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

by Robert Iannone

  Spirit explained the situation.

  “Do you have a plan?”

  “No. As Egg would say, we’ll just wing it.”

  “May I suggest something?”

  “Go head, Serenity.”

  “Perhaps I could accompany Spirit and the others. I have . . . I have some ability that may prove useful.”

  Everyone looked to Egg for her reaction. “Why do you think I invited you to this meeting?”

  Serenity smiled. “You’re remarkable. Sorry, I just had to say it.”

  “Egg, there is one problem.”

  “Only one.”

  “That makes six. Even though we won’t be the official Hameggattic Sisterhood, I’d feel better if we had seven. Silly, I know.”

  “I have another suggestion.”

  “Go ahead, Serenity.”

  “I could make an Egg avatar.”

  “No way.”

  “Outvoted,” said Bl’azzz, Spirit, BreeZee and Tee’ka.

  “Just create it after I’m gone. It’s tough enough to look in the mirror every morning. To have to look at a real live other Eloise Graystone would make me puke.”

  When the laughter died down, Egg said, “Just two more things. Bree, I want you to be in charge. And, Tee, you’ll be her Feminion. Anyone need to argue?”

  Chapter 9 – Loose Ends

  Egg was sitting alone in the darkened control room watching the stars go by as streaks of white light. She was so lost in thought that she did not hear BreeZee enter. Truth is there were a bunch of the girls who wanted to talk to her but were reluctant to intrude on her privacy.

  “Hi, Egg. Am I bothering you?”

  “Hey, Bree. No, come on in.” The Wind’dancer did, and sat down on a step in front of her friend. “It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?” as she noticed the star field race by.

  “Absolutely amazing. I can’t believe I got to experience this. Who would of thunk it? A silly little nine-year-old girl that went on an adventure that was out of this world. Right out of a fantasy novel. And just to make it perfect, I’m talking to a beautiful butterfly girl . . . how awesome is that?”

  Bree had the good grace to blush at the compliment. “Do you really believe all this is coming to an end? That the Sisterhood will just fade away?”

  “You think Spirit was wrong?”

  “No. I don’t know. I hope so.”

  “Yeah, my thoughts exactly.”

  “I mean in your heart . . . in your gut as you always say . . . does it feel right? Will this be the end?”

  Egg inhaled then exhaled loudly. “No. It’s just wrong. The Sisterhood can’t end. Bree, I promise you, I’ll find a way to bring it back. It may take years, but we’re not finished.”

  BreeZee stood and walked over to her friend and hugged her. “Thank you. That’s what I wanted to hear. If you believe we have a future, then we do. I’ll leave you alone. I’m sure you have alot on your mind.” She turned to go then stopped. “Thank you for putting me in charge. I won’t let you down.”

  “I know. Hey, do me a favor.”

  “Sure. Anything.”

  “Tell the others I need a little time to myself.”

  “Absolutely . . . as much as you want.”

  The door closed and Egg was alone once more. As she sat there, she reflected on all that had happened to her – from the first time she met Sylvia to right now, sitting in the command chair of the Seven while the ship hurtled through space.

  She had so much to be thankful for.

  Which meant she had so much to lose.

  And she cried.

  ******

  She actually cried herself to sleep. When she awoke, she realized her mistake. Jumping up, she rushed out to find the others. They were all sitting where she had left them. What struck her as sad was that they were now in two groups – those that were going with Spirit, and those that weren’t.

  “Spirit,” she called.

  “Yes, Egg? Are you okay?”

  “Yeah. Just dandy. Anyway, we’re headed in the wrong direction.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “We shouldn’t be going to Aerianna. We should go to Zynn-Zaz’zia.”

  “Why?”

  “If someone is going to try to break up the sisterhood, it has to be on Aerianna.”

  “Excellent reasoning,” agreed Serenity.

  “Once on Zynn-Zaz’zia, Aeri’elle, Soo, Syl and I can take the space portal to Aerianna. From there, Syl and I can use our rings to go home.”

  “If that’s what you want, I can make the course correction easily enough.”

