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

by Robert Iannone

  “Sorry, Soo. Guns are not allowed on Laff’Alott.”

  “No problem. I do not have fingers so it would be useless.”

  “What is going on with you people? You’re all acting crazy.”

  BreeZee was about to make a comment but she suddenly jerked back . . . as did the others. It was such a small movement that Egg didn’t notice. “We apologize for teasing you. I think we should stop,” and the Wind’dancer looked at the other girls who all nodded their agreement. “So when you are ready, please tell us your story.”

  Somewhat mollified Egg said, “Just no more stupid stuff, alright?”

  Six avatars nodded okay.

  *****

  Up on the ship, Serenity shook her head at her prisoners . . . not in anger but reluctant admiration. “Very clever. I should have realized that you gave in to my demands too easily. No harm done . . . however, I have cancelled your control over the avatars. I’ll just have to depend on my programming.”

  “We have no idea what you are referring to,” said Sylvia with a voice that dripped sweet innocence.

  “Of course not. Please sit back and enjoy the show as your dear leader makes a fool of herself all the while betraying each of you.”

  “Get used to disappointment,” replied BreeZee defiantly.

  “Oh, I think it’s you that might experience the disappointment.”

  *****

  “So the Queen says to me, ‘I challenge you to a game. We shall play croquette’”.

  “What is that?” asked Bl’azzz.

  “A really stupid game. You have to hit balls through little hoops in the ground. On earth, we use a wooden mallet. She hands me a bird. I’m supposed to use its head like the mallet.”

  “Seems unkind,” responded the Thought Weaver.

  “You think? Anyway, I knew from the story that she’s good at the game because she cheats, so I tell her ‘no way, your royal-nasty-ness. I’m the guest so I get to choose.”

  “Rather bold of you,” observed Aeri’elle.

  “I dare say, it was,” said Egg using her best Royal English accent. Only Sylvia understood and she giggled politely. (You have to give kudos to Serenity for getting the avatar to recognize Egg’s foolishness).

  “Let me guess . . .” offered Soo, “You chose that stupid earth game where you throw rubber spheres at each other.”

  “It’s called dodge ball and you can bet your bippy I did.”

  “Do not even ask,” Sylvia commanded her sisters. “There is no translation for bippy.”

  “Anyway, I explain it to her and she says okay. Then she calls every heart in the deck – they all looked like Spirit except each had their own number – and tells me they’re her team.”

  “And you insulted her by saying . . .,” encouraged Sylvia.

  “Wasn’t really an insult. I just said ‘thirteen against one, that doesn’t seem fair . . . to you.” All six avatars shook their heads in mock disgust. “Well, what did you expect me to say?”

  “Just continue,” replied her friend.

  “So she calls out all fifty-two cards and asks ‘better?’ I said it seems fair but I get to change into any character I want. Again, I’m the guest. ‘Very well,’ she huffs. ‘But be quick about it”. Egg looked at the other girls with obvious pride at her own cleverness. “Well, what did I choose?”

  “AyBee,” answered Sylvia, Soo, Bl’azzz and Aeri’elle (the four girls who were on the original Quest) simultaneously. The real girls would never have guessed, but the avatars were a different matter.

  Egg’s mouth dropped open. “I can’t believe it.”

  “It is rather obvious,” explained Sylvia. “After all, eight arms would come in – dare I say it – handy.”

  “Oh my gosh. I can understand my stupidly smart Feminion getting it. But you other three . . . I would have bet a million bucks that wouldn’t happen.”

  “How much is a million bucks?” inquired Bl’azzz.

  “See . . . that’s what I’m talking about.”

  “What is she babbling about?” asked the F’yre Dragon.

  “She is just insulting you”.

  “Oh. In that case . . . ouch, I am offended.”

  “Shut up.”

  “Egg, please finish so we can continue our vacation,” begged Aeri’elle.

  “That’s pretty much it. It took me less than five minutes to knock them all down. It was like playing fifty-two card pick-up.”

