pushed Rhox further into the abyss of pleasure, each movement a calculated stroke that sent her senses reeling.

Rhox's body quaked with the force of her release, her moans echoing through the room. Gel's relentless fingers continued their exploration, pushing Rhox to the very limits of pleasure. With each wave, Rhox's grip on the railings tightened, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Gel, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction, leaned in close to Rhox's ear, whispering, "I won't stop until you're completely mine."

Rhox, her breath ragged, could only manage a nod, her body surrendering completely to Gel's touch. The passion between them intensified, every touch, every kiss, every movement a testament to their unbreakable bond.

In that moment, nothing else mattered. They were lost in each other, their love a powerful force that transcended the boundaries of pleasure and pain. The world outside ceased to exist, their connection the only reality that mattered.

Rhox's moans grew louder, filling the room with her escalating pleasure. Sensing Rhox's heightened state, Gel captured her lips in a passionate kiss, their tongues intertwining as Gel's fingers continued their relentless exploration within Rhox. The heat of passion between them surged, building to an intense crescendo.

Rhox's body arched as the flames of ecstasy consumed her once again, her sweet moans echoing through the room as she trembled with pleasure. Gel, savoring the moment, spread Rhox's legs wider, exposing her most intimate area. She inserted her fingers deeper into Rhox's core, while her mouth descended to gently nibble at the sensitive bud, sending shockwaves of sensation through Rhox's entire being.

Rhox's bound hands thrashed helplessly against the restraints, her body surrendering completely to the overwhelming pleasure Gel bestowed upon her. Every touch, every kiss, every movement pushed Rhox further into a state of blissful abandon.

"Tell me you're sorry…" Gel demanded, her voice soft but commanding, as she continued to bring Rhox to the brink.

"I-I'm sorry! For whatever I did..." Rhox exclaimed, her voice breaking with each moan as she succumbed to the pleasure coursing through her.

Gel paused, turning her rear toward Rhox's face, and stated with a playful smirk, "Then let me feel your sincerity."

Rhox, eager to comply, reached out with her tongue, her movements driven by both desire and a need to please Gel. The two women continued to pleasure each other, their moans becoming louder and more urgent as they pushed each other closer to the edge.

The room filled with the symphony of their shared ecstasy, the intensity of their connection reaching its peak. Both women trembled and shook as they finally reached the summit of their pleasure, their bodies entwined in a dance of pure, unbridled passion.

As the waves of their climax subsided, they collapsed into each other's arms, breathless and sated. Their hearts pounded in unison, the bond between them stronger than ever.

Rhox, still catching her breath, whispered, "I love you, Gel."

Gel, her voice tender and filled with affection, replied, "And I love you, Rhox."

They lay there in the afterglow, holding each other close, knowing that their love and desire would carry them through whatever challenges lay ahead. The room, once filled with the sounds of their passion, now settled into a peaceful silence, a testament to the depth of their connection.

Gel untied Rhox's binds with gentle hands and lay beside her for a while, their bodies close as they rested. Gel gazed into Rhox's eyes, her voice soft and filled with emotion. "I was worried," she murmured, recalling the harrowing moment when she believed Rhox had died during her mission.

In response, Rhox tenderly kissed Gel's forehead, pulling her into a warm embrace. "I know, and I'm sorry for not messaging you," she whispered, her voice laced with genuine remorse.

They held each other for a while, the silence between them filled with unspoken words and shared comfort. As time passed, Rhox eventually drifted into a peaceful sleep, her arms still wrapped around Gel.

Hours later, Rhox stirred and awakened from her slumber. She rose from Gel's bed, stretching her arms and standing up, feeling the slight stiffness in her muscles. "How many hours have passed?" she grunted, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

Gel, engrossed in her work at the data terminals, glanced up and took in the sight of Rhox, still naked from their earlier intimacy. "You've been sleeping for exactly four hours," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "I've been busy collecting more data regarding the metal shard you gave me."

As Rhox began to dress, she asked, "Any progress on the data shard?"

Gel's eyes lit up with excitement as she walked towards Rhox, holding a small projector in her hand. "Well... now that you mention it, I do have some significant information that may help you in your quest," she said, her tone serious yet hopeful.

Standing directly beside Rhox, Gel activated the projector, which displayed a Void map with various systems and planets marked in red. She pointed to the marked areas and began to explain, "These red marks indicate locations where significant activities related to the metal shard have been detected. It seems these places are connected to the Corvus empire in some way."

