Box Set #3: The Serenity Deception: [The 4 book 3rd Adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood]

by Robert Iannone

  As the Minister and his victim disappeared from view, the Queen turned her attention back to Egg. “Where were we?”

  “Right here.”

  “What?”

  “Don’t start that again.”

  Her Royal Nastiness harrumphed. “I am NOT in the habit of talking to myself but apparently it's the only way I can get a decent conversation around here.”

  “Don’t let me stop you,” quipped Egg.

  The Queen glared at the newcomer. “Who are you? And don’t say what.”

  “I’m . . .,” she was just about to say “Egg” but thought better of it. “Name’s Alice.”

  “I find that name repugnant as well as incorrect. I shall refer to you as . . . as . . . Egg. Now, what kind of Egg shall it be? Let me think. Scrambled? No. Poached? Uh-uh. I know . . . how about Coddled. Yes, that will do nicely . . . Eloise the Coddled Egg.”

  “What the heck is a coddled egg?”

  “If you were an edible dish, a coddled egg is one that is gently or lightly cooked.”

  “But . . . I’m not breakfast food.”

  “No. Most assuredly you are not.”

  “Then coddle would mean . . . ?”

  “Pampered, indulged, babied, overprotected, spoiled . . .”

  “Stop. I get it.”

  “How quick witted of you. Sylvia was right . . . eventually you will find an answer.”

  Egg’s amusement in this silly exchange was quickly turning into annoyance. Worse, she could feel the goose bumps rise on her arms. She thought furiously about what was happening . . . and her mind virtually yelled the answer.

  “You’re not the Queen of Hearts . . . you’re Violetta.”

  The Queen stared at the girl, the smug amusement leaving her face. “My, my, my. That was unexpected. Is it possible I have underestimated you?”

  Before she barked out a witty – and hopefully insulting – retort, a mental hand came down in her mind and stopped her. She could almost hear her Feminion whisper, “Don’t egg her on, Egg. Play nice.”

  “The Hameggattic Sisterhood isn’t a threat to you . . . your Majesty.” She was pleased with herself for adding that last part.

  The Queen laughed. “The Hameggattic Sisterhood a threat? How absurd. Whatever gave you the idea that I felt threatened?”

  “If we’re not a threat, then why are you doing this?”

  “Can you think of no reason?”

  “How much time do I have?”

  Despite herself, the Queen laughed at Egg’s jest. “I must admit, you are not what I expected.”

  “I never am.”

  One more goofy, very Egg-like, response. And one more laugh from the Queen.

  “In another time and another place, you and I may have been friends.”

  “Why not now?”

  The smile on the Queen melted away and was replaced with a cold, heartless stare. “Because now I am no longer me and the very idea of you and your sisterhood boils my blood.”

  Egg took a step back at the sudden, and emotional, outburst. “I don’t understand.”

  “Maybe this will help,” and the Queen’s face transformed into . . .

  “You’re Velveeta?” Egg wasn’t expecting anyone so young or so human looking.

  “Of course not.”

  “Then who . . .,” and another flash of insight illuminated Egg’s brain. “You’re Serenity.”

  The new face stared at her for many seconds before answering with a very reluctant “Well done.”

  “Thanks. I’m not usually this clever. Actually, I’m never this clever.” Egg was being serious and that sincerity was not lost on the other girl.

  “It’s not an act, is it?”

  Egg scrunched her face in confusion . . . this time there was no illumination. Not even a candle flicker. “You got me . . . what are you talking about?”

  Serenity was referring to Egg’s modesty but chose not to tell her. “It makes no difference.”

  “Can I ask you a question? Why this whole dream contest?”

  “The contest was never this dream.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “First, do you actually believe you made it this far on your own?”

  “Of course not. I had my sisters.”

  “Wrong. You are here so I could meet you.”

  “Why in a dream simulation?”

  “Why do you think?”

  Egg exhaled from exhaustion . . . having to do this much thinking without Syl or the others to help was hard. “Well, in here you obviously control what’s going on. But . . . but out in the real world you can’t. Or at least you can’t do as much.” She looked at Serenity and asked, “How am I doing so far?”

  “You may continue.”

  “Cool. Um . . . yeah, that’s all I got.”

  “How disappointing. I would have thought the leader of the famous Sisterhood would have been a good deal more clever.”

  Egg smiled at Serenity’s mistake. “I would have thought that a mega-genius like you would know better.”

  “What does that mean?”

  Turning the tables, Egg asked, “What do you think?”

  Serenity stared hard . . . whether the emotion on her half-masked face was anger, annoyance or surprise was impossible to tell. Whatever it was, she apparently was giving Egg’s question some serious thought. “Are you suggesting that a superior intelligence isn’t a requirement of leadership?” The concept obviously surprised her.

  “I’m guessing the answer is standing right in front of you.”

  “I don’t understand?” and for once, Serenity sounded like an eighteen year old.

  “Now you’re asking me to explain why someone like me – someone who’s definitely not the brightest candle in the sock drawer – can get some really amazing sisters to follow her. Truthfully, I can’t.”

  “The others have surely told you.”