  Sylvia held up her hand to stop the others from asking. “She refers to a childish trick in which you toss a complete deck of cards into the air forcing your victim to pick them up . . . all fifty-two.”

  “Why?” asked BreeZee.

  “For giggles,” answered Egg. “Anyway, when I won, the Queen stood up, harrumphed and faded away. Next thing I know I’m back here.”

  “Do you think the big cheese will leave us alone now?” asked Spirit.

  “I think I don’t know and I know that I don’t care. Come on, I’m getting cabin fever. It’s way past time to leave these rooms and wander around the town. Tee, any ideas?”

  “I would suggest that you go your separate ways. I will duplicate myself so that I may accompany each of you and help you discover sights or activities of interest. Then everyone can meet up in a few hours for lunch and discuss what you found.” Their hostess actually wanted a chance to talk to Egg alone. She had noticed something unusual with the other girls and thought it was important enough to tell her new friend.

  The six avatars pretended to give that some thought. However, Serenity wanted the group to stay together. After giving it the appropriate amount of consideration, Sylvia said, “I, for one, would rather stay in one group.”

  Not surprisingly the other five ‘girls’ agreed.

  “As you wish.” Before Egg could express an opinion, Tee’ka flickered a few times then said, “Egg, I have just been informed that there will be an aerial competition and you and your sisters have been invited to join in.”

  “What kind of aerial competition?”

  “A race to see who is the most skilled . . . at flying.”

  Chapter 7 – Sera’Fina

  “Oh my gosh, how epic is that?”

  “Epic?” asked Sylvia’s avatar.

  “My new word. Like it?”

  “Well, I do not dislike it.”

  “High praise . . . from someone who likes to say fiddlesticks.”

  “A perfectly good expression.”

  “For a farm girl from Kentucky.”

  “Actually, it is a Cajun word for . . .”

  “Stop, already,” begged Aeri’elle. Turning to their hostess, she asked, “Is this aerial competition opened to us dragons?”

  “Yes. However, you must fly in the vehicles provided by Fair’Giggle.”

  “Forget it.”

  “Me, too,” added Bl’azzz. “Obviously, you all are afraid to compete fair and square.”

  “And I have no desire to fly . . . with or without wings,” said the serpent.

  “What about you, Syl?”

  “Not really my thing. But, I will be there to cheer you on.”

  “Bree, Spirit . . . you guys gotta do it.”

  “Absolutely,” answered the Wind’dancer.

  “I am a fairly good pilot having spent three years in the Seven. I believe I can provide some worthy competition to our dear Flying Girl.”

  “Great. So, Tee . . . what kind of flying contraptions do we race? And, how do we learn to pilot them?”

  “With your permission, I will teleport all of us to the aerodrome. We can examine the crafts and then I will find someone to give you three a lesson. I have been told that they are extremely easy to pilot . . . and they can land themselves. I believe that you will have no difficulty whatsoever in mastering the technique.”

  “Then, let’s do it.”

  “As you wish,” and Tee’ka waved her wand.

  A heartbeat later, they were standing outside a hangar next to a pretty cool flying thi
ngy . . .

  “Epic.”

  “Please, for the sake of all that is good, do not use that word,” begged Sylvia.

  “Yeah . . . no, I can’t promise.”

  Tee’ka interrupted with, “Are you three still interested in participating?”

  They nodded enthusiastically.

  “Very well. I have requested my other hostesses to ask for a volunteer to demonstrate the controls and discuss the rules.” The ghostly image flickered then announced, “A humanoid from the planet Sham’Too has agreed to meet with you. Her name is Sera’Fina and she’ll be here shortly. Please, feel free to examine the craft or walk around until she does.” Tee’ka hesitated then said, “Egg, may I have a word?”

  “Sure, Tee. What?”

  “In private, please,” which raised a few eyebrows.

  The two walked to the rear of the craft for privacy. “What’s up?”

  “I have noticed anomalous behavior in the others and I thought you should know.”

  “A nom-a-what?”

  “Anomalous. It means something uncharacteristic or out of the ordinary.”