  “Will I have time to see my parents?” asked the Wind’dancer who was smiling from the prospect.

  “Bree, listen to me. All of you listen. Once I get off this ship, Bree is in charge. If you want to spend time with your parents, that’s your decision. For my two cents, you would be crazy not to. I’m sure Tee’ka and Serenity would enjoy seeing your world. Oh, and I gotta think that Serenity and K’ssss would have quite the conversation about techno gibberish. That alone is worth the price of admission.”

  “It’ll be great to see that slithering sack of silly again.”

  “Soo-Soo, if she hears you, she’ll turn you into a sea slug,” advised a grinning Bl’azzz.

  “Never going to happen. Don’t forget, I intend to marry her brother and that’s going to make her my sister-in-law. We’re practically family.”

  For no apparent reason, Egg started to laugh.

  “What’s with her?” asked the Serpent.

  “I’ll tell you what’s with me . . . I was remembering the first time I met the two of you. You were selling seashells and she was – please forgive me K’ssss – dumber than a clam. You kept insulting her but I’m not sure she understood that.”

  “H’sssss. Geez, that seems like a lifetime ago.”

  “Yeah, it does.”

  “Egg, will you and Sylvia spend any time on Zynn-Zaz’zia and Aerianna?” asked Aeri’elle.

  “We really need to get back but I do want to say hi to K’ssss and Zazzi then have a talk with Dazzle. She needs to know what’s going on.”

  “Egg”.

  “Yeah, Serenity?”

  “Please take this” and she handed the girl some kind of . . . well, no idea what.

  “It’s beautiful. What is it?”

  “It’s something I worked on while you were all napping. Just a thank you gift from me.”

  “Does it do something? Or is it just for decoration?”

  “Are you a good liar?”

  “What?”

  “No need to answer. You’re way too honest to be able to lie convincingly.”

  “Syl, what’s she talking about?”

  “She’s giving you a gift. What it does, if anything, is . . . a surprise. If someone, for example the Empress, were to ask you about it, all you could say is that it was a token of appreciation from someone you met.”

  “And that is why she is your Feminion.”

  “Do I ever get to find out what it is? What it does?”

  “When the time is right.”

  Egg slipped it into a pocket. “In that case, thank you, I just love it. Always wanted one.”

  “You are such a goof.”

  *****

  Since Zynn-Zaz’zia was much closer than Aerianna, they were in orbit above the planet in less than an hour.

  “Egg, I’ll visit K’ssss a little later. I’m really anxious to see my parents.”

  “Don’t blame you, Bree. I’m won’t be staying long, so I guess this is . . . this is . . .” and she cried before the word ‘goodbye’ could be said.

  And the finality of what was about to happen hit them all. Egg’s crying became contagious and they all started in. Serenity shocked and surprised herself and cried too.

  The few minutes to teleport down turned into almost an hour. But Egg’s last words were, “Don’t stay too long before you head to Paradox. If they (and she didn’t explain who she was referring to) catch yo
u here, then Spirit’s world is doomed.”

  So the entire contingent that was being led by BreeZee went with her.

  The remaining four beamed down to Zazzi’s cavern.

  They materialized on a ledge and to their amusement, there were K’ssss and Zazzi in the water watching over a flock of small sea serpents.

  “EGG, SISTERS,” yelled K’ssss when she saw them . . . scaring the young ones in the process.

  “Hey, K’ssss. Hi, Zazzi. How goes the family?” And the next twenty minutes were spent exchanging pleasantries.

  “So what is the real reason you are here?” asked the former ‘clam-brained’ serpent after her husband excused himself to look after the children.

  “First, just to say hi. Second, we have a new sister. Her name is Tee’ka and you’ll meet her soon. She’s here with BreeZee, Spirit, Bl’azzz and Serenity. They’re all visiting Bree’s family but they’ll stop by before they go.”

  “Who is Serenity and where are they going . . . without you four I might add.”

  “Serenity is someone we met on Laff’Alott. You and she have something in common. You’re both way smarter than the average bear.”

