The Red Queen [Book 7 of Ever After, an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel]

by Robert Iannone

  The other woman let out a screech . . . apparently her version of a laugh. “You jest.”

  “No. Why do you say that?”

  “I have known you for not quite an hour. In that time, you have convinced me to spare your crew, transfer my flag to your vessel, place my men under your command, release you as my prisoner and to follow you into war. How is that possible? I will answer my own question. It is because you elicit trust. Your goodness, your sincerity and your abilities are palpable,” and her tongue shot out as if to underscore her point. “I am in awe.”

  “Thanks, but that’s just goofy talk. I’m just not that special.”

  “Has anyone told you that without a conscious effort, you wear your modesty like a suit of armor?”

  “Not exactly in those words. Normally I get comments like, ‘Your modesty is obnoxious, so quit it.” They both laughed.

  “One day, I would like to visit your world if that is acceptable.”

  “I promise you that day will come in the not-to-distant future. Did you know that the capital city of Aerianna floats two miles above the ground?”

  “Is that true?”

  “Yes. It really is as spectacular as it sounds. Anyway, can I ask you something?”

  “Of course.”

  “Who betrayed me?”

  “Someone who claims to be our ally.”

  “Do you still believe that?”

  “Not in the least.”

  “Will you tell me who it was?”

  “We were told that the information came from someone named Molly.” Kru-Ella, in her infinite evilness, thought it would be such fun if Egg thought she was betrayed by one of her close friends. A Hameggattic Sister would never be believable. But blaming Molly – considering her past with the Prince – would have an element of truth about it.

  Egg turned white at the name. “I don’t believe it.”

  “She is a friend?”

  “Yes. Syl – my best friend – and I saved her and her mother from a terrible life. She would never betray me.”

  “Then whoever did wanted to place a seed of doubt in your mind. Who would be so evil?”

  “I don’t . . . um, I don’t . . .” She stopped then smiled. “Actually, I think I do know. Her name is Kru-Ella, a noble woman who really, really dislikes me.”

  “What will you do?”

  Egg turned the question back on the other woman. “What would you do?”

  “Treason is punishable by death on most worlds of the Federation.”

  “What about on yours?”

  “No. We do not believe in capital punishment.”

  Egg stood up, walked over to the General and gave her a hug. “I think you have a lot to teach those other worlds. As for Kru-Ella, I think we can find a more appropriate punishment for her crimes.”

  *****

  There was a knock on the door and Captain Ax’gard walked in carrying Ziz. “You asked to see me, Your Majesty?”

  “I did. First, Ziz, get over here.”

  The dragonetta launched itself off the Captain’s shoulder and landed on Egg’s. “I missed you,” she squawked.

  “It’s only been about twenty minutes, you silly bird,” Egg said with a smile.

  “I don’t own a watch.”

  That caused all three people to smile. “Enough. Just sit quietly please.” To the Captain she asked, “How’s it going with the General’s men?”

  “Permission to talk freely?”

  “Yes . . . but with diplomacy,” advised Egg.

  “Yes, Ma’am. The General’s people are not soldiers.” That pretty much said it all.

  “They are not,” confirmed the General. “That individual I assigned to you, Your Majesty . . . his name is Pog . . . he was a school monitor before this rebellion began.”

  Egg smiled. “It was his job to keep the kids in line, I’m guessing.”

  “Exactly. He treats everyone as if they are youthful wrongdoers.”

  “That explains a lot.” To the Captain she said, “Kreed, please take a seat.” To Zwam, Egg explained, “The Captain is a friend. He is in a relationship with my best friend Sylvia.”

  The blue woman yet again stared intently at Egg. “He was never an admiral, was he?”

  “No. Well, technically yes. I gave him a field promotion a few minutes before you boarded.”

  “For my benefit, I assume?”

  “Thought you might think it odd that I was traveling without an appropriate escort.”

  “And that mechanical animal . . . is it more than it seems?”

  “A little more, but she is not an offensive weapon. Apparently, she was upgraded before this voyage. I found out about that an hour ago. She can communicate with one of my sisters; she can put up a protective force field to protect herself . . . things like that. She is also carrying my ring.”

  Zwam looked at Egg’s hand and realized she had missed the fact that they bore no jewelry. “It is the famous ring that makes you Flying Girl?”

  “Yup. Ziz, give me my ring please.” The hidden compartment sprung open and Egg retrieved it. She was about to put it on then thought better of it. Instead she extended her hand to the General. “Would you like to see it?”

  Zwam’s eyes grew bigger. “I have much to learn from you.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “You are offering me an object that you find almost sacred. It is the ultimate act of trust. Thank you, but I am not worthy to hold such a treasure.”

  “In truth, you could not make it work. It only responds to my DNA. Would you like to see what it does?”

  “I would be honored.”

  “Ring, tend to my suit.” Zwam reflexively pushed back in her chair at the sight of the grey fog. When it cleared, she stared almost in disbelief at Flying Girl.

  “Such wonders!”

  “The technology was created a thousand years ago. It can’t be reproduced.”

  “Good. There should be only one Flying Girl.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “The science allows you to fly . . . but your spirit is what makes you unique. I doubt there will be others like you in my lifetime.”

