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

by Robert Iannone

  “Great, Serenity. How long will that take?”

  “A few hours.”

  “As soon as we’re finished here, can you get started?”

  “Of course.”

  “So that leaves Po and The Crypt.”

  “I think we should get Jax’x first. She can tell us what we’re up against when we try to get her friend out.”

  “Good thinking, Spirit. So, let’s see if our resident genius can un-conjure a force field. If that doesn’t work, we’re back at square one.”

  “Egg, what do you think? Any goose bumps when you talked to them?”

  “No. They seemed great. They would probably make great Sisters if they had any interest. But . . .” she hesitated because Bl’azzz might take offense. “But, the neighbor (the dragon’s would be friend) might not be trustworthy. At least that’s the impression I got from Jax’x.”

  Chapter 3 – Meet, Greet then Repeat

  “Egg, getting the Librarian out will be ridiculously easy.”

  “Serenity, you said it would take a few hours to figure out how. It’s only been about ten minutes.”

  “Are you complaining?”

  “Just trying to express my infinite admiration of your limitless brilliance,” teased her friend.

  Playing along, the other girl responded, “For as many times as I’ve dazzled you with my towering intellect, I’m surprised that you continue to be surprised.”

  “I see you and Tee share the same level of modesty.”

  “Nonsense. I have no need for modesty. Anyone who knows me could tell it was insincere.” Then she stuck out her tongue.

  “If you two are finished being children, I’d like to know what Serenity figured out,” interrupted Bree.

  Serenity smiled like a cat who cornered a mouse. “The force field is around the one and only entrance to the library . . . namely the front door. Which means, for those of you who can’t follow the obvious (she looked at Egg with a smirk), we can transport her directly to the ship and beam her avatar into the library any time we want.”

  “I assume that means her artifacts and books too?” asked Egg.

  “It does, but that will be a little more difficult. It’s easy for us to lock on to a life form to transport; it’s another thing to find an inanimate object.”

  “Why don’t we use your ship for the books and such,” suggested Spirit. “It’s easier if we can get closer to the thing we’re trying to transport.”

  “Great idea. Okay, Egg . . . anytime you want, we’re good to go.”

  “I’ll contact Jax’x and see what’s best for her. Serenity, why don’t you pilot your own ship when the time comes. Bree and Tee will go with you to help. Spirit, you take command of the mother ship.”

  “Where are you going?” asked Bl’azzz as Egg got up to leave.

  “The communicator is in my room. While I’m gone, why don’t you tell them how a dragon fell in love with a human?”

  “What?” cried Tee’ka. “I can’t find a man and this . . . this dragon lady did? Life’s not fair.”

  “Quiet, you whiney, wingless wench,” commanded Bree. “Spill the beans, Hot Lips. And we want all the details. All of them.”

  *****

  “Jax’x.”

  “Yes?”

  “It’s me, Egg.”

  “So soon? I didn’t expect you to call for a day or two. Is there a problem?”

  “Just the opposite. We figured a way to get you out of there.”

  “That didn’t take long. You people are really good at this, aren’t you?”

  “Mostly just lucky. Anyway, the force field only protects the door. We can transport you out anytime you want.”

  Jax’x shook her head in wonderment. This was really happening. “How do we fool the Divine Ones? They can’t find me missing.”

  “We’re going to grow an avatar of you. Then we’ll imprint your personality on it. The bad guys may never know that they’re not talking to the real person.”

  “That’s amazing. I can’t wait to meet you . . . all of you . . . in person. But, what about Po? And my books and artifacts?”

  “We can duplicate Po the same way. But before we try to make the exchange, we need to know what we’re up against. So, we’ll spring you first then figure a way to free her. Okay?”

  Wow, they were asking for her approval. If first impressions meant anything, she was going to be good friends with these girls. “That sounds great. Not to be a pest, what about the books and artifacts?”

  “That’s a little tougher. But we have a plan for that also.”

  “Wonderful. What do we do first?”

