Shipwrecked - Chapter 163: Test Run (Mff MF anal swallow voy exhib)

Please read my Explicit Disclaimer before you read my work.

To read the Author's Introduction to this series, click here.

Visit the Story Index to read other chapters.

Chapter 163: Test Run

The boat was doing nothing to remain unnoticed. It approached our shore with a bright spotlight shining off the bow, more lights making it shine out in the water. It had come in slowly, then stopped its motion out beyond the oyster shoals which made moving in further a difficult task. It was the positioning of those shoals, and the arrogant man who'd never bothered to check for them, that had made us leave the Humble Beginnings just off the South camp rather than in the safer harbors to the East or West.

In the darkness, as I mostly stayed hidden in the forward outpost, the boat's lights were blinding. I averted my eyes to keep from looking directly, but I was trying my best to see any movement or sign of aggression. Through the binoculars, I did see several people, likely dark-skinned men, on the deck. I couldn't tell for sure if they were armed. Their clothing, the mechanical equipment on deck, and the shape of the boat itself suggested a fishing operation, but I wasn't about to believe what seemed obvious.

Popko raced up at one point and ducked with me behind the outpost wall. "Anything?"

"I've counted four. Men, I think. See if you can identify anything of the boat."

He took the binoculars and looked through a moment, then replied, "It looks like one of ours, one of the tuna boats from Uhonamona. That hull design is a sure thing."

"Hopefully that means it is friendly."

"They don't seem to be in a hurry to come ashore," Popko said, "they'll wait out the dawn to move in."

I nodded, then checked the stars. "An hour or so, by my reckoning. Alright. We don't seem to be in immediate danger. Go let everyone know the status and use this chance to go pee and whatnot. Keep the lights out for now. Stay ready."

- - -

As light crept in the boat began to move again, very carefully powering in closer to the island. Its captain seemed to know where the shoals were located based on the two key turns it took to pass through narrow, clear channels. By the time it anchored again, it was maybe twice the distance from where the Humble Beginnings was anchored, but the visitors had positioned themselves in a much safer spot.

A rowboat was lowered and two men were over the sides, soon powering the small skiff in our direction. I stayed tense, though as they got closer, I saw no guns or other threats. Knowing there might be such things hidden below the boat's edges, I didn't leave my spot within the outpost until the two dark-skinned men had pulled their craft onto the shore and staked it with a spike and rope.

I slid out slowly, keeping my rifle gripped tight. The men saw me and one raised a hand in what I assumed was a greeting. "Uh... We... We friends," he said.

"Okay... What brings you here?"

"Uh, We... We come with news for... umm... for Phoenix."

"News?"

"Mmm. Yes. We must return... um... to South... quickly... um... to home."

The men wore clothing which suggested long days in wet, briny conditions, the scraggly beards on dark, weathered faces unkempt. Neither's posture seemed threatening. I asked anyway, "Are you armed?"

They looked at each other, then replied, "Um... we... do not understand."

"Guns. Weapons. Do you have guns?"

"Oh. No. No guns."

I nodded, then said, "Alright... what is your news?"

"Um... May we speak to Tok... or... Ummm Ekoh? Will be... mmm... easier."

I considered again whether there as a threat and decided the two were not likely aggressors and lowered my rifle. "Ekoh is here now. I will show you to him." I walked to where they stood and stuck out my hand, "My name's Kal."

"Oh, yes," the man said, "I know this name. Tok say about Kal." After shaking my hand, he told me, "I... mmm... Oloh. This... mmm... Palou."

"Welcome to Phoenix. Come," I said, pointing my open palm towards the camp, I'll show you to Ekoh." I yelled ahead two quick codewords to let the others know I was coming in and to remain in place, unseen.

Once we were at the fire pit, I called to Ekoh and the man emerged, a rifle like mine slung over his shoulder, soon joining us with a big, surprised smile on his face. "Oloh! Palou!" He spoke rapidly in the Uhonamonan tongue and I couldn't follow. Then he turned to me and said, "Old friends, these two. Palou was a mate on a couple of my trading voyages, and Oloh is the captain on whose boat Tok worked all those months ago."

