Box Set #5: Nemesis: [The 4 book 5th adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood]

by Robert Iannone

  Egg didn’t say anything. She just hugged her dad . . . then her mother. She let her emotions calm down before she said, “First, thank you for accepting who I am and what I need to do. I know that takes a lot of courage. Second, I’ll share something with you. It’s what the Myst Tree told me when I visited with him.”

  Mrs. Graystone shook her head. “A talking tree . . . I would have loved to have seen it.”

  “Maybe the next time you come to visit, I’ll take you.”

  “Oh, would you? That would be so cool.”

  Egg smiled at her mom’s phrasing. “Yeah, cool.”

  “So what did he say?” asked her father a bit impatiently.

  “Oh, yeah. I asked him “What would happen to the Sisterhood if I retired? Would it just come to an end?”

  “Will it?” That thought made Mr. Graystone a little sad.

  “He said, and I quote, “No. Syl’kie will take your place.”

  “Silky. Who’s that? A new sister?” asked her father.

  Egg laughed. “That’s exactly what I said. But he told me “No . . . Syl’kie is your youngest daughter named in honor of your best friend.”

  “Your daughter!” cried Mrs. Graystone. “I’m going to be a grandmother.”

  “Mom, mom, mom . . . not for a long time.”

  “Of course. Of course.” She looked from her daughter to her husband then started to sob. “Oh my gosh . . . I’m going to be a grandmother.”

  Chapter 2 – The First Day of Tomorrow

  Later that same day, it was time for Sylvia to return to Earth. She would be taking Grammy and Ezra home with her. The two older folks had said their goodbyes and were waiting outside on the balcony . . . to give the best friends a little privacy and to enjoy the spectacular view.

  “It won’t feel right without you by my side.” Egg was trying very hard not to cry.

  Sylvia just stared at the one person in the universe she was closest to and said nothing . . . but her eyes were wet. She finally found her voice. “It was almost a decade ago that we started the Quest. The things we’ve done together since we first visited Aerianna really is the stuff of legends. I can never thank you enough for being my best friend and for taking me on this journey.” And that was too much for both of them . . . they hugged each other and let their tears flow freely.

  The minutes passed by all too quickly and they finally broke their embrace.

  “You better get all A’s in school or else.”

  “And you better save at least a billion people.”

  “Can’t count that high. That’s why I had you as my Feminion.”

  Syl smiled sadly. After a moment, she asked, “Who’s going to go with you to help the Librarian?”

  “Tee, Serenity, Spirit, Bl’azzz, Bree and myself. Oh, and Jynxie of course.”

  “It’ll be the first time we had less than seven sisters. No offense to Jynx.”

  “Yeah, I know. But the whole seven thing is just silly superstition.” No sooner had the words left her mouth, than her eyes suddenly went wide.

  “What?”

  “I just got goose bumps.”

  “Oh, Egg . . . that’s not good.”

  The girl rubbed her arms – trying to push the bumps back down. “It’s nothing. Really. I’m sure it only means that I’m going to miss you like crazy.”

  They hugged once more. “Egg,” whispered Syl in her friend’s ear.

  “Yeah?”

  “Benny and you . . . I like it.”

  “Shut up.”

  *****

  With her parents, grandparents and Sylvia now gone, Egg had a bunch of tasks to take care of before she and the others could start their journey.

  Up next was a meeting with Meggy and the other five sisters that were going to accompany her. She walked to one of the Queen’s private chambers . . . the last one to join up with the others. As she entered, everyone once again went quiet and stared. “Oh, my gosh. Stop . . . would you please. Anyone . . . and I mean anyone . . . that mentions Benny, love or marriage will . . . will . . . um . . . feel my wrath.”

  That was lame . . . and not exactly fear-inducing.

  “I totally agree with . . .” and the Queen smiled evilly “. . . with my sister.” She fake coughed into her hand to cover the words “in-law.” But everyone heard and laughed. Well, almost everyone.

  Egg hung her head in sad resignation and muttered, “Kill me now.”