  “They try but I usually make them stop. I hate when others think I’m more than I am. I’m just Egg. I like to help people. I love my sisters and would do anything to protect them. And, I really dislike anyone who isn’t nice. I tend to get in their face, look them in the eye and laugh. Or insult them. Or both.”

  “And?”

  “That’s it.”

  “Curiouser and Curiouser.” Serenity was obviously digesting the information for her eyes (actually eye) had that far-away look. “I see a conflict in your stated goals.”

  “Say what?”

  “You love your sisters and would do anything to protect them. On the other hand, you like to help people. What would you do if you had to betray a sister in order to save an entire planet? Better yet, what would you do if you had to betray all of your sisters to save that planet?”

  Egg’s eyes went wide at the thought of having to make that decision. “I would sacrifice myself first.”

  “I believe you. However, that was not the choice I posed . . . your sisters or a world full of people?”

  Egg went silent as she tried to find an answer . . . one that would satisfy herself, not Serenity. “When the time came to make that decision, I’d know what to do.”

  “Evasive but I accept it. I guess I’ll have to give you the opportunity . . . then we’ll see what you will do.”

  “Meaning what?” demanded Egg as she involuntarily rubbed the simulated goose bumps on her simulated arms.

  “I prefer to keep it a secret for now. You understand, I hope.”

  “I don’t understand any of it. Why are you doing this stuff? What have we ever done to you?”

  “You annoy me greatly.”

  “Yeah, I do that to a lot of people. Whatever I did, I’m sorry,” and she meant it.

  “Apology not accepted.”

  “Didn’t think it would be that easy. So what now? How much more of this dream is there?”

  “Oh, it’s just about over.”

  “Then?”

  “Then the real challenge will begin.”

  Egg’s brain, now that it w
as working like it should, sparked another thought. “I’m not going to remember any of this conversation, will I?”

  Serenity smiled in appreciation at the other’s reasoning. “Obviously you were being modest once again when you denied your intellectual prowess.”

  “No, not really. I’m as surprised as you that my brain actually works.”

  “Since it does, then you won’t need a Feminion anymore.” It was a statement not a question.

  “Syl’s my best friend. I’ll always need her.”

  “Interesting.”

  “What is?”

  “That suggests another challenge I think you’ll find uncomfortable. Who would you betray – Sylvia or two other sisters?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “If you had to choose, would you betray the trust of two of your sisters to save your best friend?”

  “I’ll never betray any of my sisters,” screamed Egg.

  Serenity just laughed.

  “Stop doing this,” demanded Egg who was now getting frightened. “Whatever we did to make you mad, we’re sorry. Stop being so mean.”

  “Mean? What a childish concept This is simply a scientific experiment in psychology.”

  Egg wasn’t buying it. “That’s a lie, isn’t it?”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Just a feeling. Unlike Sylvia, I get most of my answers from these feeling rather than from my brain which is usually sleeping.”

  “So what do your ‘feelings’ tell you?”

  “Ummm . . .,” Egg stared at Serenity trying to sense what the other girl was really thinking. “Oh my gosh.”

  “What?”

  “You want to join the sisterhood.”

  The shock on Serenity’s face was plain to see. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she lied.

  “But you’re just like Aeri’elle was in the beginning. You think you should be in charge. You think because you’re smarter than . . . than . . . well, me . . . that it will make you a better leader.”

  “Stop.”

  “Serenity, we’re looking for a new sister. Give us a chance to get to know you. I’m sure we’ll vote you in.”

  “You’re making a fool of yourself.”

  “And if over time you prove to be a better leader than me, I’ll be the first to say so. There’s no need for any of this . . . this simulation or whatever else you have planned.”

  Serenity was stunned by the other girl’s comments. For someone of such average intelligence, how could Egg possibly intuit her motives? It made her confused which made her angry which made her more angry.

  “Enough of this. I’m going to wipe your memory clear of ever having met me. I will replace it with some fictitious events that you will tell the others about. Then, the real contest will begin . . . and it won’t be in a dream.”

  “Come on, Serenity. Don’t.” pleaded Egg.

  “Too late. It’s done.”

  *****

  Egg awoke from the simulation and found herself back where she started . . . in her room. She popped up and raced into the common room to find the other six sisters sitting, laying or floating – apparently waiting for her to wake.

  What Egg didn’t know, of course, was that all six had been replaced by replicas. These replicas were immeasurably more sophisticated than Spirit’s had been. Even Jynx was fooled as she was curled up by the Thought Weaver’s feet apparently unaware that it wasn’t really her.

  “Wow and wow” were Egg’s first words.

  “Sit down and tell the rest of us what happened,” said Sylvia’s replica. “The others are all caught up with the story from the point where they were trans-configurated. “

  “Well, it’s great to be back to the real world.” She stopped, looked around then asked, “Speaking of which, where’s Tee’ka?”

  “I am here, Egg” and the incorporeal image of their hostess appeared.

  “Can we talk about the . . . um . . . the . . .” she hesitated uncertain if she could say the words.

  “The safety protocols were re-established. All is as it should be.”

