“Do you need her here to help you?”
“No, Egg. Just a quantum field generator that I know she has.”
“I’m not even going to ask what that is. How will she get it here? We can’t wait very long.”
“Since it will only be the equipment, she can send it under computer control in a scout ship at maximum warp. It’ll be here in a couple of hours.”
“Do you want me to contact her now?”
“No. Let’s wait till I get the MAGEK device to be certain.”
“Actually . . .” interrupted Spirit. “Please send for it now.”
“Is it Jynxie?”
“Yes. I thought she could wait a few more days but I was wrong. I can take her in the scout ship to Paradox.”
“You can have the Astral right now,” offered a concerned Serenity. “We can make do without it.”
“Thank you, but we can wait if it’s just a few hours.”
“Egg, I’ll go contact K’ssss,” volunteered BreeZee.
“Great. Go.”
Peak was confused. “I’m sorry, am I allowed to ask what is going on?”
“Not now. Serenity, take Tee and Po. Po, you’re going down to the Library to find that thing.”
“I’ll go.”
“No, Jax’x. Po at least has her powers to defend herself.”
“Absolutely,” agreed the Divine One.
“If I may suggest . . .” interrupted Peak.
“What?”
“First, I am surprised and impressed by how quickly you can organize a plan and implement it. However, I think you should wait a few hours before you go. If I am correct, Forrest Green will be sending a contingent over to the Library to fetch her,” and he pointed at Jax’x. “As you know, we let my compatriot take her duplicate to Grassy Knoll. Green’s people will be searching high and low . . . assuming that she is hiding somewhere in the building.”
Egg wasn’t sure why, but she felt that Peak’s explanation for a delay didn’t ring true. “Po, Jax’x . . . what do you think?”
It was Jagged Peak who answered first. “You don’t trust me, do you?”
“I don’t really know you, do I?”
“True enough. If I go and put my life in danger, would that not help persuade you of my intentions and sincerity?”
“What do you mean?”
“I will go with the others to secure the device. If I am caught, it will go very, very poorly for me.”
“I’ll think about it.” To the other two girls she asked again, “I want your opinions.”
“I have no reason to dispute his assertions about Forrest Green sending people to look for me. As for Jagged Peak accompanying Po and the others . . . that just doubles our defenses.”
“What about you Po?”
“I think Jax’x’s response was reasonable. I have no objections.”
Egg wasn’t so sure. Her goosebumps were screaming NO; but she chose to ignore the warning. “Ok, then it’s settled.”
*****
Bree came back and joined the others. “I talked to K’ssss and she said the generator would be airborne in a few minutes. We should expect it in less than two hours.”
“Great. Spirit, what can we do for you and Jynxie until it arrives?”
“There is nothing to be done for her. However, I will use the time to pack my belongings and . . . and to say my goodbyes. Once the ship arrives, she and I need to leave immediately.”
“I sense this is going to be an emotional farewell,” said Peak. “May I have your permission to explore the ship? It will give all of you the privacy that the moment deserves.”
“No way you’re going to wander around alone. No offense, but you are still an unknown quantity. Jax’x, you and Po do the honors.”
“We don’t really know that much about the workings of the ship,” protested Po.
“Exactly.”
“Oh. I understand.”
“You are a very cautious individual,” observed Peak.
Egg didn’t even bother to respond. To Jax’x she said, “Go . . . take your time.” After they left, she said to Tee’ka, “Fetch Bl’azzz.”
“Okay . . . but don’t start crying and hugging till I get back.”
She was serious but it still made the others laugh.
*****
A few minutes later Bl’azzz and Tee came back.
“How’s it going with Kr’eep?”
“He loves me.”
“Wow, you are good.”
“Told you. Now, what’s going on?”
“Spirit needs to take Jynxie back home. K’ssss is sending a scout ship with some equipment for Serenity. They’ll use it to go to Paradox.”
“Oh”. The dragon stared off into the distance fighting back her tears. She turned to say something . . . but she burped and burned. “Shazbot” she screamed at herself.
Spirit walked up to her friend and threw her arms around the dragon. “Thank you. That was the nicest farewell you could have given me.”
“Do you know what’s worse? I can’t even argue against you leaving. It’s poor Jynxie’s life we’re talking about.”
“You must all come to Paradox when her child is born . . . promise me.”
“As the leader of this soppy, schmaltzy sisterhood, I promise. We will all be there. All . . . how many are we?”
“Um, twelve, I think,” offered Bree.
“Don’t forget our honorary members . . . Dazzle and Zazzi.” said Bl’azzz. “They would never forgive us.”
“Right. So, I promise we’ll all be there.” Egg wiped the tears from her eyes. “Um, you know I love you, right?”
“And I, you. It has been such a privilege to be part of this group of courageous, loving and honorable women. No matter what happens in the years I have remaining, being a Hameggattic Sister will always be the pinnacle of my life.
Bl’azzz gave the girl another hug with her wings. Then Bree did the same as tears came cascading down her cheek.
When it was Serenity’s turn, she apologized. “Sorry, I can’t get up to give you a hug.”