  “Bear?”

  “Oh, sorry. I was referring to Yogi Bear who . . . oh, never mind. I just meant that you’re both geniuses. If she needs your help, please do what you can for her.”

  “Of course. So where are they headed?”

  “To Paradox, Spirit’s home world. They’re going to try to make things right – to get rid of the bad guys.”

  “Without you? Without any of you?” K’ssss couldn’t keep the surprise from her voice.

  “Aeri’elle needs to go back and work on the university. Soo . . .,” she stopped when the serpent whacked her with her tail. “Um, Soo has some personal business to attend to. And, I can’t let Syl go alone.”

  “Interesting. That begs the question – what about you? What about Flying Girl? Are you ill? Is there a problem with Grammy or your family?”

  “No. There’s a problem with the Hameggattic Sisterhood,” and she went on to explain Spirit’s thought weaving.

  “Oh, Egg. I’m so sorry. Whatever I can do, I will. You know that, don’t you?”

  “I do. But we can’t change the future . . . at least for the next four or five years. After that . . . I just don’t know.”

  “Then this is goodbye. I refuse to accept that.”

  “Me, too. Let’s just say it’s a ‘see you later’ moment. That doesn’t sound so final.”

  “What does your gut tell you, Egg?”

  “That’s not very scientific.”

  “No, but you have a gift.”

  “Like I told Bree, I’m going to find a way to bring us back. It’s not right that the Hameggattic Sisterhood will be forced to disband.”

  “Who would do such a thing? Any ideas?”

  “We think it’s the Empress Violetta of the Starlight Alliance. Probably never heard of her.”

  “On the contrary. Meggy told me she’s on her way to Aerianna. Not sure when she’s due to arrive. Apparently, she never tells anyone . . . just in case her enemies are waiting to do something to her. Very paranoid.”

  *****

  “Your Majesty, Egg of Earth, her Feminion Sylvia, her sisters Soo’nami and Aeri’elle,” intoned the Sentinel when they entered the Throne Room.

  The four sisters walked up to the throne, ignoring the others in attendance. They bowed for the sake of tradition, and then Egg and Sylvia went up to the Queen to exchange hugs.

  “Sisters, I was not expecting you. How was your vacation?”

  “Dazzle, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

  “Egg, I would believe anything you told me,” replied the Queen with a warm smile.

  “Is Meggy around?”

  “Yes. She returned just yesterday. Is there a problem?” After spending so much time with her earthly sister, the Queen could sense Egg’s inner turmoil.

  “We need to talk. If we could get Sassi here, all the better.”

  “I see. Very well. Sentinel, please escort my sisters to the Queen’s antechamber. Send for my daughter and for our Sister Sassi. Quickly, if you please.” She turned to Egg and said I will join you shortly. What of the others?” referring to Spirit and the rest.

  “I sent them on a mission.”

  “Indeed. Without Flying Girl?” She turned back to the Sentinels who were preparing to leave. “Gentlemen, with all due haste, please.”

  *****

  Egg and the other three greeted Sassi and Meggy with hugs, of course.

  “How’s Kissy?”

  “She is engaged to be married,” replied Sassi with a bright smile.

  “No way. So maybe in a year or two you’ll be a grandmother. How epic is that?”

  “Epic?”

  “It’s a perfectly good word. Anyway, congrats to all of you.”

  “Thank you. Naturally, everyone is invited to the wedding. That includes Grammy.”

  Sassi was surprised by the reaction. “That may be a problem.”

  “Egg, tell us what is going on,” begged Meggy. “I am getting your goose bumps.”

  The girl took a deep breath. This story wasn’t getting any easier with each telling. “The Hameggattic Sisterhood will be disbanded.”

  Sassi and Meggy dropped their jaws. Rose’Alynnia dropped a goblet filled with water. She was totally unprepared for what she had just heard. “Egg, my sister, please explain.”

  And the girl did. She talked about Tee’ka, Serenity, and Fair’Giggle. Then she told them of Spirit’s vision of the future. Finally, she explained why she had sent the others to Paradox. By the time she had finished, she was emotionally drained.