  “Cheer up, Egg. This teasing will get old in about four, five, six . . . twelve months tops,” added Serenity.

  Egg suddenly brightened. “I think it would be unforgivably rude to get married before Meggy. She’s soooooo much older than I am. I would feel just terrible if my older sister (she fake coughed the “in-law”) was a spinster. I guess I’ll have to set aside my feelings of love until that magical day when our beloved Queen says, “I do.”

  “Do what?” asked BreeZee.

  “What?”

  “She’s going to say I do . . . I do what?”

  Egg’s mouth flopped open in utter frustration. Instead of answering, she just said, “Can we please move on to more important things?”

  “If we have to,” replied Tee’ka who just loved this kind of nonsensical banter. “But only for now. Once we get on the Seven, we’ll have plenty of time to finish this conversation.”

  “We don’t have a Seven,” said Spirit. “In fact, we don’t even have seven.”

  “You just said that twice.”

  “No, you goofy avatar. We blew up the Seven over Earth. And not counting Jynx, there are only six of us sisters.”

  “Grrrrrrr. Burp.”

  “No offense, Jynxie dear.”

  “Grrrrrrr.”

  “Spirit, as to the loss of the Seven . . . I am giving you the first new spaceship just completed to Serenity’s specifications. It’s the least the people of Aerianna and Earth can do to repay you.”

  “That is very generous, your Majesty. Thank you.”

  “What are you going to name it?” asked Tee’ka.

  “I’m open to suggestions.”

  “How about The Sisterhood?” suggested Bl’azzz.

  “Not bad. Anyone else?”

  “I’ve got one. How about “The Gracie”.

  Egg scrunched her face. “Tee, that’s just awful.”

  “Awfully funny.”

  “No. Not so much. Trust me.”

  “I, for one, like it.”

  “Meggy, don’t you dare pull rank. The rest of you, on this, she’s only a sister.”

  Spirit looked at Egg then smiled. “All in favor of The Gracie raise your hand.”

  Even the Shamie raised her paw. “How appropriate,” said Meggy. “I count seven yeas. The motion passes.”

  “I hate all of you. I’m not kidding” . . . but that only made the others laugh harder.

  After the laughter died down, Serenity asked, “What about the seven sister thing? Is everyone comfortable having only six? Jynxie, stop. I’m not trying to insult you.”

  “Grrrrrrr.”

  Everyone looked at everyone else and shrugged. Everyone except Egg who chose that moment to look down at her feet. Only Meggy noticed. “Egg, how say you?”

  Not wanting to worry anyone about her goose bumps, the girl answered, “I, for one, count Jynx as number seven. So . . . no problem.”

  To acknowledge her friend, the silly Shamie stood up, morphed into the shape of the Prince and bowed. The girls tried their best not to giggle . . . but it was so funny.

  Instead of complaining, Egg just returned the bow.

  Bringing the meeting back where it belonged, the Queen asked, “Is there any other assistance I can offer before you leave?”

  “Except for provisioning the ship, I don’t think so Meggy. Thanks.”

  “When will you leave?”

  “I have a few things to take care of first. And, Spirit, I need you to do a Thought Weave before we go. Oh, and maybe Serenity can take the ship out and make sure it meets with yo
ur approval. You can also teach the others how it works.”

  “That’s a great idea. Besides, I want to reprogram the escape pods. They didn’t work as well as I’d hoped last time.”

  *****

  After Egg left the meeting, she went straight to the living quarters for permanent non-royal residents (as well as honored guests) of Q’umulus. She found the apartment she was looking for . . . though she wasn’t looking forward to what was about to transpire. Taking a deep breath, she rang the bell.

  A few seconds later, Jenny opened the door. She stared at the young lady but it took her a moment to realize who it was. “EGG,” she cried then hugged the girl. Egg returned the embrace with equal enthusiasm.

  They finally separated and Jenny held the girl out at arm’s length. “Look at you . . . you’re all grown up. You look absolutely wonderful.”

