“Your science officer is amazing,” Trove exclaimed.
“Yes, he is,” Frank agreed. Phildan blushed. Frank looked over to see a mingala regarding Phildan with great interest. “You should go, Phil,” he said in English. “I don't think this stinky sash is going to keep those things back for long.”
Phildan's eyes went wide. “I think you are correct.” And then in the Mingrein language he said, “I fear I must take my leave before I am eaten. It has been a pleasure.” After a slight bow, Phildan was whisked away.
“Mingrein,” Frank said as he stood tall and delivered their salute, “you know where to find me if you need me. You should mark this ship in some manner so you don't inadvertently get shot down.”
“I had not thought of that,” Trove replied as he returned the salute along with the others. “Your wisdom is boundless.”
“I suppose I have my moments.” Frank offered a rare smile to the Mingrein. “Until next time.”
* * *
Hiro and Miyako stood on the steps as the helicopter landed. When it became apparent that the Crew had a larger amount of cargo than usual, Hiro ran out to offer assistance.
Potts was the first to speak. “Hiro! My dude!”
“Damon, it is good to see you, my friend. What is all of this?”
“Hey buddy,” Chavez said. “This is our contribution to the bar.”
“I have never seen so much beer in one place before.” Hiro exclaimed.
Dave Elmore was stepping down from the chopper when he spoke, “We were offered an extended leave. Where is everyone?”
“Robert is in Indianapolis getting his girlfriend situated with Frank's business dealings. Everyone else is off-planet.” Hiro looked over his shoulder as Miyako approached. “I would like you all to meet my wife, Miyako.” Hiro beamed with pride as Miyako gave a slight bow.
“Wife?” Chavez asked. “I didn't know you were married.”
“We are newlyweds,” Miyako replied with a smile.
The Crew then offered their congratulations heartily before Dave issued his orders. “Let's get this beer in out of the sun before it goes bad.”
* * *
“I'd have to say that went well,” Frank said as the mechanisms cleaned him.
“Do you fully trust them?” Gladys asked, her orb hovering behind him.
“The Mingrein, yes. The mingala, no.”
“You just provided one of the deadliest species in the galaxy with high speed transportation.”
“I think it will be okay. They are becoming more and more like Bett.”
“You are right. I suppose I am having trouble with the notion of them now being our allies.”
“My dear, I would guess that is a natural thing. They raided your world, and my world. And look what happened to Nera's.”
“And you still found a way to convert them. Everything about you is wonderful, my love.”
“You are the wonderful one. I just do the heavy lifting.”
“You're silly.”
“Hey, Gladys. I just want to say...well...I know it was hard for you to be back there. You did great.”
“Thank you. Yes, it was hard. I just thought of how you had to keep going back to that moon base.”
“Nah. Totally different. You were tortured. All I did was eat some gigantic space lizard. If this was a contest, you would win by a wide margin.”
“I want to ask you something, my love.”
“Yes?”
“Did you notice a change in yourself after you communed with Cindy?”
Frank thought about it for a moment. “Now that you mention it, yes.”
“Do you somehow feel...better?” Gladys asked.
The machines were done with their work so Frank slapped the black varitherm suit back on as he turned to answer, “That is precisely how I would describe it. She took something away. I wish I had the words.”
“Yes, it is indescribable. It is certainly a rare gift that she possesses.”
“How long until we dock, my dear?”
“You are nearly here, my love. Denise and Cindy are already standing in wait.”
“Wow. What a difference a couple of months can make.”
“What do you mean?” Gladys asked.
“I had no one. And now I have all of you.”
“I could delay the docking if you would like some time with Nera. She is still waiting patiently in the next room.”
“Uh, what do you mean by that?”
“Frank, I think you know what I mean.”
“Oh. I...uh...”
“You are concerned with my feelings, right?”
“Yes. I am crazy about you. I don't want to fuck this up.”
“You have nothing to worry about. I consider Nera to be one of your wives already.”
“Oh. Is she aware of that?”
“She's coming around. She seemed to have great concern for your safety when you were on Korbaal.”
