Alema Ven representing the Federal Star States

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

Alema glared at the alarm clock, just out of reach of her tired hand. Its noise was taunting her, like fingernails on a chalkboard. Every cell in her body was begging her to continue sleeping, and she wanted to oblige them. Her fingers were just brushing past the snooze button, just a few more millimetres.

She got it. And merciful silence was her reward. Alema threw herself back onto her sheets, the cooling of the mattress slowly luring her back to sleep. At least until there was a cruel, evil banging on the door.

“Alema, sweetie, it’s time to wake up. I have your breakfast ready, and it’ll be time for school soon.” Her infuriatingly sweet voice of her mother said from the other side of her door.

“Five more minutes.” Alema groaned, but it was all in vain. Her mother had flicked the switch, and Alema’s bedroom’s video ceiling had changed from its comfortable night sky to a bright sunset. Shielding her eyes from the artificial sun that seemed to burn her like she was a vampire. “MOM!”

“School’s in twenty minutes Alema.” Her mother sighed from outside as the shutters of Alema’s curtains opened with a bang, letting in more of that nasty sunlight. Her head felt like it had split in two, and Alema was still nursing it when she stumbled out of her bed and towards the full-body mirror.

The party last night hadn’t done Alema’s head any favours this morning. Even if she hadn’t stumbled into her bed so early in the morning, the alcohol she had drunk was giving her a splitting hangover. Thankfully, a quick anti-hangover pill and the headache was gone and she was able to look at herself in the mirror.

Alema was a Ketrik, one of a thousand different species that made up the Federal Star States, but more uniquely also part of the original five species. More interesting, though, to the average member of the States was that they had some of the prettiest women out of all the thousands of species. Smooth skin that felt like latex to the touch, bodies that effortlessly formed hourglass figures, breasts where D-cups were considered small, and faces that were always effortlessly pretty and could only be highlighted further by makeup.

"Maybe the party did go on a bit too long." She admitted to herself sheepishly in the mirror. “Still looking good.”

She gave her reflection a cheeky little finger gun but was quickly snapped out of it by another friendly reminder from her mother about the time. She darted around to put on her uniform for school, and hoped her teachers wouldn’t complain too much. Alema supposed she should have folded it properly, but on the other hand she was busy.

She plopped downstairs and found Mom had laid out pancakes with whipped cream. Enough to make any woman’s stomach grumble, and their mouth savour. “Smells amazing, Mom.”

Her Mom smiled with pride as she moved to water the floors. Like most homes on the planet, Hutira plants were shoved into every square inch of people’s homes you could find. A wall that wasn’t hanging a decoration from it became a vertical garden; the tops of wardrobes and cupboards became flowerbeds; the backs of cupboards and chests of drawers became vine beds. They cleaned the air, reversed the climate change and simply smelled and looked pretty, and though most households would simply leave maintenance to the drones, Alema’s mother Vylara always preferred to do the gardening herself.

“I’m glad, dear. You know, back when I was your age, we couldn’t have pancakes like these so often. We had to have this crazy thing called a diet.” She teased as she watered one of her favourite plants. "Had to always watch our sugar intake to avoid becoming as big as a whale."

“Sounds like dark times." Alema shot back as she munched her way through the syrup-glistening pancakes, laced with sugar. "Very dark times."

"Indeed. I have to admit the cure for obesity is definitely one of the best inventions in recent years." Mom said, taking a sip of O.R.F (Obesity Removal Formula) juice. A bottle of formula that advertised: 'A glass a day and you can munch away!' "Make sure you take a glass, Alema."

"Mom, I'm twenty-one years old now. Do you really have to mother me so much?" Alema moaned as she took a drink of the fizzy red formula and shuddered. It tasted like rotten strawberries, but it freed Alema to eat much more delicious and artery-clogging food long term.

"Well, darling, I'm a motherly person, and right now you're the only other person in the house, so I'm afraid I'm going to mother you, Alema, whether you like it or not." Mom wagged a teasing finger. "Now, did you get your homework done?"

A bit of pancake dropped out of Alema's gaping jaw. "Well, you see, Mom, about that. You see..."

