Chapter 34 - Episode: Home Sweet Home

Eric ran his hands through his hair, feeling the warm water rushing past. He'd already rinsed the suds and the sweat off of his skin, this was just for himself. It was relaxing, and centering. After the mission, he'd been given a clean bill of health. The armor had taken all the shock and tumbling he'd been through without him getting so much as a bruise. Even if he had, his passive enhancements would have righted it before they rolled back to base.

A clean up crew was sweeping the Under City for anything the Regulator might have left behind, and with the rising sun, the Haze had fled with the night. Rachel had proclaimed the Regulator dead and the remains were in her custody, awaiting a Regulator Representative's confirmation of its final destruction.

The General had determined the threat to be resolved. He'd told Eric that as soon as Eric filed his after action report, he'd be moved back to the inactive reserves. Major Bainsworth had returned some of his enhancements to their passive states. He could still lift a hundred kilos with one hand, but compared to what he could do unchained... marshmallows again.

“Did you wash behind your ears?” A smooth voice called out. Eric looked across the otherwise empty group shower and saw a tall dark skinned woman walking toward him, buck ass nude. Wow! She DOES have that same beauty mark, his inner thoughts wondered, as his eyes naturally went up and down. She had trophy scars, too. They were cosmetic discolorations on the skin, because the healing factors of active Enhanced soldiers healed wounds without much of a stitch.  Provided you weren't incinerated, or your head wasn't crushed, or your spine ripped out, or a number of other particularly gruesome and graphic ways that would kill a normal person anyway.

“Yes, Sergeant,” He said. “Why, are you here to wash my back?”

“Tempting as that is,” She said, “Very, very tempting,” She said as she returned the up and down assessment Eric gave her. “It just wouldn't be fair to my baby-girl.” She said. “She's already got that whole building of girls to fight off of you,” Wait, the whole building? “Besides, I've got someone special.” She smiled. “But I appreciate the chub all the same.” She nods toward his swelling manhood as she turns on the shower beside Eric.


“Just noticing the similarities.” Eric shrugged and she laughed. She was very similar to her daughter, and not just the chocolate brown tone of their skin, a particular beauty mark, and the subtle similarities in their nipples. They also were the same in how their plush lips curled slightly just before they smiled. The way they stood and looked a man up and down, then right in the eye is also spot on. After a moment, Eric turned his head and asked. “What did you come here to say then?” Zoe-Collete Stewart smiled broadly and looked at Eric sidelong from where she was standing in the shower spray.

“You did great out there.” She said. “That wasn't a normal run, by any means, and I wanted to let you know how I felt. You stuck your neck out for all of us, when you could have kept to the sidelines and just been an adviser in all this.” She said. Eric blinked and narrowed his eyes, some water running down his nose.

“I put on the uniform and swore the oath.” He said, firmly. “I don't make other people fight battles for me.” He said. “But I work for a living too, damn it.” He said, running a hand through his hair and Zoe-Collete laughed.

“Well, damn.” She laughed. “There's that spine, again.” She nodded. “Yeah, you'll be good for her, I can tell.” She nodded.

“She's been good for me,” Eric said, and he didn't just mean the previous night. “I can't turn my back on that.” Eric said, and Zoe's smile faded a little as she saw something past Eric's words.

“Alright then. Grab your slime, and put on some pants.” She said, and clapped him on the back. “I'll drive you home.” She said.

“Captain Rachel's gonna have to sit on that coffin jar until a Regulator flies out from the Capital, isn't she?” Eric asked. Zoe-Collete nodded. It was procedure for the individual claiming to have terminated a Regulator to watch over the remains until the final confirmation. It was a hold over from during the war, when Regulators, or the constructs under their control, would reassemble until the correct, and at the time, limited, means of permanently killing them was brought in.

“Yeah, the Smiling Sludge-Bot will be here soon, and gone just as fast.” She said.

“And I'm gonna miss Its visit? What a shame.” Eric shook his head, and Zoe laughed. She stepped forward and Eric blinked away water as she wrapped her strong fingers around the back of his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.

It started as a simple thing, her lips pressing against his. Then she pushed in with her tongue, and lifted her leg to brush against his inner thigh. Before he could reply in kind, she broke the kiss and stepped back. Eric was standing there, blinking, confused, and now at full mast. Zoe smiled and chuckled, but gave Eric's neck a firm squeeze.