I began to relax, the tension easing quickly as the two men's familiarity with Ekoh won out. "So what's the news?" I asked.

They began to speak in their native language, and Ekoh's face dropped. "Oh, dear," he groaned, then translated and paraphrased the conversation, "it seems those seeking war have gotten their way. Uhonamona has been engaged in fighting these last weeks, and as expected, Progress has colonized the island. They're building a fort and port there, stationing their soldiers on Uhonamona."

I nodded, not surprised.

"They tell me," he continued after another moment, "that there are rumors spreading about Phoenix, that we have been secretly harboring Great Society persons of interest. Oloh does not know the source, but he and Palou have great respect for Tok, and for me, it seems, and wished to bring word." More hurried discussion, then Ekoh added, "Some in their community, of those who did not want war, are convinced it was Phoenix which encouraged the threats to their home by GS."

"Absurd," I growled. "We've had no part in this war, one way or another."

"I know this, but these men only bring us word as a warning."

I nodded slowly, "Anything else?"

Ekoh replied, "Progress is listening to the calls, and has been for some time, the ones you attempt with Uhonamona."

"They've heard little of much interest, then, other than discussions of immigration and trade. Enough to know we are no threat."

"I believe you, but you should know that communications... are not secure..."

"Hmm." That explained the silence from the Uhonamonans, whether to keep us from being further overheard, or at the demand of Progress to cease our talks. But, it also meant that the morning and evening updates we had with the North were being bugged, too. Since it seemed we had to now consider Uhonamona a threat, and Progress as well, we'd have to tighten down what was passed on.

Not that anything meaningful to the rest of the world was discussed. We talked of people and problems, resources and planning, details which mattered only to Phoenicians. Still, we'd wish to ensure our discussions were limited in scope and never gave away anything about our defenses, our armaments, or anything else which might be useful to those who might wish to harm us.

"Thank you," I told Oloh and Palou, "hungry? We can make you a breakfast."

"Yes, please," Oloh said, "though... no stay long."

The man spoke quickly to Ekoh again, then Ekoh told me, "He says that if you can assist, they have been blessed with an abundant catch of bluefin tuna which was much further South than usually found, just a half-day from our shore. They are returning through the same area and will gladly refill their hold if we would like to have some."

"We'd love that," I said eagerly. "What can we offer in trade?"

Ekoh conveyed the question and reply, "They do not wish to accept anything at this time."

"We must trade something," I insisted, "they put in hard work to catch those fish, we have to give them something."

More native conversation, then Ekoh said, "They do not know what you offer."

"Well," I replied, thinking, "we cannot spare food at this time, and I doubt Uhonamona is in need, anyway. Perhaps, since these men went out of their way to help us, we can give them something of future trade value? Gold, perhaps?" I suggested.

When Ekoh told them, the men's eyes widened and both nodded.

"You're the trader, Ekoh. I trust you to make a fair bargain, then. You know how much we have, yes?"

"I do. I assumed you wish to deal the gold nuggets first? Bars for bigger trades?"

"Correct," I replied. "Be fair, but not too, fair," I grinned.

"I believe it will be little loss to us to gain these fish and yet these men will be happy with the deal."

"See it done, and find out how many people we need to haul the fish back."

Ekoh replied after talking to Oloh, "Four should be enough."

"I'll round them up and get people ready to start cleaning and preparing them. Any idea how much we're talking about?"

Seconds later, Ekoh told me, "Perhaps sixty. And enough salt to brine them."

"Fantastic!"

While Ekoh worked out the details of the trade, I set the rest of the camp into stand-down. Nina jumped on getting coffee and breakfast going while Hakee got Kinnon's help to start pulling out all of our available space to work on the tuna once it was on shore. I quickly rounded up four volunteers to help haul the fish, and Popko, Takino, Iplah, and Yplanah went with the two fishermen to begin the offloading process.

