Illusions
By Psycho
************************************************************************************************
Dazzler cringed inwardly as she pressed the door buzzer. The heavy feeling of dread refused to ease. She had screwed up, and now she would have to face the consequences.

“Come in,” a voice said briskly.

With a trembling hand, Dazzler pushed open the door. “You wanted to see me?” She asked meekly, not at all like her usual collected self.

“I did indeed, and I think you know the reason why. Have a seat.”

Dazzler lowered her head, avoiding the accusing stare. She sank down into one of the dreaded Hot Seats, the nickname for the small, uncomfortable chairs facing Phoenix’s desk. There were other plush seats, selectively offered. The hot seat was only one sign that all was not well.

Phoenix scowled at her, her body language was quite clear. She leaned against her desk; arms crossed, and studied Dazzler as if she were an insect. “Dazzler, I’m disappointed in you.” The dreaded words pierced Dazzler to the heart. “This shipment of energy was key to our operation in the northwest. Its loss cannot be easily ignored.”

Her voice was a choked whisper. “Nix, I don’t know what to say….”

Phoenix’s glare intensified and Dazzler realized her mistake. Never call the Firebird leader by her nickname when you are in the Hot Seat, no matter how close you are. The Hot Seat was for business, and the distance between the occupant and the interrogator was firmly established. The use of her nickname was a privilege not easily won, and using it in this context was an unacceptable display of implied familiarity.

Phoenix glowered for a moment, and then spoke. “It is your duty as Second in Command to insure that each shipment is properly guarded. I am aware that this falls into Kit’s department as well, but she tells me that she was misinformed about the shipment’s size and sent too few guards. The distribution of such information is your job. I am no longer sure that you can fulfill the demands of this job.”

Dazzler gaped. Phoenix could not take away her commission! This job was her life, and she devoted all her energy into it. This was where she belonged. “Commander, please give me another chance!” It sounded pitiful, even to her own ears. “I can do this, just let me prove it.”

Phoenix tapped the silvery metal of her desk with one finger thoughtfully. “Prove your worth, you mean? Yes, that seems appropriate.” Her voice changed slightly, softening a bit. “How far would you go for the Firebird cause?”
Dazzler struggled to answer. She was not sure how to reply.

“Would you follow my orders? No matter how odd they seem?”

“Yes,” Dazzler replied promptly. “I trust you entirely.”

“Even if I ordered the destruction of Earth?”

This shocked Dazzler profoundly. “I…I….”

“You wouldn’t do it,” Phoenix interrupted. “And you’d be right.
Sometimes one has to trust your instincts. The last thing I need is another mindless follower.”

“I believe in you, Phoenix. I’m here to do whatever you tell me to. Just say the word.” Dazzler realized that she was virtually gushing. Perhaps it wouldn’t do to seem too eager and servile.

Phoenix’s expression warmed slightly, dispelling its icy chill. She shifted her weight slightly and, as always, Dazzler’s attention was drawn to between her friend’s legs. Dazzler felt a warm glow flood through her, recognizing the familiar desire. How many times had the two of them clustered together, browsing through battle plans or creating new ones, occasionally brushing hands or even thighs?
Sometimes she had been able to shut out the signals from her body, other times it was all she could do to keep from screaming in frustration. Why did Phoenix have to be so damned attractive? She radiated power, grace and competence, and along with it a powerful sexuality. Phoenix seemed oblivious to this side effect, but Dazzler had seen the covetous glances that most of the males had thrown their leader’s way. This only added to Phoenix’s charisma.
Phoenix’s gaze became more intense as she placed her hand on her friend’s shoulder. She had done this countless of times before without giving it a thought, but there was something different. Dazzler could barely keep from squirming as her rather pleasurable discomfort grew.

“I need to know that you are still capable, Dazzler. I need to know that you can perform.”

“Perform?” Dazzler asked, confused. It seemed like an odd word to use to describe her position.

“Yes,” her leader murmured. “I want you to prove yourself to me.” In addition, slowly, unbelievably, Phoenix reached down and unzipped her pants.

Dazzler’s simmering desire burst into full-powered flame. She would think that she was dreaming, but the sight before her was too incredible to be imagined. She had fantasized about this moment for so long, about seeing her reserved superior exposed for her eyes’ pleasure.

She lifted his head and stared at Phoenix, unable to comprehend. “I order you to satisfy me,” Phoenix responded to the incredulous gaze.
Dazzler closed her eyes and whimpered as a surge of pleasure darted through her making her wet. This was so much better than her most daring fantasy. Hand trembling with nervousness and eagerness, knelt down, reached out and inserted her fingers into her vagina before rubbing it from the inside.

Dazzler was a little disappointed at the response. Phoenix did not even blink. There was only one thing to do about that. Dazzler thought to herself. Her strokes became more forceful and rhythmic, and the thumb of her other hand traced the ridge teasingly. Phoenix’s hips shifted slightly, allowing better access, but otherwise the Firebird leader remained impassive.

However, Dazzler was just getting started. She blew air gently on its heated surface and was rewarded by a shudder, which Phoenix could not manage to suppress. It was time to end the anticipation between both of them, and Dazzler leaned forward, flicking her tongue about, and kissed Phoenix’s crotch. Phoenix drew in air sharply, and Dazzler felt another thrill go through her. She began to stimulate the area with her mouth, and was positive she heard a whimper. She would crack that distant veneer yet.

