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

by Robert Iannone

  “Thank you, Vayder” said Zwam. “I do accept your words. However, my decision to leave the Federation is final.”

  “Our loss, madam.” He then addressed Egg. “Lady, your reputation as the leader of your sisterhood does not do you justice. To my understanding, you have had limited experience as a diplomat. Yet, today you proved yourself far superior to all of us here. With your permission, I would like to nominate you as the next President of the Federation.”

  Egg’s mouth dropped then turned up as she laughed. “You are one silver tongued devil . . .”

  “Excuse me?” Vayder thought he had just been insulted.

  “Sorry. That sounded offensive but on Earth it’s actually a compliment. It means that you have a wonderful way with words. As to your offer, no thank you. Apparently, I’m to be the next Queen of Aerianna. There are many changes that need implementation at home. Besides, there’s our new Commonwealth to work on. That should keep me busy for a while.”

  Zwam leaned over and whispered into Egg’s ear.

  “Oh right.” She looked back at Vayder and said, “I’m also with child . . . my first. If my mother is to be believed, I will be rewarded with sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and hour after hour of loving, teaching and enjoying my new bundle of joy. As to your suggestion, I have a better idea. Since Aerianna has not yet resigned from the Federation, I, as their representative, can also nominate a person for the presidency. I nominate you, First Citizen Vayder. All in favor . . . “

  There was no way that the election of a new president would be easy. Over the course of the next hour, heated discussions and impassioned speeches preceded a couple of votes. In the end, Egg prevailed and the man was elected.

  “Congratulations. Please, the podium is yours” and she pointed to it.

  Vayder stood and started the long walk down the aisle and up the stairs.

  “Wait” called Egg. “Ring, tend to my suit” and Flying Girl flew down to stand before the man. She offered him a hand “care to go flying?”

  Vayder stared at the proffered appendage then smiled. “I believe I will, thank you.”

  “I know why you just smiled,” said Egg.

  “Do you? No offense, but I think not.”

  “Oh. So, you weren’t thinking about your granddaughters and how thrilled they would be to hear the story of how their grandfather went flying with Flying Girl.”

  Vayder’s eyes went wide . . . then he smiled. “Since the history books about you are true and not some fabricated story, I must assume that if I compliment you, it will not be gladly accepted.”

  “True dat.”

  “Did you know that there is now a whole compendium of what are called stupid earth sayings in those books?”

  “Really? No, I’ve never read them.”

  “At my earliest convenience, I shall look up ‘true dat.”

  “Knock yourself out.”

  *****

  They left Peekaboo Prime and headed for the rendezvous point with Captain Vayder. The conversation between Egg and the General went pretty much as you would expect.

  “You did fantastic. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thank you. But you were right, I spoke from my heart and the words flowed of their own volition. My nervousness left me as I walked to the podium and was replaced with indignation. My fear became anger. I never felt more proud to be trans-evolutionary than at that moment.”

  “Now you need to share the news with your crew. The future is looking very bright for the Outer Reaches.”

  Zwam eagerly complied. When she completed her message, she returned to Egg who was in her conference room. “How did it go?”

  “They cheered and they cried and they laughed. It was so glorious. Lady Eloise, how can I ever thank you?”

  “Well, to begin with, start calling me Egg.”

  “I cannot,” replied the horrified General. “That would be disrespectful.”

  “It’s what my friends call me.”

  Zwam stared at the young woman, her tongue darting in and out. “Very well. Egg, I wish to thank you on behalf of my people and myself. Without you this rebellion would have ended badly.”

  “Maybe, maybe not. But, you’re welcome just the same. Let’s enjoy our victory for the rest of today. Tomorrow we begin the real work.”

  “How is it that your enthusiasm never wanes . . . especially facing the prospect of an enormous effort to finish what we started?”

  Egg smiled. “I think I have to give the credit to my grandmother. In large part I am who I am today because of her and Rose’Alynnia.”

  “They must be extraordinary women.”

  “They are.”

  “I should like to meet then if it is permissible?”

  “Absolutely. Both of them would love to meet you.” At that point, they were interrupted by Lieutenant Amato. “Excuse me, Lady. You have an incoming call from the Prince and Captain Vayder’s ship is hailing us.”

  “Lieutenant, I’ll leave the arrangements to you as far as the rendezvous. Please send the incoming communications to this viewer.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “I will take my leave,” said Zwam.

  “I would ask you to stay but I think my husband is going to be very cross with me.”

  “He treats you unkindly?”

  “What? No. He’s the best husband I ever had.”

  “Is he not your first?”

  “I’ve lost count so I can’t answer that,” she said smiling. She waited for Zwam to leave then turned on the viewer. “Hi, Hubby. Miss me?”

  “Gracie . . . you are with child?”

  “Who was the big mouth that told you?”

  “You did.”

  “Me? What are you talking about?”

  “The meeting of the Federation – it was broadcast to all member planets. Perhaps forty or so billion people now know of your condition.”

  “I was on TV?”