  “We need you here for a couple of hours so Serenity can scan your body and your brain. Then she’ll need a day or two to grow the avatar. When she’s finished, we’ll make the exchange. So, when can you leave for a few hours without them knowing?”

  “Probably during my sleep cycle. Let’s do it at midnight.”

  “Great. Will you tell Po what the plan is? I don’t want her to think we’ve forgotten her.”

  “That’s very thoughtful of you. Of course I will.”

  “Thanks. Oh, be sure to wear whatever outfit you want the avatar to wear so we can duplicate that too. See you later.”

  “Egg.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Thank you.”

  “Nothing to thank me for yet. We haven’t done anything.”

  “You came to help . . . to help a perfect stranger. To risk your life and that of your sisters for people you never met. That deserves a lot more than a simple thank you.”

  “Jax’x, we don’t do this for fame or fortune. We do it because we can and there’s a need. If we succeed, well that’s our reward.”

  “Amazing.”

  “Not so much. See you later.”

  *****

  “Po.”

  “Jax’x, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. I just wanted to tell you about my conversation with Egg.”

  “She called?”

  “Just now,” and Jax’x relayed the plans. “Are you okay with that?”

  “Of course. These girls . . . are they amazing or what?”

  “You would think they would be arrogant considering what they’ve accomplished. But this Egg . . . she sounds incredibly nice. She was so concerned that the plan would make you feel uncomfortable. The girl doesn’t even know us and she already cares about our feelings. I’m speechless. I’m so looking forward to meeting them in person.”

  “Wouldn’t it be amazing to belong to such a Sisterhood and do heroic things? And they’re not even Divine Ones. They’re just ordinary people.”

  “If that means that they’re not gifted like you . . . then yes. But they obviously have a lot of other ‘gifts’. Anyway, I’ll call you when I get back.”

  “You better. Jax’x, this is beginning to get exciting, isn’t it?”

  “I can’t let myself think like that. There’s so much to do . . . and most of it impossible . . . to achieve our goals. It’s so hard to believe that a handful of girls can pull it off.”

  “Shame on you.”

  “For what?”

  “You once gave me a whole lecture about how smart and resourceful girls are. Now you doubt the Sisterhood because there are no boys?”

  Jax’x laughed. “Shame on me, indeed. You’re right. Anyway, wish me luck.”

  “Good luck, girlfriend.”

  ******

  She sat on her bed, fully dressed in her Librarian outfit, and waited. But she could hardly sit still. In her hand she held her communicator which she kept staring at . . . willing it to speak. She was so deep in thought about what was about to happen, and the rebellion that was about to begin, if someone had said ‘boo’, she would have jumped out of her skin.

  Time passed excruciatingly slowly, but unlike Cinderella, she happily counted down the last few seconds until the clock finally struck twelve.

  And exactly on time she heard, “Jax’x, are you ready?”
<
br />   “Yes” . . . and she began to fade away as the ship’s transporter beamed her up.

  A moment later she rematerialized into a large room. As her eyes scanned the scene, she saw her first dragon, a girl with wings, a girl who was very alien looking, one in a mechanical chair of some kind with wheels and two ‘normal’ looking girls. Oh, and there was a weird purplish animal sitting and watching.

  “Hi, I’m Egg. Welcome aboard the Gracie.”

  Jax’x smiled from ear to ear. It had all seemed like a dream . . . but now, it was finally real. The Sisters were real. And her revolution had evolved from fantasy to reality. Impulsively, she threw her arms around Egg and hugged with a great affection. “Thank you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. All of you.”

  Egg returned the hug just as enthusiastically. “Like I said, we haven’t done anything to deserve your thanks.”

  “And like I said, you came to help strangers. Whether you succeed or not, I will forever be in your debt.”

  “The most we’d accept would be your ‘forever friendship’. Anyway, let me introduce my sisters. That’s Bl’azzz from the planet Aerianna.”

  “Hi.”

  “Are you really a dragon?”