With a knowing smile, she withdrew, ignoring Phoenix’s fists clenching in anger. With assured slowness she brushed her lips over Phoenix’s glistening vagina, paying direct attention to the most sensitive area with her tongue. Phoenix groaned, no longer able to deny her interest. “More,” she growled, and Dazzler knew she could not stop. She fondled the clit with her mouth, sucking it in earnest as she stroked her leader’s thighs and hips.

By now Phoenix had dropped all pretenses and was crying out insistently.

“Dazzler, if you stop now, I swear I’ll demote you to waste disposal manager,” she gasped.

Dazzler smirked. She could not have asked for a higher compliment. She shut her eyes and began to lick, sending her tongue darting over the now-fully-swollen lips, and relished the taste, the rhythm of the stimulation, and most of all, Phoenix’s vocal pleasure. Phoenix’s legs jerked and she grasped the desk behind her tightly. Dazzler opened her eyes. She would not miss this for the world.

“Almost…. Oh, Ares!” Phoenix stiffened, and then melted as her legs trembled. Dazzler felt hot fluid gush down her throat, and that combined with her friend’s soft cries of satisfaction was the sweetest thing she had ever experienced.

After the shudders died down, Dazzler rose stiffly. She could not bring herself to meet her friend’s eyes, staring guiltily at the floor. She could not believe what she had just done. It was incredible to finally live out her fantasies, but she knew that the real Phoenix would never accept any sexual experiences between them. This holoprogram was incredibly, enchantingly real, but she knew she was only deluding herself. She felt horrible for using the program to vent her frustration, especially since he had essentially just taken advantage of one of her best friends.

Dazzler lifted her head and stared at the likeness of the Firebird leader before her. Part of her was genuinely attracted to Phoenix, but another part, the part that remembered the strong friendship between them, was aghast. She had hoped to resolve her feelings with this program, but now she was even more confused than ever.

“You do good work,” Phoenix purred as she stood up and pushed Dazzler down to a nearby sofa. “Perhaps it’s time I showed my appreciation.”

“Oh, Phoenix,” she whispered helplessly, drowning in the dark green eyes. She was captivated, and all her reserves and protests melted away.

Dazzler was treated to another surprise as Phoenix’s eyes glowed into a fiery red and a pair of feathered wings emerged from the redhead’s black. Dazzler gasped at the sight as the large black plumed wings rose and spread out, feeling both frightened and aroused by the sight. Those wings made her look like some kind of dark angel and Dazzler almost wet herself at the thought. Her friend stroked her face, and then slowly began to remove Dazzler’s uniform before pressing her lips against Dazzler’s own. All coherent thought fled at the touch of her lips. Why had she never considered this? She had never thought that Phoenix had wings, or even that her friend would return the pleasure. Dazzler had only concentrated on what she wanted to do to her friend, and had completely ignored the reciprocal possibilities.

All thoughts were wiped out as she felt something fondle her crotch and when she looked down, she saw Phoenix’s other hand caressing her vagina, then slid one… two… three… four fingers in, leaving the thumb to rub the erect clitoris. Her vagina was alternately burning and melting, inflamed by the idea alone of what was happening. All too soon, she felt herself hitting the peak.

“Faster! Oh, Phoenix, don’t stop!” she pleaded frantically, feeling white-hot currents of energy running through her, then her release overwhelmed her, and it was all she could do to hold on to consciousness.

She straightened up reluctantly as her senses returned. She still felt very guilty, but also in a way relieved. When she looked at the hologram before her, still exposed, she was attracted, but the attraction had diminished. Part of the attraction had been physical, the other a strange mélange of wanting to be close and share a bond, and the fervent desire to crack the impassivity of her friend’s demeanor. This furtive encounter had not extinguished all her emotions, but she had gotten what she wanted out of it. All she needed was closure.

She adjusted her uniform, and then turned to the hologram. “This is the end of it. It was incredible, but it would never work out. We are not compatible at all. Goodbye, Phoenix. And thank you.” She leaned closer, and for the first and last time kissed Phoenix’s lips, surprisingly soft and yielding.

She turned and headed for the exit.

“Delete program PhoenixX,” she murmured as she passed through the door, the program fading from sight as the door slid closed. She took a step and nearly bumped right into Phoenix of Olympia.

Dazzler jumped slightly, startled by encountering the object of her affection so soon after seeing the hologram double living out her fantasies.

“Oh, excuse me,” she murmured.

Phoenix scrutinized her face, looking concerned. “Are you all right?” she asked worriedly. “You’ve been rather on edge lately.”

Dazzler straightened up under the gaze, returning the look squarely. “I haven’t felt this sure of myself in ages.” She put her hand on Phoenix’s shoulder and was infinitely relieved when the heady rush of desire neglected to manifest itself. She was now able to face one of her best friends without cringing away in guilt. “Trust me, I’m fine.”

The look of relief was visible on the Firebird leader’s face. “I’m glad, Dazz. I was beginning to worry.”

“I think I’ve gotten my problem straightened out.”

Phoenix nodded in understanding. “I’ve got to get this program started. See you later?”

“Sure thing,” Dazzler replied as he headed down the hall, feeling lighter than she had in weeks.

Phoenix’s dark green eyes followed her friend until she rounded a bend, and then entered the holo room. “Computer, execute program DazzlerX. And seal the doors. I don’t want to be disturbed.”