  Forgetting for the moment he had seen it on Earth he asked, “What is TV? Never mind. You are with child; that is so wonderful. How do you feel? How far into the gestation cycle are you? When did you find out? Do we know if it’s a boy or a girl?”

  Egg giggled at her flustered husband. “Take a deep breath, big guy. First, I’m fine. Never felt better. Zwam is the one that told me. Somehow her species can sense such things. She says I’m not very far along. In fact, do you remember that one particular night at Se’rene?”

  The Prince turned purple (blue skin plus a red blush equals purple) as he recalled the night in question. “Perhaps you can refresh my memory when you return.”

  “I can definitely do that. Oh, she says it’s a girl. Not too disappointed, are you?”

  “Of course not. I’ve come to admire the fairer sex. Apparently, they are to be considered the equal of men.”

  “You’re lucky you are a few million miles away,” she teased back.

  “Are we to name her Ellie Rose as we discussed?”

  “We are. Then we’ll have to get to work in making her sister. Don’t forget the Myst Tree said she would become the next Flying Girl.”

  “I shall remind you of that thought in about six months. I do miss you so. However, I am still cross at what you and Xara did to me.”

  “Perhaps I can make it up to you?”

  He smiled lasciviously. “I am man enough to offer you the opportunity.”

  “You’re such a gentleman.”

  “I do try. As to your little revolution, congratulations. You were marvelous.”

  “Not me. It was Zwam . . . the general. She did great and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

  He knew better than to argue with his modest wife. “Will I be meeting her soon?”

  “Probably not for a few months. There’s a lot of work to do. Listen, I have to go. I’m rendezvousing with one of the Federation ships to retrieve Kreed. I can’t tell you how great he’s been through all of this. You better promote him or something.”

  “I shall think of an a
ppropriate reward. Take care of my daughter and I will see you soon. I love you.”

  “Not as much as I love you.”

  “Nonsense. On this issue, I am correct by a factor of at least two, perhaps three.”

  “You know nothing, Ben’Edikk,” and she threw him a kiss as his image faded away.

  *****

  “Lady Eloise, may I present Captain Vayder of the Solaxis Amalgamation. Captain Vayder, Lady Eloise.”

  The man stared, caught himself staring and went red, then went down to a knee and bowed his head. “An honor I shall never forget.”

  Egg rolled her eyes. “Captain, if you don’t stand up I’m going to vent you out the airlock.”

  “She’s not kidding,” teased Kreed.

  “I am so sorry. Please forgive me.”

  Ziz, who was once again on Egg’s shoulder, said “Barf.”

  “Be nice, you goofy bird. Now, take a picture of me and the Captain.” She walked to his side and grabbed his arm in hers. “Wait. Ring, tend to my suit,” and the Captain nearly wet himself. “Okay, cheese.”

  The captain took the image which had been transferred to a data pad. “My daughters will never believe me.”

  “Speaking of your daughters, your father got to go flying with Flying Girl.”

  “What?”

  She explained what had happened. “So, I flew him up to the podium.”

  “He’s the President of the Federation because of you?”

  “No, because of you. I figured that anyone as impressive as you must have come from some pretty great parents. Your dad proved me right. He’ll make an awesome president.”

  “Lady, you are a wonder. I am grateful beyond telling. On behalf of myself, my daughters, and my father, I thank you.”

  “Don’t forget my invitation to come to Aerianna. I’m looking forward to meeting your wife and kids.”

  “Sadly, I lost my wife a few years back. However, my daughters will nag me every day so it will be impossible to forget. Now with your permission, I will return to my ship.”

  “Drive safe.”

  “Excuse me?’

  “Ask you dad to look it up,” she replied mysteriously.

  “Yes, Ma’am.” He turned to Kreed and offered his hand. “I’m glad we had this opportunity to meet.”

  “Likewise. And remember my invitation.”

  “I look forward to it.” He bowed once more and was transported back to his ship.

  Egg turned to Kreed. “May I ask what invitation?”

  “To my wedding if Sylvia will have me.”

  Chapter 11 – Her Grace

  This time it was different. Upon her return to Q’umulus, she walked into the Throne Room but wasn’t greeted by applause. Instead, everyone went to a knee and bowed their heads.

  She wasn’t having any of it. But, she was feeling giddy in anticipation of seeing her husband. To the gathered crowd she proclaimed, “If anyone is still kneeling after I count to three, I will have them beheaded.”

  Like a jack-in-the-box, everyone popped up not quite in unison.

  To no one in particular but to everyone there she said, “That’s better. Thank you but I’m not yet your queen. I’m just Lady Eloise or Egg – your choice.”

  They smiled. Egg couldn’t understand the love that these folks had for her. She was truly bewildered.

  Meggy who had been keeping ‘the throne warm’ until her sister returned, stood and hurried to greet her friend. She threw her arms around the girl then kissed her cheek. Teasingly she said, “You promised no children until you were at least twenty-five.”

  “By the time the baby is due, I’ll be just a few months short of my twenty-fifth birthday. But, not to throw him under the bus, it’s all your brother’s fault.”

  “I heard that.”