  “Do you have any idea who might force you to disband?” asked the Queen.

  “Serenity thinks it’s the big cheese.”

  “Sorry. Whom?”

  “The . . . oh, I mean the Empress Violetta.”

  Dazzle stole a glance at her daughter . . . but Sylvia caught it. “Dazzle, Meggy . . . what’s going on? Why is the Empress coming here?”

  “Serenity was correct. The Empress loves technology. When she learned of the space portal, she fairly licked her lips in anticipation of acquiring it. Her paranoia over enemies, real or imagined, is all-consuming. Disbanding the Sisterhood would fit her personality. Acquiring the flying suit would also be consistent.”

  “How is she going to get the space portal? Are you giving it to her?”

  Dazzle looked at her daughter and nodded. She wanted Meggy to tell them. “We made an error in judgment. The Starlight Alliance is very strong . . . not in terms of an army. But, it has acquired so much advanced technology that it can take what it wants. The Empress wants the portal and the technology that keeps Q’umulus floating. We have no choice but to give it to her.”

  Egg had listened with growing unease. When her sister finished, she turned to Dazzle and asked, “Is Aerianna in trouble?”

  “Yes, my sister. We have exchanged Mobius for Violetta. Like my father before me, I have failed my people.”

  “She can’t be as bad as Mobius, can she?”

  “No. Fear not on that score. However, we will do her bidding . . . though in a much more civilized fashion.”

  Without thinking, Egg started to ask, “What can the Hamegg . . .” then stopped when she realized what she was saying. “Now I understand why she has to get rid of us. When is she due here?”

  “Her arrival times are never revealed. We believe in a month, perhaps two.”

  “What can we do in the meantime?”

  Dazzle smiled, probably for the first time in weeks. “Oh, my sister, how I love your indomitable spirit. Sadly, there is nothing to do to stop the good Empress. However, I am very glad you sent the others to Paradox. At least they will be free from Violetta’s influence. And adding Serenity to the team was a stroke of brilliance. An intellect such as hers will prove to be an invaluable resource. As to you and your flying suit, . . . go home
. You should be safe there.”

  “I’d like to come back one more time before she arrives, if that’s okay.”

  “May I ask why?”

  “Grammy . . . she isn’t getting any younger. I’d like for her to have one more chance to see Aerianna.”

  “You are very considerate. I would love to see Eloise again. You have our permission, but please, do it soon. I would not want you to meet the Empress.”

  “Thanks. Syl and I really need to get back, so . . .”

  “Egg.”

  “Yeah, Meggy?”

  “You did not tell us how you feel . . . in your gut.”

  “I probably can’t stop the sisterhood from being disbanded. I promise all of you that I’ll find a way to bring it back. It may take five years, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Dazzle, it’s patience.”

  Chapter 10 – An Epic Oops

  In the Mountains on Earth

  By the time they got back to the cabin, it was about four o’clock. Grammy was tired but she had no intention of letting on. Ezra, on the other hand, was full of energy and ready to cook a gourmet meal.

  “I’ve got to go to my cabin for a few things. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”

  “Take your time.”

  He looked at the woman and asked, “If you’re tired, I could give you an hour or so.”

  “Very thoughtful, but since you’re doing all the work, I will sit back, sip some wine and enjoy the show.”

  Just then, there was a knock on the door. “Who could that be?” If it were her granddaughter, Egg wouldn’t knock. She opened it and there stood a Fed Ex delivery person. “Here you go,” he said and handed her an express envelope.

  “Thank you. It’s quite a drive up here. Can I get you some water or something?”

  “Thanks, no. Have a nice night.” He walked back to his van, started the engine and drove away with a wave.

  “I take it you weren’t expecting a package” said Ezra who was now standing behind her.

  “No. Let’s see – it’s from Ashley, my granddaughter. She’s away at college.” Grammy pulled the little tab and opened the envelope. Inside was a letter – more of a short note. ”Oh, my.”