“You don't be breaking my little girl's heart, Wyre. That or anything else of hers.” She said and Eric nodded. “Good man.” She winked and let him go, before spinning on a heel and walking out of the showers. Eric stood there for a moment, erection still strong, and chuckled. Apples and Trees, right? He thought to himself.

Eric and Zoe set out for the apartment around nine. They didn't hit any traffic as they seemed to hit every green light, and for a Saturday, the city was rather quiet. Saturday. Had everything happened in barely one week? Maz, Gene, Cornelia, Donna, Joanna, Rachel, and Belle. Seven women in fewer than that many days. He looked over to Zoe as she drove and couldn't help but wonder if she knew just how many ladies he'd taken to bed since he'd gotten there.

He sighed aloud. There was still so much to do. The lessons with Joanna's students, while not pressing, were a promise he wanted to keep. Finding out whom was responsible for Drip, and what their plans were, was a serious issue, but one that would take time for Gene to crunch into the data.  

Then there was the Bitch and her schemes. She'd have to burn for using his name like that. She'd skirted the legal repercussion of keeping it, by Eric's legal team not putting that into the prenuptial, but the spirit of her spite would still get her a taste of old school farm family justice.      

As they stopped in front of the apartment building, Eric paused. Something was wrong. At this hour there should still be some people heading for work. He checked his watch as he walked up the steps. Zoe noticed his tension, but said nothing, and followed two steps behind him, and in a posture that would let her grab him if something 'popped up'. It was a 'casual stack' as they came up to the doors. They'd been tinted. Why? Eric tightened his grip on Drip's case as he stepped forward.

Then the doors slowly opened, and Gene's pigtailed head popped out. Eric looked down at her porcelain smooth features and her mischievous hazel eyes. She stepped part of the way out, and her short, but stacked, figure was visible. She wore a black dress that hugged her ample breasts, but barely contained her heart stopping ass.  “I told them a surprise party would be a bad idea.” She said, and Eric and Zoe both froze in their tracks. “You two look like you're about to burst a vein.” She grinned and pushed the doors open wider.  

“WELCOME BACK!” Came a chorus of voices, voices that to Eric seemed mostly female in nature. As he stepped into the entry way of the apartment, Gene stepped up to give him a hug and he returned it. She didn't even flinch when Drip wurped against the boundaries of her container to try and hug her.

Eric saw Maz first, her tall form standing out among the crowd. Her strong build and light brown skin powering her powerful claps. She looked like she had just come back from her shift, as she still wore most of her work attire, just peeled down to show off her muscled body.  Next to her was Cornelia, who looked like she'd just gotten out of the shower.  Her hair was pulled back into a simple pony tail, and her sharp features seemed to relax as she saw Eric walk safely through the front doors. Donna looked like she'd been up all night, her subtle curves and slender body standing a little stressed, compared to normal. However, she was smiling and clapping with everyone else. 

Joanna was cheering beside both Amanda Andrews and Julia Amberly, and... were they wearing Cheerleader outfits? From his Alma Mater? Eric's jaw dropped as three pairs of incredible, mind boggling breasts, bounced and jiggled, contained by specially engineered fabric. Joanna's silver hair had been tied into two handle bar twin-tails as her incredible body bounced up and down between the two newlywed wives, blonde Amanda and raven haired Julia, and the effect was... stunning. He didn't look down to see if they were wearing the stockings along with the skirts, flicking his eyes somewhere, anywhere, else.

The old man was standing with his golden age girls, all of them clapping and congratulating him as he and Zoe were drawn deeper into the crowd. There were lots of faces he'd seen in passing, names he half heard as they tried to reintroduce themselves. Then there was a smart clapping that cut through the din.

“Alright alright,” Anna-Belle Stewart's voice cut through the crowd; being heard without having to raise her tone. “Let's give the heroes some room.” The crowd parted and as it did, Eric got a clear sight of Belle. She was wearing her bright red blouse, a matching skirt, pantyhose, and heels. Her long curly hair was held back by a hairband. She looked the picture of professional, and Eric kicked himself mentally that he didn't recognize Zoe was related the moment he'd laid eyes on her. She didn't look happy, though, at all the commotion. 

Belle took a few long strides to reach where Eric and Zoe were standing before a smile broke over her professional frown. “Welcome back, Eric.” She said. “Good to see you, Mom.” She added. Well if there was any doubt left, that voice in his head chimed in. 

