“I believe that this is doable,” she said, gesturing at the map, “and that we can do it with only a minimal loss of life. The army should arrive day after tomorrow. I came ahead to get things in order. I’ll get my staff together and get a plan together. Resource allocation needs. Finance and cost analysis. The normal stuff that I detest and you seem to live on.”
“Great. If we’re all done with that, can you shift now so I can rub your belly? I promise I’ll respect you in the morning.”
Faye rolled her eyes and groaned under her breath. Then she actually shifted. She did it so quickly that it was near instantaneous.
“As you will, Alpha,” growled the Werewolf.
She’s been practicing.
To Runner’s mind that meant she fully accepted what had become of her. That left it to him to accept her again as he did in her camp, or reject her.
Truthfully he had a hard time with the idea of doing anything sexual with a Were. It felt a lot like bestiality to a degree. But it was still Faye in there. She’d learned to live with her self-perceived handicap.
Regardless of what happened to her, she was still who she had been. Maybe a touch more aggressive and definitely more confident, but still Faye.
Runner immediately set a hand on her stomach and turned to face her more directly, making sure his body language reflected acceptance and approval.
He gently brushed her fine soft fur and kept his mind from thinking about what he actually was doing to her.
“So, Sparky. Was there anything else?”
Faye watched him with those gray eyes. Her wolflike muzzle twitched once when his fingers changed direction in the middle of her abs.
“Other than construction will be finished this week, no. All is as you willed it.”
“Great. I think you were my last meeting until later. Which means we can relax like this for a bit and talk if you like. Or if you need to go, that’s fine. Once Belle makes it back, I’m going to try and wake Sunshine for a meeting before we depart. So this might be the last moment of private time for us.”
Runner let the silence draw out what he had left unsaid.
“I wouldn’t mind you putting on a fashion show for me. You putting on the new gear that is. Make sure it fits and actually shifts with you. Totally being honest here, though, watching you change clothes does sound like fun. I mean, you’re a good-looking Were, but you have some pretty solid assets as a Human.”
Faye shook her head at that and watched him.
“You’re an idiot, Alpha. I have a hard time telling when you’re teasing or not.”
“An idiot I am, now.” Runner deliberately pressed his hand more firmly to Faye’s stomach. He could feel the hard symmetrically lined up nipples of her Were form under his palm. She jolted a little in her seat at the sudden change in his actions.
Runner reached up and caught her muzzle while she was off guard and brought it down to kiss the front of it.
“Get up, little miss wolf, and decide. Fashion show for me, or do whatever it is you need to do.”
“You would will that of me? A fashion show? I’m no glamorous woman who captivates men with a smile. Less so, now.”
“Yep. I will it.”
“Then by your will, Alpha. A fashion show is what you’ll get.”
“Fantastic. Love the confidence. Come on then. Shift back and start stripping for me.” Runner rubbed his hands together eagerly.
Faye stood up and stared down at him. She certainly was bigger in her Were form.
“You’re horrible,” the Were general rumbled at him.
“Yes, yes, I know. And you love me for it. Come on then. Or would you rather cuddle on the couch? Happy to pet you. Give you a good scratch behind the ears. Or I could find a brush. I did promise you a brushing if that’s more up your alley.”
Faye growled at that.
“Damn. That made my skin prickle,” Runner said with a grin. He looked up into her big gray eyes. “Do it again?”
Chapter 17 - Thoughts and Plans -
8:59 am Sovereign Earth time
5/18/44
Sitting in the dining room, Runner tapped a thumb against a plate. The timing for breakfast changed by the day and for whatever type of meeting he scheduled.
Hannah, Sophia, Satomi, and Faye were all gathered around the table. They were talking amiably amongst themselves.
Like old friends reunited after a period of separation.
Runner hadn’t been able to summon Srit this morning. He’d sat in the white room and called out to her several times.