  “Okay, stop. You’re back to goofy talk. Ring, tend to my suit,” and the process was reversed. To the captain she asked, “By the way, I presume Syl told you about this little campaign to elect me queen.”

  “She may have mentioned it in passing.”

  “Yeah, right.” She then turned serious. “Kreed, the planets of the Outer Reaches are inhabited by trans-evolutionary beings. Did you know that?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “Did you know that most of the Federation considers them inferior? They refuse to help them in any way to improve their lives.”

  “I am aware of their . . . standing . . . amongst the Federation. I was not aware they were refused help.”

  “The General has asked for my assistance. I intend to call the President of the Federation very soon to hear his side of the story. Perhaps all this can be cleared up easily and quickly . . . and without war.”

  “May I ask if you have a plan B?”

  “You don’t think diplomacy is going to work?”

  “Honestly, you can’t legislate away prejudice.”

  “I can see why Syl finds you interesting. She likes a man that can think.”

  Without realizing, he was falling into a casual patter about a personal matter, he replied, “She is so amazing as you well know. She is so bright, so quick . . . I have to mentally run to keep up with her. The really weird thing is she never stops smiling. She radiates more brightly than a star.”

  Zwam was intrigued with the Captain’s comments. Her kind didn’t really know love. “Do you intend to mate with her?”

  For a moment, the unflappable Kreed was dumfounded and his mouth flopped open. He turned to Egg for help.

  “Don’t look at me. Answer the General’s question.”

  “EGG!”

  “She’s waiting.”

  The re
d-faced man cleared his throat. “At some point in the foreseeable future, I will most likely ask the young lady to marry me. If she agrees, I am sure that we will raise a family when the time is right. Does that answer your question, General?”

  “Why did my question embarrass you?”

  Egg was beginning to see why the people of the Outer Reaches were having a difficult time with the ‘more civilized’ planets. “I’ll answer that, if you don’t mind Captain.”

  “Oh, I don’t mind in the least.”

  “Whereas the act of procreation is a simple matter-of-fact in your culture, for many worlds, it is not discussed in such overt terms. We have a courtship ritual to see if two individuals are emotionally compatible. If they are and they so choose, they join together in a legal covenant we call marriage. For most, the primary reason to do so is to reproduce and raise their offspring. But the actual biological act is not discussed with others. That would be considered inappropriate.”

  Zwam turned to look at Kreed – apparently for confirmation.

  “What she said.” he blurted.

  The blue lady shook her head sadly. “Maybe the other worlds are right. Maybe we should leave the Federation and go our own way.”

  “Nonsense. It’s diversity that makes the Federation stronger. And you guys are certainly diverse. No, they need to change as much as you need to learn. So, Captain, if I can’t convince them of the errors of their way, I intend to conquer the Federation.”

  “Say what?” The poor guy was getting ever more flappable.

  “You heard me. I’m going to lead this revolution. However, I don’t expect you and your crew to participate. The General will send you home in one of the other vessels.”

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Ask away.”

  “Have you ever seen Benny when he’s really, really, really, really angry?”

  Egg smiled. “I’ve only gotten him up to three really’s. Why?”

  “Because if I leave you here to fend for yourself, I cringe at the thought of what he’ll do to me. It’s much safer to go to war with you. So, I’m in.”

  “And your people?”

  “If there are any conscientious objectors, we can send them home. I wouldn’t bet on any, if I were you.”

  “May I ask, who is Benny?”

  “He’s referring to Prince Ben’Edikk, my husband.”

  “Ah. The father of your child.”

  “What? No, I don’t have children.”

  I think we’re all getting pretty used to Zwam’s stare and the darting tongue. “Did you not know?”

  “Know what?”

  “You are with child.”

  “NO!”

  *****

  “I sense that you are very early in the gestation cycle.”

  “How early?”

  “Perhaps a few weeks, maybe more.”

  Egg slapped her hands over her face which was turning red. Her mind had immediately conjured up the image of her and her husband when they were at Se’rene. They had been drinking champagne and swimming in the indoor pool usually reserved for serpents. It was the same pool where the original sisters had played Marco Polo all those years ago.

  Between the bubbly and splashing and the giggling . . . well, as they say on Earth . . . stuff happens.

  “Oh boy.”

  “No, it is a girl.”

  “What?”

  “You said boy. It is not. You will have a daughter.”

  “Ellie Rose.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Ellie Rose . . . it’s what Benny, my husband, and I agreed would be the name of our first daughter. Ellie is what my grandmother’s husband calls her and Rose is the name of Benny’s mom. It honors both of them.”

  “Excuse me, Egg. But this changes everything. You’re not going to war carrying the Prince’s daughter.”

  “Kreed, she’ll be fine. Look, no goosebumps.” Egg quickly explained the phenomenon to Zwam.

  “Come on Egg. He’s going to kill me. Look,” and he raised his arms. “Goosebumps. Very, very big goosebumps.”

  “Liar, but thank you anyway for your concern. Go poll your crew and let me know if we need to send any of them back. Oh, and keep working on the General’s men.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” and he stood to leave.