- - -

The tuna were on shore must faster than I would have expected. The camp was abuzz with activity, and also with relief that our visitors brought only goodwill even as they delivered troubling news. Shortly after midday, as the Uhonamonan boat was already streaming South again, the tuna were all cut up and being preserved in brine except for the one we kept to eat that evening. Hunamu even ran a stack of ready-to-grill tuna steaks North so that they might enjoy the delicious treat.

Some of it, we ate right off the carcass. Bluefin tuna makes some of the best sashimi a person could eat. Slightly sweet and smooth in texture, fatty enough to feel great on the tongue, I nearly made myself sick on it. I think I gained ten pounds that evening and felt like the energy I'd lost during my illness was regained, as well.

Around the fire, eating tuna steaks with nothing more than a touch of salt pinched over, the topic turned, as it had to, to what the news from the South meant for us.

"I don't like this one bit," Hakee fumed, "lies about us? Why?"

"We don't know," Kate replied, "and it doesn't matter why. If Progress comes here thinking we're on the other side, they won't ask their questions nicely."

I growled, thinking about my time being rescued by Progress only to be treated like the enemy, held in confinement and left to rot, "I learned that the hard way." I knew the new folks wouldn't understand the context of my words, but I wasn't thinking about that at the time.

"So, if Progress comes here, then what?" Kinnon asked.

Hakee growled, "We stand firm, we fight, we do whatever we have to."

"Let's take a breath, everyone," I advised. "We don't know that they will come here or that it will be without giving us a chance to talk. If they don't and we have to fight... There's a point at which going down with the ship, so to speak, makes no sense..."

"Give up and let them do what they want?" Hakee asked, incredulous.

"Not at first, no," I replied, "but what would we do if a company of soldiers landed here? A hundred or more trained, disciplined soldiers? We'd be wiped out in a few minutes. And what would we have gained? Death? Our babies, if they survived, orphaned? I think... I think there is a point at which it would be better to lay down arms and deal with the consequences of that then to risk everything in a no-win battle."

"Kal," Hakee steamed, "I am surprised by this! You would let them take Phoenix!?"

"Not willingly, no!" I replied passionately, "No, no, no! But, if we face a choice, Hakee, a choice where it is obvious we'll be killed if we fight, but we would survive and be able to live our lives with our friends and family, here or somewhere else, are you telling me you prefer death? Honestly?"

"I... No...," Hakee hesitated, then firmed up, "I see your wisdom, Kal. I do. I just... Phoenix is not just another place to live, not to me it isn't. This is home. My home. I will not give it up easily. If we can fight and win, then we should. If we cannot... then I will consider that at the time."

"Then you and I are agreed," I replied. It wasn't my preference that my Vice and I argue such an important policy decision in front of others, but I was happy to know that Hakee could see reason even if it wasn't the choice she wanted to make. It wasn't about me being right. It was about what was best for those who depended on me, and on Hakee, to make the right decisions. It was a no-brainer, honestly. Fighting to the death makes for great adventure novels and blockbuster movies, but I was a father now, three-times over. I had wives and lovers and friendships new and old. I never wanted to lose Phoenix or our independence on the island, but I'd give those away every time if it meant I'd get to keep the most important people in my life with me beyond that decision point.

Still, there was no way in hell we'd allow ourselves to be walked over or easily-bullied by Progress or GS or anyone else. I knew it might be tricky to find a way to avoid armed conflict if things deteriorated due to false rumors and miscommunication, but I was damned sure going to do my best to protect all that I loved, Phoenicians and Phoenix itself.

- - -

So, the result of the unexpected visit by the fishermen, other than the mild stomach ache I had the next morning before I moved my bowels, was that we started training the newcomers on our South defenses and stepped up our weapons training, even letting each person discharge a few rounds to get a feel. It gave Hakee a way to work off the 'what-if' frustration of a scenario where we might be colonized, or worse, removed from Phoenix, in a way which actually prepared us for the worst case scenario.