Her mother sighed, but she was neither angry nor disappointed; she had expected this. "Why do I even bother sending you to school?"

"Well, why not? It's not like I'm planning on becoming an engineer or scientist. I was thinking of focusing on self-enhancement and advancement of the Star States. I think I'd be much more interested in advancing the cause of the States as an entertainer or a movie star than I would as anything else.” Alema said, half seriously, half jokingly.

“We’ll consider it, Alema, but you must remember the cheerleader squad.” Her mom said warmly, not even considering it a problem, and why should she? Everyone in the Star States was free to pursue their dreams without anxieties about their careers or money.

“Oh of course not, can’t imagine abandoning them. Especially when Mina joined a week ago, she deserves to have me supporting her when she starts out.” Alema was the cheerleader captain at the school and, like all of the States, she didn’t discriminate about who could join her squad. Even shy, introverted girls like Mina. But that point was overshadowed by another worrying question. “Mum, do you think Tema and Dad are alright?"

Her mother's face softened with worry, her forehead furrowed with anxiety. "I don't know, Alema. I just don’t know.”

Tema was Alema’s older sister, and as soon as she was of age, she had joined her Dad in a life of adventure. They’d joined up with a group of smugglers to save slaves from the Gestalt Empire; it was going well for a while, but they hadn’t heard back from them for a year. “Did the navy say anything when you last contacted them?”

Mom accidentally tore the leaves off a palm tree she had been caring for. “Those useless bureaucrats? They couldn’t even remember Gerald’s name without their lists. All they do is tell us to be patient and that no news is good news. Bullshit. Utter bullshit.”

There was a moment of anger simmering in her mother’s eyes, but it passed quickly with a sigh. “I’m sorry, Alema, I’m just frustrated. I don’t think there’s anything more we can do. No one in the nation wants to risk a war, not when the Gestalts still outnumber us.”

Alema placed a comforting hand on her mother’s back, patting it softly. “I know, Mom. I hate it too. I feel so helpless. I just wish…I wish there was something we can do.”

Alema once considered following her father and older sister in a life of adventure to see if she could find them. But she couldn’t leave her Mom behind alone, and she knew that if the worst happened… then Mom would never be the same.

“You’re being here, Alana. You’re being your upbeat, happy self, and that’s enough.” Mom said, reaching over and guiding Alema’s hand away. “And you’ve still got school, and you haven’t dropped out yet.”

Alema eyed the clock and sighed. She wanted to be late; she wanted to stay with Mom, but she could tell her mother didn’t want to be the reason for Alema to be late. So she said her goodbyes and walked out the door. She was almost late; the bus was just about to take off when Alema saw it, and it was already half a foot off the ground when she jumped on.

The bus ride itself was more relaxing, thankfully, and Alema was able to set the massage seats to maximum vibration to relax her on the route. Her classes were quite as boring as ever, whether it be space society, basic quantum physics, interdimensional geometry or English. Alema felt her eyes glaze over and her head pound against her brain as she was bombarded with useless information.

But second by second, minute by minute, the clock ticked down towards the time to cheerleading club, and finally it reached four o'clock. Punching the air with two fists to celebrate her freedom from boring academics, Alema rushed down to the gym. She found most of her team had already changed into their outfit, including her best friend Mina. Yet Mina stayed in the changing room on a bench, and it was clear to Alema that her nerves had taken the better of her.

“Mina, the team is waiting for you,” Alema said softly, but she knew it wouldn’t be that easy.

“I can’t go out there, Alema. Cheerleaders are for popular girls, not nerdy girls like me. Everyone will be laughing at me." She admitted glumly.

Alema put a hand on Mina's back. "You remember what you said the night I told you you were my best friend?"

"Yeah, I said you were crazy. I was a nobody, and you were the most popular girl in school. But you insisted that you call me your best friend and tell everyone anyway." Mina admitted, her cheeks blushing with embarrassment. As if the thought of being Alema's best friend was shameful somehow.

