“Then you can watch.”
“I’d rather swallow my tongue.”
“Skotti, that’s just unbelievably great news. You and the other two, and K’ssss if you need her, should start working on the specifications and a timeline. I’ll want at least a brief outline within the hour. Is that possible?”
“It won’t have much detail, but yes.”
“Then you three get to work. I have a Federation to defeat.”
“Egg.”
“Yeah, Jax’x?”
“Be careful . . . for both your sakes.”
“Both?”
“Good luck . . . momma.”
*****
Ziz went quiet as the others cut communications.
“Egg, how did Jax’x know?” asked Kreed.
“Because she’s too smart for her own good. I said I had special news for my husband that would calm him down and melt his heart. She figured out what that meant.”
“It must make your job as leader of the Sisterhood much less difficult when you are surrounded by such intelligence,” observed Zwam.
“Actually, that’s a good point. A leader doesn’t have to be the smartest; she only needs smart people on her team.”
“You are a fascinating creature, your Majesty.”
“That’s what I tell my husband all the time. He doesn’t always agree.” To the captain she said “Kreed, send a message to Meggy. Tell her we think Kru-Ella is a traitor. She needs to either prove the woman’s guilt or her innocence.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Oh, tell her that I recommend she use Rap’tor to ferret out the truth.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“And stop calling me Ma’am. I’m younger then you, old man.”
Kreed smiled. “Yes, Ma’am” he said as he left.
“Your Majesty, may I ask another question about leadership? I am terrible sorry if I have become bothersome.”
“Don’t be silly. How else will you learn if you don’t ask? What’s your question?”
“You just used humor on the Captain. Is that a leadership technique?”
“It could be. Laughter is one of the great reactions that one person can elicit in another. It almost always creates an instant bond . . . though it may not last very long. In this case, Kreed is a personal friend, a trusted naval office, and the significant other to my best friend. Our bond is pretty unbreakable. I was just being playful to show that I’m confident in what we’re doing. He’ll pick up on that and in his own way pass it along to the crew.”
“Fascinating. Though in your list of reasons for your bond you failed to mention his obvious admiration for your skills as a leader.”
“I wouldn’t go that far. I’d say he’s pretty certain that I’m not totally nuts.”
“Is modesty another trait of a good leader?” The woman had a million questions and seemed determined to get every one answered.
“Modesty is not an act a person puts on to win the loyalty of others. That’s not modesty; that’s deception. People may be fooled for a while, but eventually they’ll know they’ve been had.”
“So your modesty is?”
Egg hated these discussions but she took a deep breath and answered, “My modesty is my absolute certainty that I’m not special . . . not by education, not by ability, not by heredity. I’m just me trying very hard to do the best that I can at those things I believe are incredibly important – like helping people that need help. You know what’s ironic? Some folks think that people who need help are bad in some way. I believe that those that can help but refuse to do so are worse than bad – they’re horrible. I don’t intend to be horrible.”
After a half-minute stare, the General said, “Someday, I fervently wish that I will be able to call you friend.”
“Good news . . . today is your lucky day.”
*****
“Your Majesty, the Queen Regent would like to speak with you.”
“Thanks, Captain. Pipe it to my room, please.”
A moment later, Meggy’s face appeared. The first words to spill out of her mouth were, “Egg, what are you doing?”
“Hi to you, too.”
“You declared war on the Federation?”
“Oh that . . . yeah.”
Meggy squinted at her friend as if the other girl’s image was out of focus. “You are the Queen of Aerianna; you cannot simply declare war on our allies. We swore allegiance – a legal oath. What you have done is disastrous. You have put our entire world at risk.”
“If you calm down, I’ll explain what’s going on. If you’re still too upset, you can call me back later.”
Meggy didn’t know how to react to Egg’s words. They seemed so inconsistent with how the girl normally spoke to her. “I should remind you that technically, I still outrank you . . . at least until your coronation.”
“I should remind you that first and foremost I am the Leader of the Hameggattic Sisterhood. In that capacity, no one outranks me. Second, I did not put my name forward for consideration for Queen-hood and have yet to decide if I will accept. Third, I am your sister and sister-in-law, not to mention your friend. Anyone of those three relationships should warrant at least a fair hearing before you condemn my actions.”
Meggy stared at Egg while she fought her warring emotions. She was mad as she had ever been, confused, disappointed, afraid, bewildered to name just a few. Strangely enough, the one emotion that finally won the battle was joy and she startled her friend when she laughed loudly.
Laughter is always contagious and Egg’s mouth turned up in the smallest of grins. “What?”
“You are a wonder; a marvel of the universe.”
“One does what one can,” came Egg’s teasing reply. “Why did you laugh?”
“Because if there was ever a doubt that you are worthy to be Queen, your words dispelled that notion. Anyone can stand up to their enemies, but only a few can do the same to their friends.”
Egg rolled her eyes at the presumed compliment. But she wanted to keep things from getting too serious. “There is one flaw in your analysis of my qualifications to be Queen. The last two – that would be you and your mother – are beautiful. People instinctively like pretty faces – which, I’m sure you’ll agree, is sadly stupid. On the other hand, I’m just your plain Jane. I don’t measure up by half.”