Because of the new information, which we relayed to the North when Hunamu ran the tuna to them the day before, all attempts to contact Uhonamona would be stopped. There was no point in continuing to try, and given that a clear bias against us had been developing, from two different camps, it seemed, we weren't likely to make contact nor did it seem we would get trustworthy information even if we did. That stung a bit, but the situation was out of our control.

Due to our need to jump start our defensive training again, I asked Popko to head North after he and Hakee formed the new plans. Hunamu and Takino could go as well, I assured him, the trio perhaps the happiest people on the island and I didn't want to break them apart. They were almost inseparable, and each was a valuable laborer in whatever task assigned to them. I talked to Gale that morning about whether anyone should replace them South, but she thought it would be a good moment to do some preparatory work in the North. Amu had insisted that we were better off over the coming seasons if we started to plan for field rotation. As it was, we were already utilizing over ninety percent of our cleared space, but we'd drain nutrients quickly. We could supplement them over time with ground shells and carcasses and refuse, but Amu's experience taught him that rotation was the best way to allow the soil to recover and the crops planted there to thrive. So, as a result, Gale and Amu had identified an area near the new fields which would add around thirty percent more area, enough that we could rotate each plot to idle and refresh each third year or so.

Like the earlier clearing, it meant a lot of hard, tedious work. But Gale said the North fields were largely done for the Summer and wouldn't need a ton of upkeep until the first plants were ready for mass harvesting in a couple of months. It left enough time to put to work those North in clearing the new area.

I asked Sebastian if he would also like to go North for a change. He didn't really seem know how to respond and awaited me directing him in which choice to make. I suggested he might enjoy seeing the other part of the island and he agreed the view from the top did sound worth the trip. So, I sent him as well.

No one would be rotating South to cover for the four young men going North, and that was fine. Our work in the main camp was progressing slightly ahead of schedule other than the food stores, but with the haul of tuna and the fish and crabs returning in multitudes, I wasn't worried about that so much. I did want to consider starting on the three or four new shelters, but those could certainly wait until later in the Fall or Winter when the temperatures had dropped to more comfortable levels.

Kate came up to me as I finished stacking wood, me not exactly following Kinnon's orders to take it easy, but I was feeling much better, especially after all of the wonderfully rich tuna over the past day. "So," she said with a smile, "I think Ekoh and I are going to take a moment this evening..."

I grinned, "Sounds like fun."

"I think so," Kate replied. "I talked to Felicity, she'll be okay with me away. She's been doing better, I think, not needing me as much. Might even be where she can do more and more on her own."

"Good to hear. I'll see if she wants to play some chess while you're enjoying yourselves."

"That would be great, thanks. Need a hand?"

"Sure," I said, "just need to get the rest of this seasoned stack up to the front line."

We finished the wood and got started on dinner, more tuna with onions and some of the squash Hunamu had brought back when he took tuna North the day before. Afterwards, as most of the others were bathing or doing a few evening chores, I sat near the fire smoking a joint, passing it to Felicity. Kate and Ekoh had just disappeared with smiles on their faces.

"Feel like chess tonight?"

"Not really, thanks," Felicity replied. Her eyes were watching where Kate and Ekoh had gone into the common shelter. "Still find it odd that what they're doing is so... normal... here."

"Which part?"

"Well... the openness you all seem to have with each other. It's so... I don't know... not normal. At least in my experience..."

"It was that way for all of us, I think, before coming to Phoenix. I suppose, once it started with me and Bailey and Keekah, and then Gale, it just became natural." I gently added, "It takes time to get used to under the best of circumstances..."

"Mine isn't exactly the best, you mean?"

"I do..."

"I just don't see how... how I can be okay with... it... again. That part of me feels... lost."