“Good to see you too, sweetie.” Zoe said with a more motherly tone than Eric had heard from her. More than a few people in the crowd seemed surprised that this woman was Zoe's mother, of all relations, Amanda and Jessica included. However the more tenured residents didn't bat an eye, and seemed more interested in how the exchange was going to play out.

“I'm glad you brought my Technician back, Mother. It's hard enough to find a fully certified one, these days, let alone one as hard working-” Zoe opened her mouth, “as hard working,” Belle spoke over her mother's attempted interjection, “as Eric is.”

“Well, I did suggest they promote him, see if that would keep him on the active list.” She said, and shrugged. Wait, she did that? Holy Hannah. “But he said he had a job here, and wasn't going to walk away from it.” Zoe crossed her arms. “So that's that,” she said, and met her daughter's piercing stare.

Eric looked between Mother and Daughter, trying to read the exchange of their matched looks. They really could have been Sisters, how closely they looked in appearance. Eric wasn't the best judge of people's appearance though. He recalled when he mixed up three different brothers for each other, back on the Farms.

Eric wasn't the only one watching the stare-down. Gene was muttering something to Cornelia. Maz was muttering odds to the Old Man. Joanna was being flanked by the newlyweds with whispered questions about Zoe. There was muttering all around and Eric scratched the back of his head, as the noise started to grow.

“Look, um, everyone?” He said and looked around. The noise all stopped and dozens of pairs of eyes were all looking at him. “Fuck,” He whispered. “Listen, I've had a long couple days, so if it's alright with everyone, I'd just like to head up to my room?” He said.

Truth be told, he was was tired, and when he looked into Belle and Zoe's eyes, they saw it. Whatever might have been going on, the next look they exchanged silently put it on hold.  

“I should probably get back to base anyway.” Zoe said and scratched her head.

“Do you have to go so soon?” Belle asked. “I've got the guest room,” She offered. Eric looked back at Zoe, the General had given everyone on the mission a forty-eight hour leave, starting at daybreak as reward for a job well done. Zoe looked to the side.

“Well... I could try a bed that's not regulation for once.”

“Oh?” Belle cocked her head. “I've got an Army cot tucked away just for when you decide to visit, remember?” She smiled. Zoe laughed and Belle started laughing too. Eric sighed and noticed that most of the crowd had dispersed.  

Joanna stepped up, and Eric realized she was in the full uniform, stockings and all. Damn it, who'd she finger to get three of those uniforms in sizes that fit these overly busty beauties? She coughed, politely, and Eric's stare snapped up from her figure to her face.

“Glad to see I've got your attention.” She said with a smile.

“You've got more than that,” Maz laughed as she wrapped an arm over Eric's shoulder, but her laugh died as the Old Man rubbed his thumb against his fingertips, and she handed over a small wad of cash.  

“Well, I just wanted you to know that my invitation to sit in on a lesson is still open,” She said with a smile. “Though I understand if things are going to be busy for you in the coming weeks.” She said. Eric nodded.

“Yeah, I get the feeling they will be.” He nodded, “But thank you. When are your classes again?”  

“Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.” She said, “Just let me know and I'll get a pass.” She said again, “By the way, do you like the outfits?” She said, and gestured to the two wives on either side of her.

“How the hell did you even get those?”

“Oh,” She smiled, and tapped a painted nail against her lips. Eric noticed they were the blue and violet colors of his school too. “That's something to discuss later, over coffee and cake?” She winked.

Maz laughed from her place behind Eric. Cornelia and Gene chuckled, and Zoe took in the sight as she gauged how some of the women were reacting. Belle just smiled and enjoyed the warm feeling in the room.

“Sounds good,” Eric replied, and Joanna beamed brightly. She moved in and gave Eric a quick kiss on the lips before backing off.

“Hey now,” A dusky voice breathed down his neck. “I'm the one who nearly got in trouble with her boss about all this Regulator business.” Maz whispered low. “Am I gonna be able to get some 'coffee' too?” Maz squeezed a little tighter.  

“And your little... project...” Gene said, softly, as she stepped closer, “Has me so busy decoding, I'm at risk of falling behind on my material.” The shorter woman pressed her ample chest against Eric's abs. “Care to help me build up a buffer?” She winked.

“Okay, ladies.” Cornelia said, coming to the rescue, “Give the man some room, he's had enough voracious she-beasts over him for one night.” She said. Yeah, nearly getting eaten by a Drake, that was fun. Maz pulled Eric back a little to give him a kiss, then let Eric bend forward for one from Gene. “I said back off,” Cornelia laughed and took Eric by the shoulder and helped him through the last of the crowd toward the elevator, Belle and Zoe following. 