He’d watched her avatar for a period of time. She was a perfect representation of how she looked in the game world.
Pregnant. Bordering on very pregnant. If you had to rate pregnancy from one to nine, she was clearly at a six.
Then he’d waited for her. Watched the screens as she continuously worked at thwarting whatever it was the Omega was doing.
It looked like they really were going at her.
In the end he settled for leaving her a message on one of the monitors. A simple command line message that wouldn’t interfere or cause her any difficulties.
More of a simple outline of his plan.
The main entry door swung inwards suddenly.
Everyone spun to look at who had burst in and found Isabelle.
Standing up, he gave her a bright smile.
“Belle, you’re early. I’m glad for that,” Runner said and excitedly went over to her.
Before he could act she wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled him in close. Then she pressed her lips to his in a deep kiss.
Releasing him, she smiled and patted his cheek.
“I missed you as well, my lord. Get me a plate while I greet everyone?” she asked, fluttering her green eyes at him.
“Ah, yes, of course, Belle.” Runner felt like he wasn’t just on the wrong foot but the wrong planet. Katarina was as bold as that, but not Isabelle.
Behind him he could hear Isabelle greeting each person in the room. Glancing over his shoulder, he caught Isabelle fiercely hugging Hannah, who hugged her equally in return.
Shrugging, he did as she asked and filled her plate from the side table. Bringing it over to his own seat, he set it down beside him on his right hand side.
Retaking his seat, he was startled when Isabelle swooped down and kissed his cheek.
“Thank you, my love. I promise I’ll greet you better later. Know that I love you and missed you desperately,” Isabelle whispered in his ear.
Patting his shoulder, she slid into her chair and dug into her food.
“I would hazard that you heard the news of Sophia’s departure? Thus, you fled Letoville to get here swiftly?” Satomi asked, her golden eyes watching Isabelle.
The Elf nodded her head to that and then snapped her fingers.
She pulled a sheet of paper from her inventory and set it down in front of Runner.
“As the ruler of Giselle, as installed by the king of Norwood, I formally surrender my city to the emperor of Bastion. There’s a city government that’s in control now. They’ll abide by the laws of Norwood. This should complete all that nonsense. I can return to your side, my lord.” Isabelle gave him a smile that made him feel a little fuzzy in the head.
“And with that, you’re the emperor of all Tirtius and Norwood, Alpha.” Faye pointed at him with a fork, a hunk of steak hanging off of it.
“True. I must admit, when you first summoned me I was concerned that you were going to be a terrible master. I find myself pleasantly surprised, bonded. I am grateful to be yours.”
Sophia smiled over her plate at Hannah as Satomi spoke. As if daring her to speak up.
Runner noticed and waited a beat for Hannah if she wanted to speak. When she said nothing, he took up the conversation.
“Of course, Vixen. Now, to the matter at hand. Belle,” Runner said, turning his head to the side to regard Isabelle. “How much do you know about the situation?”
“All of it. I
cornered some of Norwood’s Own on my way in. God-Emperor, huh?”
“Ugh. Yes, well. We can’t all be beautiful elven maidens. I’m afraid I seem to have pulled the joker card.
“Glad to hear you’re caught up though, that saves time. To that end, here’s the too long; didn’t read version of the plan.
“Vixen, Belle, you’ll remain here to keep an eye on everything and keep it running. Belle, you’ll be considered the regent of Norwood. Vixen, I expect you to support her as best as you’re able.
“Please remember to feed Nibbles. He’s getting pretty big. Also, you’ll need to care for Sunshine. She’s… she’s still unresponsive. I’m not sure what’s going on out there but it looks bad from the little I understand.”
Hannah grunted and shook her head. “Fucking bastards. She should blow them all up. Better person than I.”
Sophia nodded her head to that. “Agreed.”
Satomi and Isabelle looked at each other across the table. Then they both looked to Runner.