I didn't reply, assuming by it, she meant sex, and I was uncertain how to offer her solace or support without threatening her defenses.

"I want that back, Kal. Not that sex was a big part of my life before, but at least... at least it was an option... Now... now I can't imagine wanting it again."

"Did you think you'd want to dance again?" I asked.

"Hmm?"

"The other night, New Year's Eve. You danced with me even though I know you were fighting your responses..."

She nodded, "I suppose that's true. No, to answer your question... Not that I thought about it in the same way, but, no. Baby steps, huh?"

"Baby steps are good."

"Speaking of, your baby is a cutie, Kal."

"Which one?"

"Oh, right," Felicity responded, "I forget you have three. Katie, I mean."

I smiled, "She is a doll. I just love her so much. Wish I'd have been here to see her born, but..."

"But someone else stole that opportunity..."

"Yes," I replied, referring to my time away from Phoenix, "that's exactly what happened."

"I know what that's like... At least you got to see her, eventually."

"I cannot complain. Katie is simply a joy. And Harry and Hermione, too. And Azure. It doesn't matter that she's not biologically mine. I'm still one of her fathers."

"That is nice... You all do seem to get along rather well as a group."

"Better than anyone could hope for, I think," I said. "Many of us had to fight through some tough times to get where we are now. What you see is many layers of comfortable from where we started. In the beginning, Bailey and I slept in a metal shipping container. Not exactly comfortable..."

Felicity replied, "I'm trying not to ignore how things are here, Kal. I'm also reluctant to really believe it. It seems too... perfect."

"Understandable, but it's not perfect, for sure. Certainly not by pre-War standards. I wish we had access to a real hospital, air conditioning, that sort of thing. It's just a matter of time before we lose another person because of our lack of access to medical care beyond what we have here."

"Another? Someone has died here before..."

"Hona," I replied. "She came over with Manu and the others from Hahonoko. We lost her early last year to a fever. Something treatable," I swept my arm out towards the ocean, "out there."

"I'm sorry," Felicity said quietly, "I didn't know."

I nodded, "Thanks. It hit us pretty hard. Manu did everything she could, but whatever it was, we couldn't treat it. That sort of thing scares the shit out of me regularly. Hakee and I had fevers, Amy recently, too. Azure's cough. Every one is just a roll of the dice away from being a loved one we might lose."

Felicity stared out at the water a moment, then said, "I want to become someone you would mourn."

"Hmm?" I was uncertain of her meaning.

"If something like that happened to me, I want you to miss me and feel sick over my passing. I know that means getting to know you all better, fitting in... I just want to matter."

"You do matter, I promise you. Yes, you're new, and you're coming here was not by choice. You're doing fine, really. It takes time. There are others here who have spent more time on the island and are not yet comfortable and integrated, but they're getting there. You will get there, too." I took a sip of rum, then added, "And I would mourn you now, to be honest."

She gave me a doubtful expression, "With the way I treat you?"

"You said yourself, that's not who you are. I believe you," I responded, "and I've seen glimpses of the real you lately, and I really like her. When I say you're family, that you're one of us, I'm not just passing out platitudes. I mean those things. Hell, I probably know much more about you than I ever did about Hona. She and Manu were close and Hona wasn't all that open about herself. Wonderful woman, but not a close friend. And yet... it really stung to lose her."

"Did you fuck her?"

"Uh... yeah..."

"There you go," Felicity said.

"It wasn't just that. Sex is a sort of handshake around here sometimes."

"Hmm."

"But I cared for her and would have without sex. I've never had sex with Popko or Amu, but I care about them, too."

"But," Felicity said, her lips pursed, "it's clear to me that sex does matter. Who here, other than us new people, hasn't taken a lover or several?"

I thought for a moment. "Amu has been more or less monogamous. I seem to recall him taking part in an... orgy... and maybe had a lover besides Manu, but I don't think he participates much with others. But... I suppose sex is important here, or at least, it has been to those of us here longer. It isn't required, ever. It just... falls out of the way things are here."