  Egg smiled. “It’s just the hairdo. Sylvia’s idea.”

  “And where is your better half? I hope she’s going to drop by to say hello.”

  “Sorry, Jen . . . she had to get back. She’s got to get ready for college. She’s been accepted at Harvard.”

  “Really. Wow. Though I shouldn’t be surprised. That’s why you made her your Feminion.”

  “Yeah. But . . . (it still hurt Egg to say this) . . . she’s now retired from the Sisterhood.”

  Jenny stared at the young lady in front of her. “I’m so sorry, Egg. It must be hard. You two were so close.”

  “We still are . . . but yes, it’s hard. Anyway, how are you and Molly?”

  “I’m guessing you already know about Molly and the Prince. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?”

  “Jenny . . . please believe me. I had nothing to do with any of this. I didn’t even know he liked me. I never, ever encouraged it.”

  “Come inside so we can talk.” She led her guest to a couch and invited her to sit down. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “I’m good. Thanks.”

  Jenny sat down across from her guest. “First off, I know you had nothing to do with it. Heck, you haven’t been around for years. On the other hand, the legend of the Heroine of Aerianna continues to grow with time . . . even when you’re not doing anything heroic. Quite frankly, you’re every man’s dream girl.”

  Egg was getting very uncomfortable with this conversation. “Jenny, please. I hate talk like that.”

  The woman laughed. “That’s the other thing. Your modesty just makes you even more . . . attractive. No man can resist falling in love with you.”

  “Oh my gosh . . . that’s just silly. They may fall in love with the girl in the history books. But that’s not me. Well, it’s only a small part of me. If they got to know the real Egg, they sure as heck wouldn’t be so impressed.”

  Jenny couldn’t help but laugh again. “You are so remarkable and you don’t even know it.”

  “PLEASE, don’t. I’m not special. Never have been; probably never will be.”

  “Oh Egg, you are so deserving of the love that the folks on Aerianna have for you. That, by the way, includes me and Molly.”

  Wanting to change the subject from her to the other girl, Egg asked, “So, how is she? Where is she? She didn’t go back to Earth?”

  “She’s actually taking it pretty well. They’ve been drifting apart for some time now. So, other than a little embarrassment since the engagement was so public, and maybe a little irritation that he beat her to it . . . she’s handling it well.”

  “Is she going back to Earth?”

  “She’s undecided. In fact, she’s talking to the Prince right now.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. He asked to see her. There was some urgency . . . though I’m not sure why.”

  Egg smiled.

  “Oh. It was you. I should have known,” said Jenny.

  Feigning innocence, Egg replied, “Me what?”

  “Let me guess. You told Ben’Edikk you wouldn’t even talk to him unless he convinced my daughter to stay. Thank you, Egg. Once again, I’m in your debt.”

  “Benny was a jerk for hurting Molly. It was the least I could do.”

  Jenny laughed. “Only you could call him Benny and a jerk. Just goes to show you how special you are.”

  “I’m just a brat that can’t be taught how to behave.”

  “Oh Egg. I do love you. So where are you off to now? Who needs saving?”

  “We’re heading out later today to a planet called Spell’Bound. There’s a librarian that needs our help. Turns out she’s a witch.”

  “How fun.”

  “It’s never fun . . . that I can promise you. However, it’s almost always interesting.” Egg hesitated for a second or two then added, “Tell Molly how sorry I am things didn’t work out for her. But I’m now living on Aerianna.”

  “You are?”

  “Yup. Well, when I’m not gallivanting around the stars or visiting my family and Sylvia on Earth. Dazzle gave the Sisterhood her castle – Se’rene. That’s where I’ll be living. Anyway, if Molly stays, we can finally get to know each other all over again.”

  “I think she’ll like that.”

  “Jenny, if she sees me and Benny together . . . will that upset her?”

  “Maybe a little . . . but she’ll get over it quickly enough. Please don’t worry about it.”

  “Can’t help but worry. In fact, if she says the word, I won’t see him.”