“Your ridiculous modesty clouds your judgement. Just ask my brother; he would vehemently disagree.”
“If he didn’t, he would be sleeping on the couch. His vote doesn’t count. Anyway, can I tell you what’s going on and what I need you to do?”
“Please. And I do hope that what you have to say is convincing. If the Federation ends up throwing you in prison . . . or worse . . . guess who becomes Queen?”
“No idea.”
“According to the law my mother enacted, if the primary vote-getter cannot serve, the person who came in second would become Queen. In this case, that would be . . .?”
Egg interrupted with, “Let me guess . . . Kru-Ella?”
“Indeed.”
“You’ve got to hand it to her, she’s no fool.”
“Not a fool, but definitely foolish. Please, finish your tale.”
Egg explained the situation between the Outer Reaches and the neighboring planets of the Federation. She even played back a recording of her conversation with the President. “Bottom line, Zwam and her folks have a legitimate legal case against the Federation. Their moral case is even stronger.”
“Then why not fight this battle in a court of law?”
“It could take years to litigate and, at best, it would buy them some temporary relief. But as Kreed reminded me, you can’t legislate prejudice.”
“He is a good match for our sister, is he not?”
“If anyone can keep that dumb smile on her face, I think it’s him. Anyway, I figured that an overwhelming military victory would gain the Outer Reaches, if not respect, at least their undivided attention. But to be honest, my plan was h
alf baked.”
“Then you got lucky, correct?”
“Yeah. How did you know?”
“You always get lucky . . . that is truly your super power.”
“What happens when that luck runs out?”
“It runs out for us mere mortals. You represent all that is good in this universe. As long as that is true, your lucky streak will continue.”
“You sound awfully sure about that.”
“I feel it in my very soul. Now, continue your story please.”
“Right. So, as luck would have it, Zwam’s people traded with a passing fleet of star explorers who were in need of supplies. They received seven disruptor weapons in the trade. These things render most mechanical and electronic devices inoperable for a short period of time.”
“Ah, your secret weapon.”
“Yup. There’s no way that the Federation will be expecting such advanced technology. The next bit of luck came from my trio of trouble – Jax’x, Skotti and Serenity. They told us how to split the weapon’s beam so we can hit multiple targets simultaneously. Without that, the Federation ships would probably blow us out of the sky while we retargeted.”
“A rather important bit of luck.”
“Indeedily-do. However, the last bit of luck was downright cosmic. Turns out there’s a black hole sitting just beyond the Outer Reaches. Long story short, it’s the only one where we can use the Rak’nex technology to tap into that infinite energy source. From those planets, we can redirect the energy to wherever we want.”
“Or not want, I presume. If the Federation does not play nice, they will not be given access to this power source. This is your ultimate bargaining chip to play when you negotiate a peace treaty.”
“Bingo.”
“And what would you have me do?”
“Now we’re back to your first concerns. I want you, on behalf of Aerianna and the Sisterhood to denounce what I’m doing. Issue an arrest warrant or whatever you do to apprehend criminals like me. Maybe you even reject the election results in light of my behavior and declare the vote null and void. Do whatever you have to do to make a legal case that you are in no way condoning, aiding or abetting my aberrant behavior.”
“Putting a bit of distance between you and us, as it were.”
“Exactly.”
“I cannot promise that. I will talk to the other Monarchs and my parents to get their advice before I take any action.”
“Your call. So, are you still angry with me?”
“Let me put it this way. When I grow up, I want to be you.”
“Meggy, that’s so sweet but that’s a truly lousy ambition. You can do way better.”
“I refuse to argue. Before I let you get back to your war, I have a couple of items. What shall I do with Benny?”
“Tie him up and lock him in his room. Just kidding. Make sure he stays put. But do me a favor and ask him for his opinion on all of this. At least he’ll feel like he’s made some contribution.”
“I will. And, what of Kru-Ella?”
“We need hard evidence. I think Rap’tor is our man to get it.”
“You have grown quite fond of him, have you not?”
“Want to hear something weird? I have a feeling that he’ll be my Storm. I actually get good goosebumps when I think of it.” She, of course, was referring to the magical and legendary relationship between the late Prince and Rose.
“Though he is more Benny blue than Storm white, it will be perfect. It would be like coming full circle in the story of Mobius, Rose’Alynnia and Flying Girl. I do approve.”
Egg chuckled. “Funny, I think every young girl on earth dreams of marrying a prince, having a dragon for a friend or becoming a princess. I got all three. Anyway, I’ll keep in touch.”
“Good luck, sister. I look forward to your safe return.”
Chapter 8 – Disrupted
The other four ships had finally caught up to the Royal Yacht. Egg instructed all six captains to transfer over so they could be brought up to speed on what was about to happen.
At the end of presentations by Gilly and Kreed, Egg told the gathering, “We are now going to head directly towards Peekaboo Prime. I want the enemy to know we’re coming and I’m expecting that every planet of the Federation will send a ship to destroy us.”