  “Cute, aren’t we?” and she smiled revealing her two rows of razor sharp teeth.

  “Wow, that’s a lot of teeth,” and everyone burst out laughing. Jax’x blushed and mumbled “sorry.”

  “She’s also got thick skin so nothing you say would ever bother her. Next we have BreeZee. Bree is a Wind’dancer from Zynn-Zaz’zia.”

  “Hi, Jax’x.”

  “Po said one of the girls had wings. I thought she was exaggerating. BreeZee, they’re beautiful.”

  “They’re just an accident of birth. But thanks anyway.”

  “Bree is being modest. A Wind ‘dancer’s wings are grey until they ride out a huge storm. If they survive, they get to touch a special crystal stone that gives their wings color.”

  Jax’x couldn’t help but smile. “That’s so fascinating. I hope I can spend time with each of you when this is done. I would love to hear about your worlds and your cultures.”

  “Count on it. But the story of your world and your culture has to be first.”

  “Of course.”

  “Next we have Serenity. She’s our resident genius though that term doesn’t do her justice.”

  “Pleasure, Jax’x.”

  “If I may ask, what is that mechanical chair you sit in?”

  “It’s called a wheel chair . . . but it’s pretty sophisticated. I’ll give you a demonstration when we get the chance.”

  “Po said one of the girls had been injured in a rescue mission. Can I ask who you were trying to rescue? Was it on one of the Sisterhood’s missions of mercy?”

  Egg answered for the girl. “She was trying to save her mother. It didn’t work out and Serenity was severely injured.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

  “It was a long time ago, but thank you.”

  “Moving on, the girl next to her is Tee’ka. Her story is probably the most fascinating. She’s from the planet Laff’Alott, and she started life as a computer program. And, just to really impress you, I’m going to whisper in your ear what I think will be her first words to you.” Egg did just that and Jax’x smiled. “Okay, Tee, say what’s on your mind.”

  “First, Egg has no idea what I’m going to say. I’m no longer the child she thinks I am. Second, I love your outfit. It’s so pretty.”

  Jax’x looked at Egg and they both laughed.

  “Really? She guessed I’d say that?”

  “Oh, please,” interjected Bl’azzz. “We all knew you’d say that.” That earned a round of giggles.

  “Anyway, Tee saved my life and Serenity gave her this new life. Now, she’s just learning how to be a girl . . . clothes and boys are two big parts of that process.”

  “Well, I’ll be glad to add to your knowledge on that score, Tee’ka. I have a boyfriend.”

  “What’s his name? Will we get to meet him?” the girl asked way too eagerly.

  “His name is Jay’gar . . . and I’m not sure. One of the Absolutes imprisoned him in a Cell of Transitional Non-Being. I’m hoping you can find a way to rescue him.”

  “A cell of what?”

  “Transitional Non-Being. Po tried to explain it to me. He’s neither in this universe or the next. He’s conscious but there’s no sensory input. All he has is his memories and dreams to while away eternity.” Her eyes involuntarily became moist at the horror Jay’gar must be experiencing.

  Egg, of course, noticed. “Jax’x, we understood the word imprisoned. The rest of that sentence will require an explanation. Regardless, I can promise you that whatever we can do to save him, we will. His life is just as important as anyone’s.”

  Jax’x gave Egg a sad smile. “Thank you . . . again.”

  “Let me finish the introductions. This exotic beauty is Spirit from the planet Paradox. She’s got a few talents that will surprise you.”

  “Hi, Jax’x.”

  The Librarian turned her head to see where the voice was coming from, then turned back to Spirit. “What just happened?”

  “I’m telepathic.”

  “How fascinating.”

  “She can also heal most injuries and really weirdly, she can Thought Weave. I’ll explain that later.”

  “Wow. I can’t tell you how exciting this all is to me. You six are . . . well, out of this world.”

  “Grrrrrrr. Burp.”

  Jax’x turned to look at the purple animal then took a step back. “Is it friendly?”