Rhox, now fully dressed and attentive, leaned in to study the map. "What exactly are we looking at here?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Gel continued, her voice steady and informative, "Each red mark represents a site where the metal from the shard has been either mined, processed, or utilized. The patterns suggest a network of production and distribution that could be tied to the emperor's resources."

Rhox's eyes narrowed as she absorbed the information. "So, if we trace these locations, we might find a lead to the emperor himself," she mused aloud.

Gel nodded, adding, "It's a start. These places are heavily guarded and strategically important. Hitting them could disrupt their operations and draw out higher-ups who might have information on the emperor's whereabouts."

Rhox's determination flared, and she clenched her fist. "Then that's our next move. We'll hit these targets and gather as much intel as we can."

Gel placed a reassuring hand on Rhox's shoulder. "We'll do this together, Rhox. You're not alone in this."

Rhox smiled at Gel, gratitude and resolve shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Gel. For everything."

As Gel concluded her explanation about the Void map and the marked systems, she directed Rhox's attention to Nolstarii, a nearby system close to the Black Glen. "First, let's talk about Nolstarii," Gel began, pointing to the cluster of three planets on the map. "These planets house illegally smuggled Corvi technology, which I believe you'll find quite interesting. However, I must warn you, Rhox, these planets are heavily guarded by Void Pirates. They're not the kind you can easily sneak past."

Rhox nodded, absorbing the information. "Void Pirates, huh? Sounds like a party," she said with a wry smile.

Moving her finger across the map, Gel highlighted a distant system on the planet Stillis. "Next, there's Stillis," she said. "It's a planet infested with insectoid-type predators with hiveminds. On this planet, there's a stranded Hakvall colony ship full of Hakvalls."

Gel's tone grew more serious as she continued, "Saving these Hakvalls would be a significant move. Earning their trust means gaining the trust of their entire nation. It's like earning a powerful favor that could be crucial in your pursuit."

Rhox's interest was clearly piqued. "Hakvalls, huh? I've heard they're tough as nails. If we can get them on our side, it could make a big difference," she mused.

Gel then pointed to a distant system on the planet of Godran. "Finally, there's Godran," she said. "This planet is guarded by the holy empire of Keiz and the empire of Tifa, two rival nations that have been at war for exactly 679 years. There's an exceptional spymaster there who is related to your my mother, Kar'Leyan Laxuva."

Rhox's eyes widened slightly at the mention of her mother. "A spymaster related to your mother you say?" she echoed, her curiosity deepening.

Gel nodded. "His name is Volt Krillin. He has his own score to settle with the Corvus emperor, and I believe he would be a valuable ally in your quest."

Rhox took a deep breath, processing the information. "Damn, that's a lot of traveling," she remarked, a hint of weariness in her voice.

Gel placed a reassuring hand on Rhox's shoulder, pointing back to the planet Stillis. "I recommend starting with the Hakvalls on Stillis," she suggested. "Their lives are in immediate danger due to the insectoid attacks. The smuggled technology isn't going anywhere, and finding Volt Krillin will take more time. The Hakvalls could provide us with the immediate support we need."

Rhox nodded thoughtfully. "Saving lives and gaining allies sounds like the right first step," she agreed. "Let's head to Stillis and see what we can do."

Gel smiled, appreciating Rhox's resolve. "I'll get the coordinates ready," she said. "Let's make sure we're prepared for whatever we might face there."

As Gel finished her explanation about the strategic importance of their mission, she added, "I'm tagging along as well, by the way."

Rhox, taken aback, spun around to face Gel, her expression darkening with a mix of shock and anger. "Hell fucking no," she snapped, her eyes narrowing. "You're too frail to go out by yourself. Bringing you into a battlefield will result in your death."

Gel chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I'm not the 'only' one coming along," she replied with a knowing smile. "Fifteen of my spies, Gunn, and a certain blonde male human will also tag along."

Rhox's eyes widened as she processed the information. "Vincent fucking Grann," she muttered, recalling how exceptional a wingman Vincent had been during the Lavina war.

Gel continued, her tone firm yet reassuring. "My presence will be critical for strategic planning, Rhox. I'm an expert in this field, and we need every advantage we can get. Besides, I've asked Vonn Redd to appoint Gunn as my personal bodyguard regardless of your concerns for my safety. And I've already contacted Admiral Vonn Redd about our departure; he's given us the green light."

Rhox, still skeptical, asked, "Then who will be left at the spot of the left and right admirals?"

Gel replied confidently, "Who do you think managed the whole fleet prior to us being admirals, Rhox? We've got capable people who can handle things while we're away."

After their intense conversation, both Rhox and Gel left the office and headed straight to the shipyard. As they approached, they were greeted by Vincent, Gunn, and Admiral Vonn Redd himself.