"You said that people would laugh at me. But you know what I told everyone anyway because it’s true, Mina." Alema said, clapping her on the back. "It's true because of how you tutor me through the grades, because you were there when Dad and Tema disappeared and because you’re a sweet and helpful girl.”

“Alema please,” Mina begged, but Alema wasn’t going to let her be modest.

“Some people laughed at me, but I just laughed at them. After all, they weren’t the ones with a wonderful friend like you.” Alema said, wrapping her arms around Mina.

“Stop.”

“So if people start laughing at you for being on the cheerleader team, and I remind you it’s a big if, then you just laugh right back at them because they’re not lucky enough to be a cheerleader on a wonderful, supportive team or brave enough to be on that stage.” Alema playfully punched Mina in the arm. She was shaking her head, but her smile betrayed her.

Sadly, Alema wasn’t able to convince Mina to go onto the pitch because they were suddenly interrupted when both of their data devices started blaring in their pockets.

“GAH! What the hell?” Alema got out her phone, but it refused to turn off. “What the hell is wrong with this thing? We were having a moment here!”

“It’s an emergency announcement.” Mina eyed her phone with dread. “And election. It must be important.”

She looked to Alema. The Star States always sought a consensus with its people when it came to the most important decisions of statecraft. Stuff like taxes, war, welfare- the Senate would always come to the people to vote on, and after all, why wouldn’t they? These were the decisions that affected the most people, and it only made sense that the people of the Star States got their direct say. It also helped that the culture and spirit of the different planets were much more willing to make selfless and painful decisions for the greater good.

“But there wasn’t a referendum today. I would have studied it. What’s going on?” They looked at each other, and Alema was just as lost as Mina. Similarly, at that very moment, trillions of lives throughout the different planets of the FSS were also looking at their phones, wondering what in the stars this emergency message was about.

Soon a video was playing: a livestream of Nuren Armkana, Grand Senator, and the leader of the F.S.S. stood before a podium before the Senate and the states. Armkana was the picture of poise, elegant but also compassionate and kind. Well known for her reforms making refugee immigration easier and more humane, along with her resolve against the Gestalt Empire by setting up underground smugglers to rescue slaves there. Alema also noted that she happened to be a Nuoriti just like her Dad and sister.

"People of the Federal Star States, I come to you to request your voice in a momentous decision." She declared, her voice ringing out with regal authority. "Before me, I have an opportunity. To save our ancestors, our brothers and sisters who remain in bondage with the Gestalt Empire."

The screens on their phones changed, suddenly becoming an invitation. It was sent like an email, and even if one would under ordinary circumstances doubt or mistrust such a thing, it was almost impossible to do so under these circumstances. Something deep in Alema's soul told her with absolute certainty that this offer was genuine, and looking over to Mina, she knew that Mina agreed.

People of the Federal Star States,

You have been invited to send a champion to partake in a contest of nations. Should you participate, the people of the Federal Star States will be reunited with all those still enslaved under the Gestalt Empire. Should your champion prove victorious, they will also receive one free wish of whatever they want. Upon acceptance, your champion will be summoned to us immediately.

We are eager to hear your reply.

Mina and Alema looked at each other, hearts thumping in their throats. A chance to end slavery in the galaxy forever? If she did that, then Tema and Dad... they'd be reunited once again. Assuming that they were still alive. No, they had to still be alive.

"Alema..." Mina said, looking at Alema, the implications clear on her face. But before they could say another word, the video switched back to the Grand Senator. She took a heavy breath, as if the next words she spoke would be the most important words in her life. Which it most likely was.

"I will not lie to you; this is a risk. We are playing with gods beyond our comprehension; we know nothing of their motives and goals. But we have little time to consider their offer, as we do not know if there is a time limit or if they might change their mind. There may indeed be a catch, but we know for certain that should we agree and should we win, we will be reunited with those enslaved by the Gestalts.”

Armkana took a deep breath, her eyes blazing with bravery. “Were it left to me, I would take the challenge; we are the Star States. We are the refuge from the horrors and evils of the galaxy and a symbol of virtue, hope and freedom. Let us once more follow through on that promise and fight for a future where none will be slaves again!”