“We can handle it, my lord. I planned on having a council with everyone after this meeting. I’ll make sure we take the time to plan for your departure,” Isabelle promised.
“Thanks. Hanners, Grace, and Sparky will all come with me as we go on campaign. I’m hopeful to return in a short time. We shall see.
“With that being said, everything is pretty much on track. Sparky reports the army as arriving tomorrow.”
Runner paused and spread his hands out before himself.
“I figure we give them twenty-four hours to rest and then we get to marching. I’ve dispatched requests to both Vasilios and Helen to send their troops to Dover as they’re able. We’ll also be stopping off in Faren to install a new king or queen there. Sparky will be using that time to resupply and rearm. As well as pick up their troops.”
Runner let his eyes sweep the room.
“Questions so far? Good. Once we clear Dover, we may or may not launch for Norman’s Port. I would have it under our control as our border, as it were.”
Sophia bobbed her head. “I’ll have Norwood’s Own mobilized down to the very reserves. You’ll have your elite force. Though I hear you stole one of my lieutenants?”
“Ah, Milly. Yeah. When she found out that I wasn’t merely a king, but a god, she prayed for me to make her a Paladin.”
Isabelle’s eyebrows shot to the top of her head like a rocket.
“Wasn’t she the big one, my lord? The Half-Ogress? A Berserker as well? Made Katarina look like a, well, a kitten?”
“That’d be her,” Runner confirmed, stuffing a piece of bacon in his mouth.
“I take it you gave her a race reset and a class reset. Told her to try again in a bit?” Faye provided the reasonable answer.
“No, I made her a Paladin.” Runner picked up another piece of bacon and started on it.
“You can do that?” Faye asked him, surprise evident in her tone.
“Apparently. Here, ask her yourself,” Runner said with a touch of annoyance.
Popping open a portal came as easy as a spell now. Reaching into it with his mind, he gave Milicent a gentle tug.
He also sent through the portal his profound thanks and love for his people. They continued to perform and serve in ways he couldn’t begin to fathom how he’d do without.
“She may not be at the temple. She’s been working with Alexia to learn my divine portfolio as it were. I’m quite reasonable, if I had to rate my own commandments.”
“You’re correct, my god,” Milicent said, stepping through the open portal. “Your portfolio is justice and mercy in equal measure. Redemption and atonement.”
Alexia stepped out beside Milicent and looked about the room.
Spotting Faye, she immediately smiled at her and waved. Then she turned back to Runner and bowed low to him.
“As you instructed, my god, I have taught her all that she needs to know. Though she is welcome to remain, I think finding more followers to serve you is best. Also, I put together the list you asked for.”
Alexia stood up straight and then held out a stack of papers to him.
“Thank you, High Priestess. As ever, you serve me beyond my wishes.”
“I only ask you to visit more frequently. Forgive me, my god. We have communion shortly.” Turning, she waved at Faye again and entered the portal.
Faye sat openmouthed at the casual coming and going of her aide.
Runner closed the portal with a thought and pointed at the side table.
“Get a plate, Milly, we were discussing you.”
“Oh? Why?” Milicent turned to the food. The broad-shouldered woman picked up the entire serving platter of ham and sat down on his left side.
“Because you’re my first Paladin, you nitwit,” Runner laughingly said. Reaching over, he poked her breastplate.
“No heavy armor at the table next time. Need to get you some regular clothes. I also finished your armor last night. Got bored. I stacked it in your room in the temple.
“Surprise, you have a room in the temple. Here’s the key,” Runner explained, placing the key down next to the serving platter.
“Thank you, my god. Not needed, but thank you,” Milicent said, giving him her wide smile. No one could ever call her pretty, but she had a huge easy-going heart.
“Big doof. As my first Paladin, and the one to find others, you’ll need a place of your own. Get with Belle and Vixen after this to start working out your needs for the order. You’ll be remaining here with them to start on my order.”
Milicent blushed and nodded.