  “They have been acting a little weird but I’m not sure how. What did you see?”

  “That . . .,” but before she could finish, the holographic projection jerked ever so slightly. “They seem to be teasing you more than normal.” [That’s not what she was going to say, however, it is what Serenity made her say.]

  Egg smiled. “They’re just having their fun with me. Nothing to worry about. But thanks for having my back. You’re a good friend.”

  “You’re most welcome. We should rejoin the others.” What Egg didn’t notice was that Tee’ka’s wand had turned red.

  As they rounded the craft, Egg spotted the girl who had volunteered to help them. “And this is Egg, the leader of our merry little band,” said Sylvia by way of introductions. “Egg, this is Sera’Fina.”

  “Hi.”

  “I thought you’d be different,” came the weird response.

  “Say what?”

  “The Sisterhood is all the talk . . . heroic exploits, beautiful, intelligent women, brave and fearless. But, you all look kind of ordinary. No offense.” It was said matter-of-factly with no hint of malice or condescension.

  Egg was amused and smiled brightly. “We’re definitely no heroes. I know I’m not beautiful, heck I’m not even a woman . . . just a girl. Aeri’elle, Bree and Syl are the intelligent ones. Sometimes we’re forced to be brave because others are depending on us. And as to fearless . . . a clown once made me wet myself.”

  Sera’Fina stared at the other girl for maybe ten seconds apparently trying to digest what she had just heard. Then she giggled which became a laugh. She laughed so hard that tears were running down her cheeks. She finally managed to say “sorry” as she gasped for breath.

  Based on first impressions, Egg instantly liked this girl. Maybe Sera’Fina would become the seventh sister. How epic would that be? [Syl was right . . . irritating word.]

  With all that was going on, it’s easy to understand why Egg had forgotten Spirit’s vision of the future. She was to meet two girls who were not really alive. Kind of like an avatar. Actually, exactly like an avatar.

  “So, you’re going to teach us to fly these things?”

  “Yes. But if you have any experience at flying, these aren’t very challenging.”

  “The three of us have a little know-how,” answered Egg with a grin. She pointed at the other two girls.

  “Silly me. I guess those wings aren’t just for show,” Sera’Fina said to BreeZee.

  “My kind are called Wind’dancers and, no, these are quite functional.”

  “Don’t let her fool you,” interjected Egg. “She doesn’t really fly . . . she sails.”

  “Sails?”

  “I glide with the wind. I can extend or contract my wings but I cannot flap them.”

  “Sounds exciting.”

  “Sounds boring,” corrected Flying Girl.

  “Why boring?”

  “She goes as fast as the wind . . . or should I say as slow as the wind. And, only in the direction it takes her. Boring.” Egg wasn’t being mean. She had teased her sister about this so many times that the other girl expected it.

  “Ignore her,” said the Wind’dancer with a shake of her head. “She is jealous.”

  “Ha.”

  Sera’Fina smiled at the silliness. Looking at the Thought Weaver she asked, “No wings . . . so I’m guessing that you have a spaceship?”

  “It is called 7 in honor of the Hameggattic sisters.”

  “Nice ship?”

  “Oh, yes. Very. If you get a chance, perhaps you would care to take a tour?”

  “Absolutely.” She paused, looked at all of the girls and said, “I take it back. You’re exactly what the Sisterhood should be. I’m impressed.”

  “How so?” asked Aeri’elle.

  “I can feel the camaraderie and the confidence that you all have. I bet you make a formidable adversary.”

  “Like I tried to tell you, we’re just seven ordinary girls who seem to get into trouble and find a way out. We make better friends than foes.”

  “They say your modesty is as legendary as your deeds . . . but I assumed it was just an act. I was wrong.”

  “Enough. You gotta stop with that kind of talk.”

  “Sorry.”

  “S’okay”. Changing the subject, Egg requested, “So tell us about these flying machines.”