She raised her fist to the air, and the screen cut away to a simple choice. Do we take the challenge? Mina turned to Alema.

“Alema?” She was looking to Alema for guidance, or perhaps for warning, but there was no point; Alema’s thumb had already pressed yes.

“Dad, Tema, we’re going to be reunited again,” Alema whispered like it was a prayer.

“Alema, what if it all turns out to be a trap? A monkey’s paw situation?” Mina asked, her thumbs nervously twiddling around her phone.

“Mina? Who cares? We can’t ignore the chance. We’re meant to be the free planets, but we can’t say that if everyone is okay with letting people be enslaved.” Her eyes were narrowed as she clutched her phone as if Mina would steal the phone away from her.

“Alema, I know you want to save your sister and Dad. But what if we lose the competition? It says what will happen if we win, but not if we lose.” Mina says tentatively. Alema's fists clenched. Why was Mina questioning this? What did it matter if we lose?

"What if we win, Mina? Imagine if we were the champions who won? Come on, can't you think of what you would do with a wish like that?" If Tema and Dad were dead... could Alema?

"It would be nice." Mina mused before shaking her head. "Come on, Alema, don't be crazy. Even if the vote does happen, there's no way we'd be the champions."

She glanced at her phone; the vote was around fifty-fifty; a few votes could seal it. But time was running out fast; perhaps the Senate feared a deadline approaching. If it failed, then Alema's best chance...

Alema seized both of Mina's hands and pleaded into her eyes. "Please. It's for Tema and Dad. Please, Mina, for me."

Alema poured every trace of her desperation, her hope and her fears into her voice. This might be her best, her final chance to see her family again, and to save the lives of trillions from a lifetime of slavery. Mina’s expression cracked, and her thumb fell onto the agreement button.

The final vote was slim; a handful of votes could have swung it. But in the end it passed. “I hope we haven’t made a huge mistake.”

Alema could not find it in herself to worry about Mina’s doubts. She had hope right now, hope, and she wouldn’t let it go.

“Don’t worry Mina it’ll be-“

And then Alema was gone.

Alex Mason

Alex had seen many women today. He noted that all of them were pretty women in their own ways, and every single one of them was out of his league. He also was aware that every single one of them came from worlds he’d only read about. Alternate histories, fantasy, even comic books.

But this was the first time it really dawned on Alex. “She’s a Twilek?”

The Twilek was as stunned as the rest of them, looking around the room like she was stepping into a cell. But then did something that none of the other girls did. She smiled.

“Oh, I’m the champion? You chose me? Hey everyone, I’m Alema! Guess we’re competing in the contest then. Good luck!” She waved at the other five contestants, few of whom seemed to be eager to wave back. Synergy gave her a thumbs up at least, whilst Vanite gave her an elegant nod.

Ashara was the only one who responded verbally, but the hand that waved to Alema was stiff and awkward, just like her voice. “Hey.”

Alema’s smile softened as she became more and more aware of the underlying tension in the room. Her yellow eyes like fire scanned the room and found Alex sitting on the oversized throne. “So are you the judge in this contest? Will you let me say something to my people?"

"Umm..." She asked so innocently, and it was, in some ways, the most attention Alex ever remembered getting from a woman in his whole life, apart from his mom, of course. "I think she's the host."

He lifted a single finger at Hera whose reaction could not be any more different that Alex. Striking a pose with an outstretched hand and a proud grin. "That would be me, my darling. The Great, the Fabulous, THE UNBELIEVABLY SEXY HERA!"

Confetti and fireworks sprang out of thin air, but despite that, and the energetic showroom music, a dead silence could be felt. One that Hera clearly picked up on as she quickly recomposed herself, grumbling all the while. "Everyone's a critic."

"Hey, don't feel bad, I'm sure we're all just nervous. You mind if I say some things to the Star States? They are watching, right?"

In an instant, Hera's swagger returned to her, and she marched across the stage. "In just a moment, darling, first we need to get all the contestants up to speed on who exactly you are. Al, cue the film!"

"My name is Dio-" A meek woman's voice cried from far away.

"Just do it!" Hera snapped, and immediately a large flatscreen turned into the flag of the Federal Star States.

