"And one more thing," C.C. adds, her golden eyes holding yours with unusual directness. "When you do finally colpse into those twelve-hour hugs... make sure someone keeps watch. The hostile factions observing your operations won't wait for you to finish resting before making their move. You've been extremely visible for the past eighteen hours. That window for asymmetric action I mentioned? It's closing fast."

  The LARC settles into position with a hydraulic hiss. Yusuke hops off first, stretching his arms overhead. Kenshin follows more carefully, offering a polite bow toward Albedo before scanning the vehicle deck with professional assessment.

  C.C. crosses her arms, waiting for your response.

  "Hostile factions have about ten minutes before we finish raising the anchors and activate Lightbend and Faraday Viel with the current Muffling Aura," you say aloud. "After that, I will bid them good luck finding an invisible, muted, signal-less ship on the open ocean. Plus, the fgs video should cause even more headaches as any form of former authority slips from under them."

  C.C. gives a small nod. "Practical."

  You gnce toward the ramp. Albedo is already directing the final tie-downs, her white dress catching the floodlights as she moves with calm authority.

  The well deck is nearly full now. Twenty-three motorhomes sit secured in rows, engines silent, interiors dark. The st few pallets of supplies are being moved into storage compartments below.

  You leave C.C. at the ramp and focus through the telepathy web. "Nami, raise anchors and get us moving south. We're pulling out now."

  Her response comes back distracted but immediate. "On it. Controls are here."

  You turn to find Albedo already approaching, golden eyes sharp despite the hour. Rika enters from the vehicle bay, her SAT training evident in how she moves. "Rika, Albedo, with me. COMMS room."

  The three of you move through the ship's corridors, your boots echoing on metal decking. The communications room is tucked behind the bridge, a cramped space lined with radio equipment and computer terminals. You drop into the operator's chair and start pulling up the secure naval frequency.

  "What are we broadcasting?" Albedo asks, standing at your shoulder.

  "Something that's going to cause a shitstorm," you reply, fingers moving across the keyboard. "But it needs to happen before we disappear."

  The connection establishes after twenty seconds. Captain Webb's voice comes through, professional but clearly tired. "Brad, it's past three in the morning. This better be important."

  "It is. I need you and Reeves to watch something before you broadcast it fleet-wide." You queue up the video file. "Fair warning - this is going to piss off a lot of captains. But they need to hear it."

  There's a pause. "Send it."

  You transmit the file and wait. Three minutes pass in silence. Albedo remains perfectly still beside you, reading something in the ambient tension. Rika leans against the doorframe, arms crossed.

  Webb's voice returns, carefully neutral. "That's... bold."

  "It's necessary," you counter. "These ships are going to outlive every government on the pnet. The captains need to understand what that means before they accidentally pledge themselves to some warlord flying an old fg for propaganda."

  Another voice cuts in - Colonel Reeves. "He's not wrong, Webb. Half the captains out there are still treating this like a temporary crisis. They're waiting for orders from capitals that don't exist anymore. This forces them to confront reality."

  "It also undermines military discipline," Webb says, but his tone cks conviction. "Once captains start viewing themselves as independent actors rather than naval officers-"

  "They already are independent actors," you interrupt. "The enchantments remove their dependence on supply routes. I'm just making sure they understand it before they make choices they can't take back."

  Silence stretches for ten seconds.

  "Your timing is deliberate," Reeves observes. "You're broadcasting this right before activating stealth and going dark. That means we field all the immediate responses while you're unreachable."

  "Yeah," you admit. "That's part of it. But mostly I need this out there before I start enchanting more ships tomorrow. They deserve to know what they're signing up for."

  Webb exhales slowly. "Alright. We'll broadcast it. But Brad - this is going to fracture the fleet. Some captains will embrace it. Others will view it as treason. You're creating a divide."

  "The divide already exists," you reply. "This will just make it visible."

  "Give us ten minutes to prepare a response framework," Reeves says. "Then we'll send it fleet-wide."

  The connection cuts. You lean back in the chair, suddenly aware of how exhausted you are despite the enchantments maintaining your body.

  Albedo's hand settles on your shoulder. "They will broadcast it. And you are correct - it will cause chaos. But necessary chaos."

  Rika speaks from the doorway. "How many captains do you think will lower their fgs?"

  "Enough," you say. "And the ones who don't? At least they'll be making a conscious choice instead of operating on autopilot."

  You turn to Rika first. "Please check that the Well Deck gets emptied of seawater and closed before we get moving."

  Rika nods once, already moving toward the access dder. "Understood. I'll coordinate with the deck crew." Her boots ring against metal as she descends, efficient and precise.

  Albedo remains at your shoulder, golden eyes attentive. "Albedo, please get a headcount of who wants to join us on our flight to enchant innd locations in an hour. We'll have Robin, Bulma, Riveria and Violet staying to pilot the Apaches, and C.C. and Asia piloting the main flight, with whoever wants to come. It will likely be the st potential action we'll see for the next week or two."