  “Oh, great. So let me tell you what happened . . . “

  Chapter 4 – Pod People

  Meanwhile, high above Laff’Alott

  Serenity surveyed her little collection of the high and mighty Hameggattic Sisterhood. “How pathetic,” she thought. If she added the brainpower of these six and threw in their vaunted leader, Egg, their collective intelligence would be shockingly pitiful.

  Unfortunately, the one called K’ssss, the only one with an adequate intellect to carry on a conversation that wouldn’t totally bore her to tears, had retired.

  On the other hand, the Thought Weaver did intrigue her. Maybe she would remove the girl’s brain and see if she could understand the mutation that gave Spirit such extraordinary powers. That could be amusing for a day or so. She would think about that later.

  For now, she had other pressing matters to attend to. As Egg had irritatingly divined, Serenity intended to become the leader of the Hameggattic Sisterhood. That’s what this whole deception was designed to do.

  The first part of the plan was to gain control over the hostess named Tee’ka. Her actions were admittedly a bit clumsy, but the task was complete. She gave herself a mental scolding . . . these computer-generated beings were, after all, her mother’s invention. Such sloppiness on her part was inexcusable.

  The next part of the plan called for capturing the six sisters and replacing them with replicas. Not just replicas . . . exact duplicates, not only in appearance and substance, but in thought and action. It was quite a daunting little project; one that took her complete concentration. Her first attempt, again she had to admit, was sloppy and poorly executed. It had cost her the element of surprise. Luckily, the Sisterhood wasn’t intelligent enough to understand the true nature of what was happening.

  Anyway, part two was now complete.

  As she surveyed the stasis pods, she allowed herself a small triumphant smile . . . but only for a second. Silly emotions did nothing but cloud one’s ability to reason. It was a distraction, which held no interest.

  The next phase was to introduce the two avatars (replicas that were actually made of blood and bones) to Egg and entice the girl into her final challenge. She would also need to wake the six sisters so that they could witness their leader make a fool of herself. But more than that . . . watch Egg betray each of them.

  When it was over, she would insist they vote her not only as a member of the Sisterhood . . . but also their leader to replace the disgraced Egg.

  How could they refuse? She, Serenity, was without equal in the galaxy. An intellect so vast as to humble all that came within the influence of her mind.

  She couldn’t help herself and smiled again at the brilliance of her plan.

  What her subconscious refused to admit was that her real motivation was something altogether different . . . to once more have a family.

  Once more be needed.

  Once more be loved.

  She missed her mother terribly but the feeling was masked by anger. Anger that the woman she adored and idolized, had left her alone. Anger that she was forever bound to this wheelchair despite all her efforts to rebuild her broken body.

  Serenity wasn’t a bad person . . . she was just lost, terribly lonely and completely misguided. She also lacked any social skills that the rest of us take for granted. Having spent her entire life with no friends her own age, just her mother – then alone for the last four years – she never developed the basic ability to deal with people on a personal level. Her little deception (well, not so little) was brilliant in concept but completely off base. You don’t become the leader of the Hameggattic Sisterhood with your brain. You become the leader with your heart.

  She didn’t have a prayer of succeeding.

  Or did she?

  *****

  Back in the Room

  “First, did you tell them who you turned into?” Egg teased her best friend.<
br />
  “Of course.”

  “Did she really?” she asked the others. Egg wasn’t questioning Syl’s honesty; she just wanted to see how the girls reacted.

  “Sylvia would never lie,” responded Spirit in all seriousness.

  “I certainly have never experienced Sylvia expressing a falsehood,” agreed BreeZee.

  The others were about to chime in when Egg yelled, “STOP. What’s wrong with you people? I was kidding.”

  The six girls all blinked a few times as they digested Egg’s words (though she apparently didn’t notice). Before the silence became awkward, Aeri’elle said, “We knew that. We were just returning the jape.”

  “What?”

  “We were teasing you,” the dragon explained.

  For some reason that she couldn’t explain, Egg felt the goose bumps rise on her arms. “Are you guys alright?”

  “Of course” answered Soo . . . but without her usually word play.

  “Hey Tee.”

  “Yes, Egg?”

  “Let me see your wand.”

  “As you wish,” and their hostess raised it up.

  To her relief, Egg saw that the tip wasn’t red. “Thanks” but the girl still felt uneasy.

  “Tell us what happened to you,” encouraged Bl’azzz. “I am dying to know who was the Queen of Hearts.”

  That was just the right question to distract Egg. “It’s so obvious I should have figured it out. Gosh knows Syl should have. Who would make a mega-mean queen?”

  No one answered.

  “Oh my gosh, have you all lost your minds?”

  “I am fairly certain that I have not,” responded Soo (again without sarcasm).

  “What?”

  “My mind . . . I am absolutely sure that I still have it.”

  The other girls all added their own confirmation.

  “Now you’re freaking me out?”

  “How so?” inquired Sylvia in a way-too-reasonable tone.

  A horrible thought exploded in Egg’s brain. Could they all have been replaced by replicas? There was only one way to find out. Tee’ka had said that replicas were machines and didn’t breathe. All Egg had to do was hold a mirror under their noses to see if it fogged up. “Tee, a mirror please.”