  Egg spun around and launched herself into Benny’s arms. Against all protocol, they kissed a tad too passionately.

  After an embarrassingly long minute, Meggy loudly cleared her throat. “Brother, do give the mother of your child an opportunity to breathe.”

  But it was Egg who responded. “Shut up Meggy,” and the crowd roared their approval. She took another few seconds to finish what she had started, then pushed away from her husband. Turning back to her sister, she asked, “So, what’s new with you guys?”

  Meggy wasn’t going to be distracted. In a loud voice so all could hear, she asked, “Lady Eloise, do you formally accept the will of the people of Aerianna and agree to be their next Queen?” It went so quiet, so fast that Egg actually glanced over her shoulder to see if everyone was still there.

  “I’m sorry . . .” she began then paused to the collective gasp of all. “I’m sorry but I never asked for this honor. So, if I’m a lousy queen, it’s your fault,” and she extended her arm to the audience so there was no doubt who would take the blame.

  It took a second or two for them to realize Egg was just being Egg and that she had accepted the Crown. The cheers and applause became deafening.

  Egg raised her hand for quiet. “I am going to assume that the applause was in honor of Queen M-egg’Alynnia who has done a wonderful job of governing this world. Am I correct?”

  They applauded loudly again.

  “Great. Now, I’m going to teach you an Earth custom; it’s called a golf clap.” She raised her hands for all to see, then clapped them together very quietly. “Now you try.”

  They did. The polite clapping was so subdued that it wouldn’t have startled a flock of nervous crows.

  “Perfect. That was for me. Everyone understand?”

  As one, they gently bowed their heads.

  “I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.”

  *****

  There was so much to do and it all had to be done simultaneously. Drafting the Articles of the Aerianna Commonwealth, helping Zwam negotiate the sale of the captured Federation ships, organizing the scientific and engineering effort on the black hole project, helping the Outer Reaches with the new embassies that would soon be opening up on their worlds, helping them establish one on Aerianna, negotiating with Waldo to create a protective force for the new power project, deciding what to do with the disruptor technology, re-organizing the Hameggattic Sisterhood, presiding over the trial of Kru-Ella and her conspirators, and of course the Coronation Ceremony were just a few of the tasks to be dealt with.

  But before that, Egg needed to see her family and her sisters who would all want to congratulate her on her pregnancy. She needed to thank Xara, whose help was key to the success of her rebellion. And, for a reason she didn’t fully understand, she had the overwhelming urge to thank the Myst Tree for his last incomprehensible riddle.

  *****

  First things first, Family

  Meggy had organized a celebratory breakfast for just the family . . . with Rose and Z’kkk, Egg’s parents, Grammy and Ezra, Ashley, Sylvia (can’t leave out the guest of honor’s bestie) and, of course, Benny and the mother-to-be. For the next hour or two, no one was allowed to interrupt. Any emergency would be handled by Rap’tor, Jax’x and Kreed.

  They were all milling about awaiting Egg’s grand entrance. When she and her husband finally arrived, it was obvious the young woman was not well. Grammy smiled and walked up to her granddaughter and took her hand. “Morning sickness, dear one?”

  “Oh yeah.”

  “Try ginger . . . it’s an old Chinese cure.”

  “Next time you go home, buy some. I don’t think they have ginger on Aerianna.”

  “Oh. You’re right of course. I’ll send your sister,” and she walked off to find the other girl.

  “You didn’t listen to me.” It was Sylvia.

  “About what?”

  “The yellow duckies. You would never be preggers if you kept wearing them.”

  “Don’t you dare make me laugh,” and naturally they both did. “What does Kreed think of them?”

  “What makes you think he’s seen them?”

  “I said – don’t make m
e laugh.” And, again they both did.

  They went and sat down. Egg refused all food, though she accepted a glass of what passed for orange juice on Aerianna.

  “Honey,” said her mother. “Dry toast is good for an upset stomach. You really should eat something.”

  For some weird reason, Egg turned to Ashley and they both burst out laughing.

  Benny stared at the two then asked his father, “Is this a normal pregnant woman’s response to toast?”

  “I am fairly certain that it is not.”

  Naturally, Sylvia understood her friend’s reaction. “They’re laughing because of the unintentional absurdity of Mrs. G’s statement.”

  “What did I say?” asked the confused woman.

  “You just told your daughter that she needed to eat something. Fifteen years ago that was good advice for a silly young girl. But that little girl of yours is now married, with child, a day away from being crowned Queen of the Planet, the Leader of the Hameggattic Sisterhood, the heroine of Aerianna . . . and just for the fun of it, she went out and declared war on the Federation. Oh yeah . . . and she won.”

  “Someday you’ll realize that your little girl will always be your little girl,” came the defiant response. “Isn’t that right, Rose’Alynnia?”

  “I object,” interrupted Lord Z’kkk. “The same sentiment holds true for fathers as well as mothers.”

  Benny couldn’t resist and said, “Ah, Daddy, that’s so sweet,” and everyone burst out laughing.

  “On the other hand, one does sometimes wish their sons would grow up.”