When the doors closed, Eric tightened his grip on Drip's carrier. The tiny slime was wobbling too and fro, happy to be back in familiar territory.

“Cornelia?” Eric said, and the woman looked at him. “Thanks.” He said. She smiled and looked like she wanted to do something, but held back. Eric reached out with his free arm and pulled her into a soft, gentle, kiss.

“Damn,” Zoe laughed. “He has his hands full here, doesn't he?” The woman asked her daughter. Belle smiled.  

“We do things fun here, Mom.” Belle said with a growing grin. “If you ever want to try it,”

“I'm not stepping on your turf, Sweety, besides you know-” Zoe held up a hand.

“I meant I could get you started on a building of your own,” Belle shakes her head, “Geez, Mom.”

The doors opened and Eric and Cornelia walked to her apartment first, while Belle pointed out the doors where the others lived, and Eric's place.  

“I saw the feed,” Cornelia said, when she was sure she was out of earshot of Zoe and Belle. “From Captain Rachel.” Eric's eyes widened.

“That's-”

“Classified, and she does have the authority to show it to me,” Cornelia spoke up, and Eric knew she was speaking about Rachel. “That was scary as hell, Eric. That thing it... it was going to come after Belle. Just because it wanted you for itself.”

“That's part of why Regulators are so... regulated.” Eric said. Cornelia frowned at his pun. “Look, what happened was the result of great training, and a sound plan, and some necessary improvising.” He added.  

“Is it always like that?” She asked. Eric cocked his head, was police work not as dangerous, in her mind? “Clear cut lines, where is a target, what's the objective, who is a bystander?” Oh. 

“No.” He shakes his head. “There's plenty of times where the 'fog of war' is as thick as the Haze, and it can be real dangerous going into a situation like that.”

“I figured.” She sighed. “Just, like opening a new case...” She said.

“Worried about where Drip's data is going to lead us?” Eric asked.

“Gene said that the decoding is going slow, and she's being careful not to trigger anything.” She said, “But she's seeing patterns in the data that look like either blueprints or building instructions of some kind.” She said. “Drip could be very, very important, dangerously so.” She said.

Eric's grip tightened further on the handle. “Eric I'd never support anything that would hurt you, but someone official might think its their duty to take her.” Cornelia stepped close and kissed Eric on the lips, melting the frown that was forming there.  

Drip had been quiet, and now she let out a small soft sound.

Wuuurpp The little slime warbled and Cornelia bent down to put her hand against Drip's clear case. “It'll be okay.” She said, and Drip pressed against the case, toward Cornelia's hand, and relaxed.

Corenlia stood back up, she and Eric said a few more words of 'good morning' and Corenlia went inside. Eric stepped back and turned toward his room. Zoe and Belle were standing outside, talking.  

“Turning in for the morning?” Zoe asked. Eric nodded, and Belle opened her arms. Eric almost fell into them as he wrapped her up in a hug, that she returned. “Aw, that's sweet.” Zoe laughed. Drip wurped happily at the signs of affection, and the three of them laughed, exhaustion clear in their voices.

“Eric,” Belle said, “Do you mind if I stay over?” She asked. Eric's eyes widened, and he shook his head.  

“Not at all, but... um. Why?” He asked. "Not to question a good thing, but-" He shrugged.

“Cause it's been a long night for me too, silly.” She said, holding him close, “and I'd like to make sure you're there when I wake up.” She said. Eric smiled and looked at Zoe.

“I'm fine, hero. I'm gonna crash at her place and raid her fridge.” She pointed at her daughter and Belle rolled her eyes. “You two get some sleep. Seriously. We all need it.” She yawned and headed back toward the elevator, a keycard in her hand.

Eric and Belle quietly entered Eric's room, and he saw where the curtains were still open, and the railings were still twisted. The lights were off, and Eric didn't feel like turning them back on, as Belle closed the door behind him.

“She's gone, isn't she?” Belle asked, pity in her voice.

“Yes.” Eric said, as he felt her arms wrap around him. Belle didn't say anything, as the two of them moved to the bedroom. Eric didn't say anything as he let Drip back into her little habitat. Neither of them said a word as they climbed into bed, and into each other's arms, and let dreamless sleep take them.

Wurp 

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Special thank to Skiratas and Aeronator for all the Editing help!

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