“Don’t ever apologize for who you are . . . and certainly not on my account.” Spirit knelt down and the girls hugged.
“Thank you again for giving me back the sight in my damaged eye.”
“I wish I could have done more.”
“You’ve done more than enough . . . for me, and for us.”
No sooner had the girl stood when Tee’ka threw her arms around her sister and whispered something. Whatever it was, it made the Thought Weaver laugh . . . and the sound reverberated in the heads of the others.
“What did she say?” demanded Egg.
“It is not for me to share,” was the smiling reply.
“Something about boys? It was, wasn’t it?”
“My lips are sealed.”
“You don’t talk with your lips.”
Spirit stuck out her tongue for her reply. Then, “Egg, my dearest friend, never have I met such an extraordinary humanoid. My heart already aches from missing you.”
“Well . . . well, just shut up and hug me,” and she did. A minute later and Egg still refused to let go. Spirit was forced to gently push her away.
The alien girl looked from one face to another. Satisfied, she turned and walked back to her room. But even through the steel bulkheads of the ship, they could still hear her telepathic sobbing.
Chapter 10 – Shazbot
Two Hours Later
Over the next ninety minutes or so, each of the sisters individually visited Spirit and Jynxie in their cabin. They needed one more opportunity to share feelings, swap remembrances and exchange hugs and tears.
Even Po and Jax’x asked for a minute to wish their new friend a safe journey home. More importantly, they each wanted to thank Spirit for answering their call for help. Even though her efforts were being cut short through no fault of her own, the Spell ‘Bounders still considered her a heroine who selflessly volunteered to help perfect strangers in
their time of need. Their debt of gratitude was real and needed to be expressed.
The rest of the crew and Jagged Peak were waiting in the control room as they monitored the approach of the scout ship. It had just appeared on the main viewer . . . its silver skin reflecting the purple glow of the sun . . .
“Will it fit in the cargo bay with your ship in there?” Egg asked Serenity.
“Easily. I’ve just taken control of its computer and I’m programming the rendezvous as we speak. It should be in the bay in two minutes.”
Egg sighed so loudly that the others turned to see what was the matter. “That’s also Spirit’s ride home,” she reminded them. “Bree, let her know, will you?”
“Of course,” and the girl walked off.
“Tee, go with Serenity to get the gizmo.”
“Sure. Come on, Ren.”
“Ren?”
“I’m tired of saying your whole name. If I have a nickname, you should to.”
“Ren?”
“Be nice or I’ll change it to ‘Nity’ . . . or Grumpy.”
“Ren it is,” and the duo left.
“Egg, I need to talk to you about . . . you know who,” said Bl’azzz. She wisely was cautious enough not to mention her boyfriend by name.
The girl looked around and found Jax’x and Po in the back of the room. “Guys, keep our friend company for a few minutes, will you?”
“Of course, Egg,” responded Jax’x.
Peak was a bit bemused by the girl’s attitude towards him. “I’m sure in very short order you’ll understand and appreciate my purpose in all this.”
That phrasing struck Egg as odd. “What does that mean?”
“As it sounded, I assure you.”
The girl stared for another few seconds then turned and walked out. Bl’azzz followed her.
On the other side of the door, the dragon asked, “You don’t like him, do you?”
“There’s something not right . . . but I can’t put my finger on it. Anyway, what’s up?”
“I think now is a good time to let Kr’eep know he’s going to have to earn my love. I’m not sure how much I should tell him.”
“Yeah, that’s a tough one.”
“Don’t give him any specific information about our plans. Keep it vague. Just tell him that soon he will have to accompany you on a dangerous mission. You’re counting on his bravery to make it a success.”
Both girls turned to see Spirit and Jynx.
“Good advice. Thanks”.
“We are about to depart.”
“Yeah.”
“I just wanted to wish you all good luck. I’m so sorry to leave in the middle of a mission.”
“Stop that. Jynxie is a sister . . . and your mission is to save her. Isn’t that right, Jynxie?”
“Grrrrrrr.”
“As for you . . . you better find a terrific husband, understand you shaggy purple teddy bear.”
“Grrrrrrr.”
“Good. And if your baby is a girl, you promise to call her Egg?”
“Grrrrrrr. Burp.”
All three girls laughed. “Glad you’re feeling a little better.”
“We must go.”
One more round of hugs, and sloppy wet kisses from the Shamie, and another wonderful Sister walked into the history books.
“Egg.”
“Yeah, Bl’azzz?”
“Why didn’t Spirit see all this in her thought weave?”
“She probably did. My guess is that she really wanted to go on one last mission.” Her voice was filled with so much sadness.
“You okay?” Bl’azzz asked her friend.
“No. When I lose one of you, a little part of me dies.”
******
They went back into the control room. Serenity and Tee’ka had already re-entered from the other door. On the floor was the device they had been waiting for . . .
“Doesn’t look like much,” observed Bl’azzz.
“This little sweetheart can generate enough power to light up this entire world for a couple of years.”
“Impressive,” responded Peak. “How does it work?”