“Alright. Does anyone have anything to add? No? Good.”
Runner reached over and took a hunk of meat from Milicent’s plate.
“I swear to me, your god, that you better not try to steal all my bacon next or I’ll have you praying for forgiveness in the temple. Or maybe I’ll turn you over to Hanners and whatever mercy she has.”
“None,” the table said in unison.
Milicent looked up and quickly turned a deeper shade of red.
6:31 pm Sovereign Earth time
5/18/44
Runner stretched out on the stone slabs of GMHub seven. He’d mentally dubbed this place his workshop. All that was here was open grass fields, a stone floor, chests, weapons racks, and tools.
Time here was dilated heavily, and the only weather was a warm sun and some wind.
Everything else he had turned off.
Laid out next to him was Ernsta’s sword, Brunhild’s staff, and Amelia’s dagger.
Each weapon was black as the majority color and red as the accent, with a white electrical particle effect on the business end.
They all had a crisp, clean look to them. Simple and effective, deadly.
They hadn’t been difficult to build. If anything they were rather boring. They didn’t stretch or push his abilities in any way. It was something he’d done so many times in other ways that it was nothing more than making a sandwich.
“Actually, a sandwich might be more interesting,” Runner said to no one. “The portal will be fun to make. Try something new.”
Looking over to his weapon racks, he saw artifact upon artifact for random situations. They were ready to be distributed as needed for everyday situations. Rewards and awards to be thrown into a battle lottery or something of that nature.
“Should probably try my hand at mobile artillery. Or simple vehicles. Wheeled vehicles for civilian use. But do I want cars everywhere? Not really.”
I’m bored. I enjoy life. I’m very privileged, but I miss… wandering around. And now as emperor, I’ll see even less than that.
Runner turned his mind to future projects, goals, anything he could do to keep himself busy.
And then an idea struck him. One that left him excited, even a little breathless.
Smiling to himself, he shoved the idea to the back of his head for his subconscious to chew on. Sitting up, he decided to go see Lobu.
Talking to the straightforward Hal
f-Orc tended to help him clear the cobwebs.
He picked up the three Paladin creation weapons, shoved them into his inventory, and then fumbled for the return button.
/GMHub Return
Teleporting…
Popping back into existence in his personal room, he confirmed there were no changes. Checking his minimap, he didn’t see anyone at Lobu’s, which meant he was free to do as he pleased and be left alone.
Deciding on his activity, he went over to the door, opened it, looked around, and caught the eye of his on-duty lieutenant.
“Hey, I think I’d like to hit Lobu’s. I’ll remain here and get ready while you do the same.”
“Yes, emperor,” said the officer, followed by a salute.
Closing the door, he shook his head once. It had been hard enough getting used to “lord” as his address. Now he had to do it all over again as they’d switched to calling him “emperor.”
After a brief search through his wardrobe he switched his armor out for more “city type” clothes that would help him blend in.
For the umpteenth time Runner fretted over the nameplate hovering about his head.
Naturals didn’t seem to notice it, or even acknowledge its existence. It still irked him though.
Giving himself a once-over, he saw he had a solid “nobody” appearance. He couldn’t stop people from recognizing him visually. Didn’t mean he’d make it easy for them.
He could always involve Satomi, but that would set up the possibility of having an escort.
He moved back to the door to his rooms, opened it wide, and then sat down in a chair in his antechamber to wait.
A voice in the back of his head told him to ditch his guards. Constantly.
He’d never done it since that was one of those classic “idiot hero” mistakes that people made in books and movies. His personal level of paranoia outweighed his desire to not be surrounded by guards.
The first to get back was a sergeant. Runner had deliberately stopped paying attention to their looks a long time ago. Runner made a point of nodding to her in acknowledgment and then dismissing her.
I’ve already hurt them all enough with my insistent flirting.
Otherlife Awakening: The Selfless Hero Trilogy Page 30