  “There’s really not much to tell. The big wheel in the center steers it. Turn it left and the craft goes left. Push it forward and it goes down. The lever closest to it is the throttle. Pull it toward you if you want to go faster, push it forward to slow down. If you push the red button in the center, Fair ‘Giggle’s computer takes over and will teleport you out of the craft and back here. The last lever is just a parking brake. That’s it.”

  “Tell us about its flight characteristics,” requested the Thought Weaver.

  “Very maneuverable, very fast and very responsive. The best thing to do is go for a little ride. Are you ready?”

  “Before you guys fly off into the wild blue yonder,” said Sylvia, “I would like to hear about the contest itself.”

  “Sure.”

  “If I may, I can provide a shaded area where you all can be more comfortable and perhaps indulge in some refreshments,” offered Tee’ka.

  “You just gotta love this place,” responded Egg. Then a thought came to her. “Hey, Sera’Fina, where’s your hostess?”

  “My hostess?”

  “Yeah. Tee, didn’t you say that if we went out and about by ourselves, you would split into seven versions of yourself so you could accompany each of us?”

  “I did.”

  “Then how come Sera’Fina gets to go out on her own?”

  Tee’ka flickered for a second (and unnoticed by Egg, the seven avatars blinked their eyes in unison). “When Sera’Fina joined our group, her hostess was no longer needed and left. Having two hostesses is considered redundant and perhaps could prove a bit awkward.”

  “Oh. Okay,” replied Egg. [Score one save for Serenity]. “So, let’s have that shade . . . and I really could use a glass of ice cold milk . . . please.”

  An instant later, they were sitting or reclining under a canopy a few hundred feet from the tarmac and flying crafts. Egg raised a large glass of milk to her mouth and slurped down its contents in a most unladylike fashion.

  “Yum.”

  Sylvia shook her head in disgust. “May I compliment you on your table manners and on that very fetching white mustache you now sport.”

  Egg grinned and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “Better?”

  “Barely.”

  “Hey, be nice. I was thirsty.”

  “Apparently.”

  Egg stuck out her now white tongue, which caused Sera’Fina to giggle. “You people are borderline crazy, aren’t you?” she asked with a smile.

  “Only our dear le
ader has crossed that line,” said Bl’azzz. “The rest of us are more comfortable on this side of it.”

  “Oh, please. I should warn you Sera’Fina, Bl’azzz has a gas problem.”

  “EGG”.

  “Sorry. Was that a secret?”

  “Actually, no,” responded the new girl. “It’s part of the lore of the sisterhood. A dragon that refuses to eat meat is quite unique. One that burps and burns at the most inopportune times has taken on a cult following of her own. Bl’azzz, I look forward to seeing you in action.”

  “As Egg is fond of saying . . . ‘kill me now” and they all laughed.

  “Would anyone else like refreshments?” asked Tee’ka.

  Seven avatars that had no need for food, declined the offer.

  “Okeydokey then. Tell us about this contest,” requested Flying Girl.

  “Sure. The most important thing to know is that it’s to the death.”

  “WHAT?”

  “Which part didn’t you understand?”

  “The death part.”

  “It’s not as bad as it seems . . . “

  Egg interrupted before the girl could explain. “Hey, where I come from, dead is usually not a good thing. In fact, we earthlings try to avoid it for as long as possible.”

  “Let Sera’Fina finish, would you please?” begged BreeZee.

  “Sorry. Go ahead.”

  “I guess I was being a little melodramatic. Fair’Giggle monitors the whole thing and protects you from harm. No one actually gets hurt. The idea of this race is to be the last craft flying. So you fly through a course that takes a lot of skill. If you’re not a great pilot, it’s almost certain you’ll crash.”

  “But if you do crash, you don’t get hurt?”

  “No one has ever received so much as a scratch. However, that’s not true of the flying crafts . . . they tend to be destroyed. But I’m told they get recycled. Oh, and there’s one more little detail I almost forgot to mention . . .,” and she stopped with a grin waiting to be asked.

  “Yeah, how little?”

  “Hardly worth mentioning. You get to smash your craft into that of a competitor's to try to knock them out of the race.”

  “Epic. That’s like bumper cars.”