  "Understood," Albedo replies, her voice smooth. "I will compile the list within fifteen minutes and present it for your review." She pauses, tilting her head slightly. "May I suggest announcing the opportunity via telepathy web? Several dimensional travelers are currently dispersed throughout the ship. Direct communication would ensure complete coverage."

  You consider that. "Good idea. Go ahead."

  Albedo's eyes unfocus briefly as she accesses the telepathy web. Her mental voice broadcasts clearly across the network: "Attention all dimensional travelers. Brad is organizing an innd enchantment mission departing in one hour. This will likely be the final combat-adjacent operation for one to two weeks as we migrate south. Volunteers should report their interest immediately. Robin, Bulma, Riveria, and Violet are confirmed as Apache pilots. C.C. and Asia will pilot primary transport. All others may choose to participate or remain aboard ship."

  Responses start filtering back almost immediately through the telepathy web. You can sense them as ambient chatter - Erza's immediate confirmation, Mikasa's terse agreement, Yoruichi's amused acceptance. Hinata asks a crifying question about expected threat level. Musashi simply states she will attend.

  Albedo refocuses on you. "Initial responses are positive. I estimate twelve to fifteen volunteers total, though several are requesting tactical briefing details before committing."

  "Fair enough," you say. "We'll do a full briefing once I know the exact targets. How long until well deck closure?"

  Rika's voice comes through the telepathy web. "Pumping systems active. Estimate seven minutes to full drainage, another three for ramp closure. We'll be sealed and ready to move in eleven."

  Albedo watches you carefully. "You should rest before the flight. Even fifteen minutes of actual stillness would help. The dimensional travelers will organize themselves - they don't require constant oversight."

  You're about to respond when Nami's presence brushes against your awareness through the telepathy web. "Anchors raised. Engine systems responding. We're mobile whenever you give the word." There's satisfaction in her mental tone - she's clearly enjoying the captain role.

  The vehicle deck around you is quiet now, the final LARC secured, supplies stowed. Through the open well deck you can see Trinidad Harbor's lights reflecting off dark water as the pumps drain seawater with mechanical efficiency.

  Albedo crosses her arms, waiting for your decision on how to use the next hour before departure.

  You send the thought to Nami through the telepathy web. "Check with Rika in ten minutes that the Well Deck is closed then activate Lightbend and Faraday Veil as we go."

  Her response comes back warm and immediate. "Will do."

  You turn to Albedo and gesture to follow as you head toward the lower deck. She falls into step beside you, golden eyes attentive.

  "You have three choices," you say as you pass down the dder. "Option 1: just you and me, clothes on, my beautiful Albedo holding me gently for an entire hour alone."

  Her expression doesn't change, but you sense her focus sharpening.

  "Option 2: you can ask Hinata to join us, undergarments only, holding me gently for an hour."

  You as you walk between the rows of secured vehicles.

  "Option 3: you can ask Hinata and Maria to join us, no clothes. I'm certain Maria will be willing to defend my two beautiful virgins from the evil lord. A good opportunity for the two of you to both add a second count to your challenges."

  Albedo's lips curve into a smile that's equal parts affection and predatory satisfaction. "You frame it as protection, but you know Maria will view it as orchestration." She tilts her head slightly. "And Hinata... you are aware she will agree out of duty rather than readiness?"

  "She has more desire behind her shyness than you give her credit for," you reply as reach the motorhome door and pause with your hand on the handle. "Still, I offer option one. Your choice entirely."

  She studies you for several seconds, golden eyes searching your face. Then she reaches out through the telepathy web.

  "Maria. Hinata. Brad has offered shelter from his own hunger. Join us in motorhome three. No clothes. We will hold him together and ensure neither of us yields more than gentle comfort allows."

  Maria's response comes back amused. "Oh? The architect of our contracts needs defending from himself? How delightfully honest."

  Hinata's reply is quieter, more hesitant. "I... if you believe it appropriate..."

  "It is appropriate," Albedo sends firmly. "And you will not be alone with him. We guard each other as much as we guard him."

  You feel Hinata's resolve steadying through the web. "Then I will come."

  Albedo turns back to you, satisfaction evident in her expression. "Option three. Maria will arrive in approximately ninety seconds. Hinata in two minutes. That gives you time to undress and expin what 'gentle holding' actually means in practice."

  She opens the motorhome door and steps inside. The interior is dim, only emergency lighting active. The bed dominates the rear space, queen-sized and neatly made.

  "You chose option three because you knew I would," Albedo observes, already unfastening her dress. "You wanted all three of us together. Not for conquest, but for... what? Reassurance? Connection?"

  She lets the bck dress pool at her feet and stands before you completely naked, confident and unashamed.

  "Both," you admit, pulling off your shirt. "And because an hour of being held by three women I trust sounds better than trying to rest alone."

  "Honest again." Albedo moves to the bed and lies down on her side, creating space. "Maria will take your lust. Hinata and I will share your sides. You will be thoroughly surrounded."

  Footsteps sound on the metal deck outside. Maria's voice carries through the door. "Arriving as summoned. Should I bring strategic innocence or tactical acceptance?"

  "Just yourself," you call back. "Albedo and Hinata are kissing, You're mounting."