"It's your classic Star Trek future: utopian, pretentious, and always eager to preach about how much better they've got it than you. Highly advanced technology and establishing a Republic that's spread across several star systems. I have to say, it's quite advanced, and if you ever seek a taste of the high life and the high-tech life, I'd make special note of the planet of Hutria. Coincidentally, both the capital and Alema's home are here."

"But that's merely the icing on the cake. The real treat is the bustling amount of different alien life in the city. Want to know where it came from? Well, it's a long story, but it's important, so listen up." Hera snapped her fingers, and suddenly Star Wars-themed music started playing. “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there existed the Gestalt Empire. Cruel slavers who were the first species in the galaxy. They went from world to world, crushing primitives who couldn’t fight back. They were brutal, cruel and endlessly greedy.”

The screen changed to a display of a village being burned, of spaceships raining down fire and thousands of different species being led away in chains. Alex could only bear to look for a brief moment, wincing as he looked away. He noticed Ashara and Alema watching with grim resignation; Mary seemed to be as horrified as Alex. Vanite’s expression was one he couldn’t recognise, but she too was staring at the screen, while Synergy and Orbita seemed to be bored. Synergy was even snoring.

“Despicable.” Lady Vanite said, shaking her magnificent head.

Hera looked at Lady Vanite with an odd expression that Alex couldn’t quite place. “In any case, naturally the dear slaves had a bit of a problem with that, so they rebelled. Sadly, they lost, but a few thousand ships survived to carry on the fight, carrying a couple of million survivors of different species. They arrived at Hutria and promised to create a new society where all would be free and taken care of. Surprisingly, as you can see, they succeeded."

Hera gestured to the screen, and Alex had to admit he could see what she meant. Hutria was a beautiful tropical paradise, and the skies were cleaner than he had ever seen. There seemed to be no alleyways any less pristine than the main streets, no homeless people, and aliens and humans of a thousand different species seemed to be living in harmony. It seemed like a paradise.

"Alas, though, over the four hundred years since its creation, the people of the Federal Star States had a dream. A dream to return to the Gestalt Empire that they once failed to save. Sadly, the development of those annoying black hole torpedoes made it a little tricky to start another war. That tricky mutually assured destruction makes it a little tricky, sadly. But they're not giving up-"

"Which is why I'm here!" Alema declared, her voice filled with passion and determination. Hera's smile became a glare that Alema was oblivious to. "Because I'm going to win this contest, and whether it's with my wish or simply by competing, I'm going to free our ancestors of the Gestalt Empire and bring freedom to the galaxy once and for all."

She then started walking to her chair and took a seat, waving to everyone around her. Alex had to recognise her ability to put on a smile as something reassuring, and he was able to smile ever so slightly. But that ended almost immediately when he heard a dark, threatening snort of laughter.

Alex could feel the hairs on his neck stand on end, and from the corner of his eye he could see each of the six contestants also react in fear. The smiles dropped from Alema and Synergy's faces; Orbita and Lady Vanite's fingers clutched the armrest of her chest; Ashara's feet shifted as if moving to a battle position, though she said she sat down, and Mary’s face turned white.

“Oh, I’m so very, very sorry, Alema. But I’m afraid you won’t be getting exactly what you want.” Hera’s voice had no trace of remorse nor sympathy; instead, it oozed malice and glee. “You see, the very last thing that will happen at the end of this contest is for anyone in any of your nations to be free.”

Alema very visibly gulped; the smile on her face disappeared now “Wh-what are you talking about?”

“You six are merely the champions, the representatives of this game. Your nations and all their people will be taking part in this contest.” Hera said, chuckling smugly. “The champions, my dear Alex, are only here to show you what their nations can offer you, offer you as your slaves. For this is not a game, Alema, or any of you, about freeing people. It’s about embracing a life of slavery.”

“THIS!” The screen behind Hera changed and a massive exaggerated image of the word ‘This’ appeared. “IS! HAREM HOTEL!”

A/N: Using a new AI in this chapter and onwards. It’s free and allows me access to more loras, but several images may look different form here on now.