  “Grrrrrrr. Burp.”

  “Easy, Jynxie. Jax’x, this is Jynx. She’s Spirit’s pet . . .”

  “Grrrrrrr. Burp.”

  “Sorry. She’s Spirit’s companion.”

  “Grrrrrrr.”

  “You’re welcome. She’s also a Shamie . . . short for Shameless Mimic.”

  “I don’t understand what that means.”

  So Jynx showed her by morphing into her ‘spitting image’.

  “Oh my.”

  “Neat trick, huh? Comes in handy occasionally.”

  “Is Jynx . . . um, is she . . . um, like the rest of you?”

  “Jynx is semi-sentient but no, she’s only an honorary . . . but well deserved . . . Sister.”

  “I see. I think. Nice to meet you, Jynx.”

  “Grrrrrrr.”

  “And that’s the crew. We actually have another six sisters, but they’re retired from active duty. One’s a Queen, three got married, one of them has a little girl and another is pregnant. Another is going to college back on Earth. Who am I missing?”

  “Big bird”.

  “Oh, yikes. Don’t tell her that. And the last one, Aeri’elle, also a dragon by the way, is the head of a new multi-world university.”

  “Truly?”

  “Cross my heart and hope to die.”

  “I’m unfamiliar with the expression . . . but I think I understand.”

  “Okay, you need to go with Serenity so she can complete her scans. Then we’ll send you back until she grows your avatar. I would ask if you have any questions, but I’m guessing you have about a million.”

  Jax’x laughed. “At least. There’s one or two I would like to ask now.”

  “Sure.”

  “What is the significance of the ship’s name? Gracie I think you said?”

  “The others named it that because they hate me.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Don’t listen to her,” said Bree. “We love her, as she well knows. So, to show our affection, we gave the ship her middle name.”

  “Your name is Egg Gracie?” The others tried unsuccessfully not to laugh. “Was that a silly question?”

  “No, the question wasn’t silly . . . however my sisters are. My name is Eloise Grace Graystone but everyone calls me by my initials . . . which spells Egg.”

  “How Cute. I think that’s sweet. My other question is about yo
u. You told me about your sisters, but said nothing about yourself.”

  “Not much to tell. I’m from the planet Earth and I’m just one of the girls.”

  “No special talents?”

  “Um . . . oh yeah. I get goose bumps.”

  “No idea what a goose is.”

  “It’s like a duck.”

  “No idea what a duck is.”

  “It’s like a chicken that swims.”

  “I have a feeling we can keep this up all night. No idea what a chicken is. I don’t even know what ‘swim’ is.”

  “Serenity, any reason why she and I can’t talk while you’re doing your scans?”

  “It’ll pass the time more quickly for our guest.”

  “Then it’s settled. Come on, I’ll show you to her laboratory and we can talk.”

  They started from the room but Jax’x stopped to face the others. “I’m so excited to meet all of you. I do hope you can help me and the people of my world. But, even if you can’t, thank you for trying. I have never met anyone like the Sisterhood. Extraordinary women doing extraordinary deeds . . . to me it’s like a fairy tale.”

  “Jax’x, it’s we who should thank you . . . for giving us the opportunity to help.”

  “BL’AZZZ, stop that,” cried Egg startling the others.

  “Stop what?”

  “Stop sounding so grown up and sophisticated. What would Soo say?”

  “Good point. She wouldn’t be very happy either,” and all the girls (except Jax’x) smiled broadly.

  “Inside joke,” the newcomer asked.

  “Sorry. I’ll try to explain later.”

  Jax’x allowed Egg to lead her out of the room. In her mind she was trying to reconcile how these women, obviously talented and dedicated to doing good, could be so calm and full of camaraderie in face of a life and death struggle. She actually pinched herself . . . just to make sure it wasn’t a dream.

  Chapter 4 – A Brief Debrief

  “Lie back on this table and try not to move too much.”

  Jax’x did as Serenity asked. “Will talking disturb your work?”