The six rebel captains all gasped. Kreed and Zwam sat impassively as Egg knew they would. She thought Gilly would do the same . . . and was not disappointed. The young man didn’t even bat an eye.
One of the Captains had the courage to raise his hand. “Do you have a question?” asked Egg.
“Sorry to be stupid but I usually pilot a freighter and not a vessel of war. But it seems to me that your plan lacks . . . um . . . logic. You did say you were on our side, right?”
Egg smiled. “One for all and all for one. I’ll let the General explain our strategy.”
“The Queen is brilliant and we are very lucky she is helping us. All the heads of state for the Federation are now at the Capitol for the anniversary celebration. That means they all transported over from their respective planets in their top-of-the-line warships.” She paused to let that sink in.
The same guy asked, “And that’s a good thing why?” It was painfully obvious that he and the rest were not militarily trained.
“Our victory will be all the more impressive if we defeat the best that they can offer.”
“General, if I may finish?” asked Egg.
“Please.”
“Thank you. They are not expecting the technology of the disruptors. Once they have us surrounded and demand our surrender, we will fire at the modified probes that we will have previously deployed. They in turn will split the beams from seven to one hundred as Gilly explained. The Federation fleet will be rendered useless in a matter of seconds.”
The captains all looked at one another and finally began to smile. “Then what happens?” one asked.
“Then I will take this vessel to Peekaboo Prime and capture the heads of state that will be gathered at the Great Hall. After that, the General will negotiate a peace treaty that will give your worlds everything you want.”
Zwam didn’t know that last part and couldn’t help but jerk around and glare at Egg. “I will negotiate?”
“Sure. You’ll do great. We’ll practice before we get there.”
“But you are a Queen.”
“No. I’m the queen-elect. I haven’t decided to accept the position. So, at the moment I’m just a rebel like the rest of you.”
The captains (and Gilly) liked the sound of that and smiled broadly. Unseen by Egg, Kreed rolled his eyes then put his hand over his mouth to hide his smile. This amazing woman had the knack to win over anyone and everyone. Those heads of state didn’t stand a chance.
*****
“But I cannot possible negotiate with these people.”
“Why not?”
“Well . . . well they are heads of state and I am just the head of a small clan.”
“You are also the head of the revolution.”
The tall blue woman looked pleadingly at her new friend then dropped her head in defeat. “You are right, of course. If the Outer Reaches is to earn any respect, I must negotiate with these individuals as equals. If I allow you to do it . . . they would have no reason to change their opinions.”
“Zwam, it won’t be difficult, I promise.”
“How do you know this?”
“Because you hold the winning hand. Their fleet will be ours which means their best captains or admirals are prisoners-of-war. More importantly, when you explain about the unlimited power that they can share for virtually nothing, they’ll be tripping over themselves to sign a treaty.”
“That’s it? Talk about those two issues?”
“No. First you will embarrass them with tales of how they have treated you and your people. You will shame them until they won’t be able to look you in the eyes. Make them realize that morally and legally they are personally liable for crimes against
humanity.”
“You will help me with those words?”
“Maybe on the legal part. On the morality issue, you know better than me what they did. Talk from your heart and don’t mince words. Make it as painful for them as it has been for you.”
“I will try.”
“You’ll do great. Besides, I’m going to lend you Ziz to sit on your shoulder. She can protect you in the unlikely event someone tries anything undiplomatic. Secondly, I’ll be listening. If you need help, I’ll be able to whisper in your ear.”
“Oh, that does make me feel so much better. Thank you, thank you.”
“You won’t need me but I’ll be right with you. By the way, I’ll start the proceedings because I want to fire the Federation President. He doesn’t deserve the position.”
“Revenge?”
“I don’t believe in revenge. Let’s just call it payback.”
“Is that not the same thing?”
Egg just smiled. “Before we practice what you’re going to say, you and I need to finalize our treaty. Can you represent the Outer Reaches?”
“Yes. What in particular did you want to reach an agreement on?”
“First, when this is over, I want all seven disruptors. That technology can cause real problems. You can’t uninvent something but we can make sure that we find a way to counter the beam’s effect. Second, the Outer Reaches agrees to house the terminus of the space tunnel to the black hole then to redistribute the energy to any that agree to our terms. Your people will be trained to operate and maintain the equipment. But, I will hire a security force to protect it (she was thinking of Waldo’s people).”
“Done and done.”
“Two more things. I want Gilly to be assigned to me for a length of time that is acceptable to him, regardless of duration. I also want to establish an Outer Reaches embassy on Aerianna for cultural exchange.”
“Again, done and done.”
“Oh, one more thing. I want you to promise me that you will resign your generalship and return to your clan. That’s where you belong.”
“If it is acceptable, I would rather be one of the individuals to staff this new embassy?”
Egg smiled warmly. “That is a great idea.”
“May I ask you a personal question?”
The Red Queen [Book 7 of Ever After, an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 7