"Well, you do run around naked with all the jiggly bits hanging out. I suppose that might be part of it."

"Could be. Honestly, though, it also takes some of the nervousness out of it. You've already seen your new partner naked. You know what it looks like. You can get past that to the reasons which led you to become intimate."

"Such as?" she asked.

"Well, love, for one, but genuine caring, as well. A desire to give pleasure to another, to see another person experience pleasure is one of the things I love most in life. Whether that's sex or playing football or getting beat in a chess match, everything I do which matters is trying to bring about pleasure."

Felicity said, "Your wife... well, one of your wives... is in there right now, fucking another guy, and you're sitting here, talking to me, letting that happen. I can't quite figure how you work into that position, Kal. Sure, you want Kate to have pleasure, but aren't you the least bit jealous? If not now, at least in the beginning?"

I considered the question and answered honestly, "In the beginning, with Kate and I, yeah, we had to work through that, but given what we'd already fought through to stay together, it wasn't so hard. Since we both liked women, we started out finding a common partner. But then she wanted to experience other men, and I wanted opportunities to spend time alone with a new partner, we had to learn about compersion."

"Compersion?"

"It's the opposite of jealousy. Right now, you asked me if I'm jealous. I am not. What I feel for Kate right now is compersion. I've got little butterflies in my stomach thinking about how much fun she's having with a new partner. I love that feeling. Jealousy sours your stomach. Compersion is like a warm glass of cocoa. Which, by the way, we have. Interested?"

"Sure," Felicity replied. "Compersion, huh. Don't believe I've ever heard the word nor experienced that. Guess you need a lover to loan out before there's an opportunity..."

I knew this was difficult territory to tread, and perhaps I'd already stepped too heavily into the subject of sex. I rose and told Felicity I'd go get the cocoa.

I found Keekah and Amy at the common room door watching what was going on inside. I joined them, letting my hands rest on their lovely asses, and looked in.

Kate had her legs pulled back against her breasts, Ekoh squatting down over her spread thighs, his small penis dipping in and out of Kate's sloppy hole. I could hear them both moaning loudly. I noted that both Unune and her little daughter Holly were against the far wall, the mother watching Kate and Ekoh while the young child played with wooden blocks Tok had made a few weeks back.

Despite the erotic scene in front of us, I asked quietly, "Who has the little ones?"

"Kinnon," Amy whispered, "shh... this is good!"

I grinned and squeezed both young asses again, and Amy's hand swept across my engorging member.

Excited and feeling well for the first time in over a week, I slid my hands down sweaty, hairy crotches, fingering both of my wives while we watched Ekoh and Kate mating inside. Stepping behind Keekah, I pushed my cock inside her pussy as she bent forward and braced herself with one hand on the doorframe. Amy grinned at us and got herself ready by doing the same beside us.

I pumped Keekah's slippery hole a moment. Ekoh climbed off Kate and she sucked him before getting on her hands and knees. Ekoh wasted no time putting his dick back into the redhead's pussy. Or was he in her ass? From the angle, it looked more like he'd positioned himself higher.

Amy noticed as well, whispering, "He's fucking her ass!"

Keekah groaned, her fingers twirling over her clit, and she climaxed as we heard Kate doing the same inside.

I pulled out of the young mother and moved behind Amy, sliding my slick penis into the seventeen-year old's vagina. She moaned as we started to mate, orgasming moments later.

Back and forth, I swapped pussies and grew closer and closer to my release. "I want to swallow your cum," Amy breathed over her shoulder as I slid into her again, so close to cumming that I was dribbling the first drops with each thrust.

Just in time, I pulled out of Amy's cunt and she dropped to her knees. Keekah did the same, the two teens pushing their faces together, mouths open, tongues out. I stroked myself seven or eight times, then unloaded, spurting first in Amy's mouth, then in Keekah's. I sent several thick, sticky ropes of jism down both throats, the girls swallowing after I'd finished, Amy sucking me to clean the last of it off my flesh. She had a strand of cum on her chin which Keekah licked away before Amy turned to kiss her.