  “Egg, that’s sweet. But my daughter would have to be a very petty person to want that.”

  “I . . . I didn’t mean to insult her. Or you.”

  “Of course you didn’t. Besides, with you off on your next adventure, it will give the two of them time to get comfortable with their new relationship. So, don’t worry. It’ll all work out for the best.”

  “You sound like my grandmother.”

  *****

  Egg didn’t need to knock. The Imperial Sentinel guarding the door opened it for her. She thanked him (you aren’t supposed to do that. That’s their job and they don’t expect anyone to even notice what they do). The Sentinel tried not to smile . . . but the corners of his mouth turned up ever so slightly. Then he gave her a quick wink. After all, she was Egg – the Heroine of Aerianna.

  “Hi, your Lordship”.

  “Eloise, thank you for dropping by.”

  “Ha,” she teased, “and risk getting beheaded?”

  Z’kkk smiled. “We no longer behead impertinent young women. We simply toss them off the city.”

  “I believe the last person to leave that way was your dear wife.” When Rose was about ten, she accepted a dare to jump off of Q’umulus. She had one of the foremost scientists build her a pair of wings and she became the first human on Aerianna to fly of her own accord. Her father, King M’earth, was not happy. Not happy at all.

  “I am familiar with the tale. She and I were not well acquainted at that time.”

  “Would you have stopped her, if you were?”

  “Good grief, no. Opposing the young Princess Rose’Alynnia would have been lunacy.”

  “Did I hear my name?” The Queen Mother strode into the room.

  “Your husband says he would have been too scared to stop you from flying off the city.”

  Rose smiled. “I was not the sweet and timid creature that I am today.” This time both Egg and Z’kkk laughed. “Did I say something to amuse you?”

  “And so asks the Queen of Hearts.”

  Egg was surprised that his Lordship knew of Alice in Wonderland. “You read children stories from Earth?”

  “My husband reads everything. Now that we belong to the new Federation of Planets, he spends more time with their literature then he does with his decrepit, old wife.”

  “If you are fishing for a compliment, I must say that the attempt was heavy handed.” But he was grinning . . ., walked up to Rose, and gave her a hug and light kiss on the lips. That stunned Egg . . . the two had never shown any such behavior in her presence in all the years she had known them.

  �
��I believe our guest is shocked by such comportment,” observed Rose.

  But Egg was Egg for a reason. “Okay, you two. I get it.”

  “Eloise?”

  “You want to show me that you two would be just normal, run of the mill, in-laws if I were to marry your son.”

  “It was worth the try,” replied Z’kkk with a shrug.

  Rose addressed her young friend. “My dearest Egg . . . we love Molly and felt she would have been a worthy wife for our son. Not only did we not object to the union, but as you well know, made Molly and her mother royalty. We did nothing to discourage their romance.”

  “Dazzle, I know. I’m not blaming you.”

  “However, since it did not end the way we all had hoped, we must move on with the reality of what is.”

  “I get that too.”

  “Molly and Jenny are more than welcomed to stay on Aerianna. Their titles and positions will not be taken away. I have told them so myself.”

  “I’m glad.”

  Now, in what was obviously a well-rehearsed speech, Lord Z’kkk continued. “If you were to become Ben’Edikk’s wife, Rose and I would be ecstatic. You have been such an important part of our family, and our world, that such a union would be rejoiced by every individual on Aerianna. We do hope that you will give our son an opportunity to show his love.”

  “Guys, it’s not his love that’s in question. It’s mine. I don’t know Benny well enough to be in love. Like I told him, I’m not ready to get married. I also won’t have much time to spend with him since I intend to take the Sisterhood out there (and she pointed skyward) to do whatever good we can. When I’m not doing that, I need to spend time on Earth with my family and Syl . . . and with my other sisters here. So . . . it could take a very long time for us to become “us.” If ever.”

  “Egg, I would never ask you to change who you are or ask you not to do that which you feel you must. But, as time permits, we ask only that you give the Prince some of your time.”