Before Serenity could answer, Egg said, “Now’s not the time. How do you hook it up to the MAGEK machine?”
“Once I get it on board, I’ll be able to figure it out.”
“Are you sure you can?” asked Peak. “Obviously our technology, which by the way is hundreds of years old, is different than yours. Why would they be compatible?”
“The science is the same. You people didn’t invent or redefine the laws of physics. Give me the time, and I’ll get it to work.”
“Po, why can’t you just use your divine powers to connect it?” asked Egg.
“Because I have no idea what to conjure . . . my mind can’t imagine it.”
“Same for me, if you were about to ask,” added Peak a bit sarcastically.
“Yeah, I kind of figured that out myself. Serenity, if you’re ready, let’s get this show on the road. Po, can you use your power to pick that thing up?”
“Of course.”
“Great. Follow Serenity and Tee’ka. Bree, help Bl’azzz get back in her gear . . . she’s got a man to recruit.”
“Will do. Come on Hot Lips.”
The dragon smiled. “Kr’eep would agree with you. In fact, I’ll tell him that’s what everyone calls me.” Without thinking, Bl’azzz had let slip the name of ‘he born with none’. The only one that seemed to notice was Jagged Peak.
“Go before I barf,” teased Egg.
“And me?” asked Peak.
Against all her instincts, she replied, “Follow Po.”
******
Hay’gar’s Home
“Sorry I was so long.”
“What were you doing in there?”
“For shame. A man should never ask a woman a question like that. Have you no self-respect?”
Kr’eep turned white. “I . . . I . . . I’m sorry.”
“Well, apology accepted. So, now what would you like to do?”
“Um, would you like to see my house?”
Soo pretended to give that a great deal of thought. “Before I say yes, I need to know what your intentions are.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“Your intentions towards me. You say you love me, but do you want a long-term relationship or are you just looking for a little . . . how shall I put it? Are you just looking to have your way with me then cast me out like yesterday’s garbage?”
Kr’eep now turned red . . . very bright red. It was actually a very sweet reaction. “No. No, never.”
“To which are you referring to . . . no long term relationship or no short term frolicking?”
“That second thing.”
The girl nodded approvingly. “So, if I were to ask you to marry me . . . not right away of course . . . you would say yes?”
Now he turned blue since he couldn’t breathe. He did manage a shake of his head.
“That’s wonderful. How long should we be engaged for? We really don’t know each other. Love at first sight is all well and good, but there’s more to a relationship than . . . physical intimacy.”
Kr’eep forced himself to suck in a mouthful of air. “A week?”
“No, silly. It should be at least three months, I should think. Can you wait that long?”
“No, not really . . . but I will if that’s what you want.”
Soo smiled brightly then gave her betrothed a kiss. This one lasted almost a minute. “Yummy, thank you.”
“How about a month?”
“No, no, no. We agreed on three.”
“Okay. But what about that other thing you said?”
“What other thing?”
“Physical inny-something.”
“Intimacy. What about it?”
“Do we get to do that before we’re married?”
“You are a naughty, naughty boy. Let’s just see how it goes. But I expect you to respect my feelings on the matt
er and not push harder than I’m comfortable with.”
“Never. I promise. Can we kiss again . . . just to make this official?”
“Sure. No, wait.”
“Why?”
“Because I need you to do something for me first . . . to prove your love.”
“Anything.”
“Well, I’m going on a very dangerous mission and I want you to go with me.”
Back to white. “What dangerous mission?”
“I really can’t tell you too much. You’ll just have to trust me. You do trust me, don’t you?”
“Um, sure. But why is it dangerous?”
“The Divine Ones won’t like it.”
Now death mask, chalky white. “The Divine Ones? Are you crazy?”
“Kr’eep, I could never marry a man that won’t risk his life to save mine.”
“Risk my life? Are you crazy?”
“That’s the second time you asked me that. No, I am most certainly not crazy. Please don’t ask again or I will have you leave.”
“You don’t have to ask me . . . I’m leaving.”
Whoops. “If you walk out that door, then we’re through.”
Kr’eep hesitated a second while he weighed his options. On one hand there was a chance of a lifetime of love and physical inny-something. On the other hand there was a chance he could become dead.
Tough choice.
He turned and left without another word.
Soo watched helplessly as he slammed the door behind him. “Rats.”
*****
Aboard the Astral
The Astral had slipped out of the cargo bay and entered orbit around Spell ‘Bound.
“What is the plan?”
“I will cloak the ship then head for the Library. Once in position, I’ll transport you and Po into that room. I can lock on to life forms, but inanimate objects are much more a hit or miss affair. So once you locate the unit, just stand on either side of it and I will beam it and you back up. Once here, I can figure a way to hook up the power unit.”
“Hmmm,” replied Peak.
“What?”
“It might be better if you and the power unit beamed down with us. You can attached it while it’s still in place.”
“Why is that better?”
“The device might be secured in some fashion that we won’t be able to determine. Transporting it up to the ship might damage it.”
Box Set #5: Nemesis: [The 4 book 5th adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood] Page 28