Vonn Redd, with his usual commanding presence, approached Gel, offering her advice and cautioning her about the dangers they were about to face. "Stay sharp and keep your wits about you, Gel. Your safety is paramount," he said, his tone serious.

Gel nodded, appreciating his concern. "Thank you, Admiral. I will."

Gunn, who had been fully healed after his previous encounters, sat in the corner, clicking his mandibles repeatedly. His eyes scanned the room, ever vigilant.

On the other side of the shipyard, Rhox reunited with her wingman, Vincent. "Good to see you again, Vincent," she greeted, her voice warm with camaraderie.

Vincent grinned, extending his hand for a handshake. "Likewise, Rhox. Ready for another adventure?"

Rhox shook his hand firmly, a smirk playing on her lips. "Always."

Before embarking on their mission, the team rested and prepared for three days. During this time, they ensured their equipment was in top condition, reviewed mission plans, and spent time bonding and strategizing. These three days were crucial, allowing them to gather their strength and focus on the challenges ahead.

With their team assembled and preparations complete, they made their final checks and boarded their ships. The engines roared to life, and the anticipation of the mission ahead filled the air.

"All right, we're leaving," declared Gel as she waved goodbye to Admiral Vonn Redd, stepping into the frigate with a resolute air.

Gunn followed closely behind, entering the frigate with Gel's fifteen spies, their expressions a blend of determination and anticipation.

Rhox climbed into her space fighter, the 'ACE,' while Vincent boarded his newly christened fighter, 'ASHLEY 2.0,' as he liked to call it with a touch of humor.

"Ready to depart?" Gel's voice crackled over the radio, a note of excitement in her tone.

"Ready," Rhox and Vincent replied in unison, their voices steady and resolute.

Without further delay, the frigate took the lead, slowly departing the ship port. Rhox and Vincent's fighters followed close behind, their engines humming with the promise of adventure.

As they moved away, the sounds of shouting soldiers and portmen reached their ears, a chorus of encouragement and camaraderie. For the final time before their departure, a local transmission from Vonn Redd came through.

"Godspeed," Vonn Redd's voice resonated over the radio, accompanied by the distant cheers of the Black Glen's inhabitants. The admiral's salute was a poignant gesture, underscoring the gravity of their mission.

Rhox, her heart heavy yet determined, took one last look at the Black Glen. The city, with its vibrant celebrations and resilient people, faded into the distance. She didn't know how long it would be before she and her companions returned, but she knew they would come back, stronger and more resolved than ever.

With a determined expression, Rhox turned to face the horizon, her resolve steeling as she prepared for the journey ahead. This was the first step in her pursuit of vengeance, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay in their path.

"First stop is the system of Jorhak, one of twelve systems before we reach Stillis!" Gel announced over the radio, her voice brimming with anticipation. "A long journey awaits us. May the winds of the astral sea be in our favor!"

As they sped into the vast expanse of space, Rhox felt a mix of emotions. The camaraderie of her companions, the weight of her mission, and the memories of those left behind fueled her determination. She glanced at Vincent's fighter, flying in formation beside her, and felt a sense of reassurance.

"Ready for this, Vincent?" Rhox's voice crackled over the comm.

"Always, Rhox. Let's make this count," Vincent replied, his voice steady and confident.

The frigate, with Gel and Gunn aboard, led the way, its path unwavering. Gel's spies, seasoned and loyal, ensured that every detail of their journey was meticulously planned.

Gunn, ever the stoic warrior, glanced at Gel. "You sure about this, Gel?" he asked, his mandibles clicking softly.

Gel nodded, her expression firm. "We need to do this, Gunn. For Rhox, for us, for everyone."

The group disappeared into the horizon, their ships becoming mere specks against the infinite backdrop of the universe. The first step of their long journey had begun, each of them carrying the weight of their mission and the hope of their return.

The stars stretched out before them, a vast and unknown expanse filled with challenges and opportunities. Rhox took a deep breath, her mind focused on the path ahead. She was ready to face whatever the universe had in store for them, knowing that this was just the beginning of their adventure.

As the engines roared and the ships hurtled through space, Rhox's thoughts turned to the future. The mission was clear, the stakes high, but with her companions by her side, she felt an unshakeable resolve. Together, they would navigate the perils of the astral sea and emerge victorious, their bonds stronger than ever.

With one final glance at the receding Black Glen, Rhox whispered to herself, "We'll be back. Stronger and more determined than ever."

The journey to Stillis had begun, and with it, the first steps towards their ultimate goal.