I sank to my knees and enjoyed wonderful kisses with them both before remembering what I'd been doing before.

I stood and took a last look inside, Ekoh and Kate were kissing, resting together, both sweaty and looking delighted. The mother, Unune, had a hand inside her pants. Was she masturbating or just thinking about doing so? I wasn't sure. I liked seeing that she was willing to watch such intimacy. On Phoenix, that sort of thing was common enough that anyone uncomfortable with it might have a hard time fitting in.

And that brought me back to Felicity. Her situation, and to a lesser extent, those of the others who'd come in on the Humble Beginnings, was different and I knew it was unlikely that they would see things quite the same way. Still, Felicity had watched Ekoh and Keekah days earlier, and, I realized, she would have had a decent view of me with my wives right then. I hoped it had been pleasant and not traumatic.

I washed my hands and then brought out a pot, water, two cups, a metal spoon, cocoa, and sugar, setting the water to boil before sitting back down beside Felicity.

"So... that was something," she said.

I tried to gauge her reaction. Nothing was clear in her expression. "I... I'm sorry, uh..."

"Don't apologize. I'm the one who needs to fit in here, not you, Kal. I'm the stranger."

"That doesn't mean your feelings don't matter. I'm apologizing for not considering that first. I should have."

"Would it have changed anything? Honestly? You'd still have fucked your wives where you knew I was watching."

"I... I'm not sure I would have."

"So me being here is disruptive... I spoil all the fun." Her soft tone didn't quite match her bitter words.

"Not at all. But I try to be aware of everyone's needs, Felicity. I didn't think about how you might react and I should have."

"And how do you think I reacted?"

It was a question with, I thought, mostly bad answers. Too positive in my response, and I would be diminishing her experiences. Too negative and I was doubting her strength. What I said was, "I expect something like how you did when you watched Ekoh and Keekah. Confusion. Curiosity. Fears. Arousal. I'm just guessing here..."

Felicity looked at me evenly a moment, then I saw her expression relax and she nodded, "Pretty much, only... it was a little different this time."

"How so?"

"This time... it was you I saw having sex."

I wasn't sure how to take that statement.

"I... I tried out that compersion thing. I thought about what it might be like if you and I were lovers and I was watching you have sex with someone else. Two someone elses."

I wasn't sure how to react to that, either. "And...?"

She shrugged, "Haven't got the hang of it. I still felt jealous..."

"Jealousy is much easier, at least at first. We're wired for it to be the default, I think."

"Felt it stronger than I should have. I suppose my imagination has gotten rather... vivid... these past few weeks. I was really jealous watching you, Kal. I didn't expect that..."

I worried that what Felicity was actually telling me was that there was something more than friendship developing between us, at least in her head. I didn't know exactly how to figure out where this was going, nor exactly what I would hope to happen in the future. Short term, there was no way I was pursuing anything with Felicity, and I worried that, perhaps, she might be building up in her head some scenario which would never live up to the fantasy in the end. The way she described her jealousy sounded like more than just a test run. I suspected something deeper was already in place.

Before I could respond, Felicity jumped up and pulled the water off the fire, mixing in sugar and cocoa, then handed me a cup before sitting with her own. The subject we'd abruptly left hanging was not brought up again. She said, "Mmm... that's good. Tell you what... maybe I would enjoy a match or two, if you're still up for it."

"Sure," I replied, "I should probably, uh, get cleaned up." I realized I still had pussy juice in my pubic hair and on my genitals.

Felicity showed a slightly-embarrassed grin a moment, then frowned, "Yeah... that would be appreciated..."

I downed the rest of the cocoa and then took my time cleaning up in the surf. I was worried about what I'd learned that night and I knew I needed to speak with Kate in the morning about how to deal with the complicated situation I might now be in with Felicity.