  You crawl into bed beside Albedo and settle on your back, drawing her close. Your lips meet hers in a light kiss while both hands cup her breasts, feeling their weight and warmth through your fingers. She responds by deepening the kiss immediately, her tongue sliding against yours with practiced confidence.

  You drag one hand down between her legs, pressing your palm firmly against her pussy. Albedo's breath catches against your mouth, her hips shifting slightly to increase the pressure.

  The motorhome door opens. Maria steps inside already stripping, her succubus tail swaying behind her as she surveys the scene with obvious satisfaction. "Architect of our contracts needs defending from himself," she murmurs, moving to the bed with her panties dropping to the floor. "How delightfully honest."

  She straddles you in one smooth motion, reaching down to guide your cock inside her with practiced ease. The wet heat of her pussy envelops you completely as she settles her full weight down, taking you to the hilt. "There," Maria says, rolling her hips slowly. "You're properly mounted now. I won't leave until the next flight needs you."

  Albedo shifts beside you, golden eyes watching Maria's movements with analytical interest while your hand remains pressed between her legs.

  Footsteps sound on the metal deck outside. The door opens again and Hinata enters wearing her jacket and pants, her pale eyes wide with nervous awareness. She closes the door carefully behind her, fingers twisting together.

  "Hinata," you say, meeting her gaze directly while Maria continues her slow rolling rhythm above you. "Would you put on a slow show of stripping for us?"

  Her face flushes immediately. "I... yes." Her voice is barely audible.

  She starts with her jacket, sliding it off her shoulders with trembling fingers and letting it pool on the floor. The shirt follows more slowly, revealing pale skin and the simple bra beneath. Her hands hesitate at the waistband of her pants.

  "You're doing beautifully," you tell her, your own breath slightly uneven as Maria's pussy clenches around your cock. "Keep going."

  Hinata unfastens her pants and pushes them down, stepping out of them carefully. She reaches behind her back to unhook her bra, letting it fall away to expose her breasts and pink nipples. Finally she hooks her thumbs in her panties and slides them down, standing completely naked before the three of you.

  "Come here," you say, gesturing to the space on your other side. "Lie down beside me."

  She moves to the bed and settles carefully on your left, her body tense. You pull her tight against you with your free arm, capturing her lips in a long gentle kiss. She makes a small sound against your mouth, her tension gradually easing.

  When you finally break the kiss, you press your forehead to hers. "Thank you for the show. That was perfect."

  Maria continues her slow riding above you, her hands braced on your chest. Albedo's pussy is growing wetter under your palm. Hinata's naked body is warm against your side, her breathing quick and shallow.

  A moment of adjusting and you pull Maria into a kiss, tasting the satisfied smile on her lips as she continues her slow grinding rhythm. Her tongue slides against yours with nguid confidence before you break away.

  Albedo comes next, her golden eyes glowing softly in the dim light as you capture her mouth. She deepens the kiss immediately, possessive and hungry, her hips pressing harder against your palm.

  Finally you turn to Hinata, whose pale eyes are wide with nervous anticipation. You kiss her gently, feeling her tension gradually melt as she responds with shy enthusiasm.

  You settle back against the bed, one hand between Albedo's legs and the other between Hinata's, fingers stroking slowly through their wet heat. Maria's pussy continues its steady rhythm around your cock, her weight warm and grounding.

  "I'm on top of the world," you say, letting yourself rex into the sensation of three naked women surrounding you.

  For a full minute you simply enjoy it - the warmth of their bodies, the wetness coating your fingers, Maria's internal muscles clenching rhythmically. Albedo's breathing quickens as you stroke her, and Hinata makes small sounds in the back of her throat.

  Then you speak again. "Albedo, Hinata, would you like to rest for a few minutes like this first, or kiss me with your legs first, then rest?"

  Albedo's response is immediate. "Kiss with legs first. I want to feel your mouth on me before I close my eyes."

  Hinata hesitates, her face flushing deeper. "I... I don't know what that means exactly."

  Maria ughs softly above you, rolling her hips in a particurly deep grind. "It means he'll use his tongue between your legs until you come. It's quite pleasant."

  "Oh, t-that." Hinata's voice is barely audible. She looks at Albedo, then back to you. "If... if Albedo is doing it first, I can watch?"

  "Of course," you tell her. "That's the point. You'll see exactly what I'm going to do before I do it to you."

  Albedo shifts position smoothly, moving to straddle your face with her knees on either side of your head. Her pussy hovers just above your mouth, pink and glistening in the emergency lighting. "Then let's begin," she says, lowering herself slowly.

  Maria adjusts her angle slightly to give herself a better view while maintaining her steady riding. Hinata remains pressed against your side, one hand resting on your chest while she watches with wide eyes.

  You extend your tongue and taste Albedo properly for the second time - sweet and musky, already wet from your earlier touching. She makes a satisfied sound as you explore her folds with slow deliberate strokes.

  "See?" Maria murmurs to Hinata. "Nothing frightening. Just pleasure and trust."

  Hinata nods silently, her breathing quick and shallow as she watches your tongue work against Albedo's pussy.

  SnafuSam