  “Kreed, one more thing. DO NOT TELL ANYONE about me. Understood?”

  “Loud and Clear, Majesty. Loud and clear.”

  Chapter 6 – Red Queen to King’s Pawn

  Zynn-Zaz’zia

  It was the day before the people of Aerianna voted for their new queen . . . and the day of Meggy’s farewell celebration. Since it was going to be a surprise, the sisters needed a way to get Meggy off-planet while they organized the huge crowds of all three species that were expected to turn out and show their appreciation and respect.

  “I have just the thing,” Bree told the girls a few days earlier. “I have been talking to Kon’dee and my dad about a new alliance between our three worlds. We have so much in common and with the possibility of adding two more cosmic tunnels so we can connect each to the other two, it’ll be like one big happy family.”

  “Barf.”

  “I thought you were supposed to be less grumpy now that you’re married?”

  Serenity rolled her eyes. “I am . . . for him. You, not so much.”

  “Don’t you like the idea of a commonwealth for the three worlds?”

  “Aerianna is already part of the Federation.”

  “True, but not Splendora or Zynn-Zaz’zia. Besides, it takes weeks to travel to any of those Federation worlds. I don’t feel any kinship to them.”

  “Bree, I love it,” said Sylvia. “Not only is it a great idea, but it can be Meggy’s crowning glory, so to speak, to create this new union. Well done.”

  “Thank you, Syl. I’ll get my dad to broach the concept to her. If she likes it, he can send over a preliminary charter and then they can sign it the morning of the celebration.”

  *****

  Meggy and Bree were leaving Zynn-Zaz’zia to return to Q’umulus. Until Egg was actually crowned, M-egg’Alynnia was considered the Queen Regent and fully empowered to enact whatever treaties she deemed in the best interest of Aerianna. The creation of the new commonwealth was now complete. All the details had yet to be determined but the general outline had been agreed to by all parties.

  “Bree, I congratulate you on conceiving this new alliance.”

  “Thanks, but it really is pretty obvious. Aerianna and Splendora have the treaty Egg negotiated. Zynn-Zaz’zia is connected to Aerianna by the Space Tunnel and the University. And Splendora and Zynn-Zaz’zia have the only two known winged-beings in the galaxy. It really is a perfect fit.”

  “Be that as it may, you still get credit for bringing it to fruition. So, if I may ask, how is your relationship with the gorgeous Kon’dor progressing?”

  “Hands off, Meggy,” teased Bree.

  “I assure you my interest is purely academic and not speculative.”

  “What about you? No man caught your eye yet?”

  “Many individuals have caught my eye, but none have captured my heart.”

  “Well, pretty soon you can spend as much time as you want casting your net. Have you made plans for what you will do after Egg is crowned?”

  “Nothing long range. But, the first thing that I will do is revisit Earth.”

  “Really? Why?”

  “I enjoyed my time there. I would like to see it again through more mature eyes.”

  “Will you go by yourself?”

  “No. Molly and Ashley have agreed to accompany me. Molly has not been back since she moved to Aerianna as a very young girl and she is anxious to see what she left behind. Ashley agreed to be our guide and keep us out of too much trouble.”

  “It sounds exciting.”

  “Indeed. So, I ask again . . . what of you? Is there marriage in your future?”

  “Nothing imminent I’m sorry to say. We enjoy each o
ther’s company, work well together, and appreciate many of the same things . . .” and the sentence drifted off into silence.

  “If I am prying, please stop me. You seem to be avoiding telling me what does not work.”

  “He’s afraid of losing me like he did L’elle.”

  “Explain.”

  “He said that as long as I am an active member of the Sisterhood, I will be putting myself in danger. Until I retire, he won’t marry me.” The girl was obviously torn between love for her man and the love and sense of duty to her sisters.

  “Has he given you an ultimatum?”

  “No, just the opposite. He said that being a Hameggattic Sister was too important to so many people that he would not want me to retire until I felt I could no longer serve. He said our love is strong enough to wait until that time.”

  They had arrived at the Space Tunnel. Meggy put out her hand to stop her sister from entering. “I like the man even more. However, your problem no longer exists.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means that our dear sister Egg has foreseen this issue and has come up with a solution.”

  “Really and truly?”

  “As an Earthling might say – I cross my heart and hope to die.”

  “So what’s the answer?”

  “It is not for me to tell. She will explain it to all the sisters upon her return.”

  “It doesn’t involve ending the Sisterhood I hope.”

  “Not at all. It’s just a stop gap measure until her youngest daughter fulfills the Myst Tree’s prophesy and replaces her mother.”

  “That can be a long way away.”

  “Indeed. Nonetheless, be of good cheer. In a week or two you can tell Kon’dor the good news.”

  “Like heck. I’ll tell him tonight. The details can wait till Egg returns.” Bree was so excited she hugged Meggy. “Thank you for telling me.”

  “Thank Egg. Just when you think she’s done it all and can’t surprise you, she comes up with something new.”

  Truer words were never spoken.

  *****

  Back on the Yacht a few days in the future

  “I want you to sit out of sight of the viewer.”

  “May I ask why?”