“Okay. Give me two minutes. I'm not going to try to bed her or anything. I just want to see something.” He opted to not put on the rest of his clothes and walked out through his bedroom, into the hall, and then into the living room. Nera was sitting on the couch and simply smiled as he walked in. Without saying a word, Frank sat down beside her and put his arm around her shoulder. She eased into him, pulling her legs up so that her orange knees came up over his thighs. They sat like that for the duration, never speaking a word. Her affection for him was obvious. After a while, Phildan walked into the room. He was reading something on a data pad and didn't seem to notice them sitting there. The door panel opened up and he walked out through the garden. “I guess that means we have docked,” Frank said.
“It would appear so,” Nera replied. She uncurled her legs and gave him a quick kiss before she stood. “This was time well spent, Frank.”
“I agree.” He stood and offered his arm. “Shall we?” Although she accepted his arm, she walked in her normal manner. She was a great warrior and she carried herself accordingly, but taking his arm seemed natural. Denise and Cindy were waiting on the other side of the door panel.
“How did it go?” Denise asked after the kissing had stopped.
“Better than expected. I'm afraid Nera might have been bored.” Frank gave Nera a wink.
“I actually find your work to be quite interesting,” Nera replied. “I only wish I knew what you were saying.” Her eyes grew large as some movement in the distance caught her attention. “I will never tire of seeing that,” she said with a smile. Frank looked over and realized she was referring to Gladys gliding down the path. As always, she was a vision.
Gladys shot a smile toward Cindy as she passed and came directly into Frank's arms. “You were amazing, as always, my love,” she said. She released him and turned to Nera. Without a word, she bent down and delivered the most passionate kiss that Frank had ever witnessed upon her. “Thank you for always looking after our husband,” Gladys said. Nera could only smile in response.
“Wow,” Frank said. It was the only thing he could think of. Denise chuckled at his reaction.
“It is time,” Gladys said.
“Huh?” Frank asked.
“Constanthos needs to be moved. We only have time for a quick stop at Rhoshe One before we go back to Earth. I will need Miyako to assist me.”
“Oh, okay,” Frank replied. His head was still spinning. “How long until we are at Rhoshe?”
“We are here,” the disembodied voice of Constanthos answered. “I have deployed a remote. It will be about ten minutes or so.”
“Is that enough time for you to get your paint on?” Frank asked Gladys. “Or are you just going to project it, or something.”
“I know you aren't too fond of the paint, Frank,” Gladys answered.
“Well, I love your lipstick. But this isn't about me.”
“I am done with paint,” Gladys said. “It is a silly custom. This is who I am. I'm sure the Mother of Rhoshe won't mind.”
“Frank?”<
br />
“Yes, Cindy?”
“I am sorry to interrupt. May I?” Cindy extended her hand.
“Certainly,” Frank responded. He held out his arm for her. He realized that she only wanted an update and her method was much faster than he could manage with his words. She touched him and stood still for a few moments. He noted that he didn't feel or see anything this time. Finally, she released him and bowed slightly.
“I am amazed that such a place would be so suitable for any race. You have done very well, my friend.”
“Thank you,” Frank said. “Do you get all of my emotions when you do that?”
“I'm afraid I get everything.”
“Well, that's potentially embarrassing,” Frank joked.
Cindy smiled. “There is always that risk. But you certainly have nothing to worry about. You are an unusual creature. Denise allowed me to read her, and although you are of the same species, you organize your thoughts in a way that is totally logical, yet very alien.”
Frank looked around and realized that everyone was hanging on Cindy's every word. “We can talk more about that part later,” he said with a smile.
“Yes, of course. I just want to say that I am very pleased to be in there. In your thoughts. It means everything to me.” She held Frank's gaze for a short while. His eyes told her even more than communing could. He aimed to end the pain that her people were put in.
“Denise,” Gladys said, “I am sorry that we won't be able to make a proper visit. I know you were looking forward to seeing Rhoshe in person.”
“There is always next time,” Denise answered with a smile. “I just hope Pock is alright.”
“No wreckage was detected at the moon base,” Gladys said. “I'm sure he's fine. We can use Frank's boat to make the transmission. You all can sit and observe, if you wish.”
“Yes!” Denise exclaimed. “Thank you!” She took Cindy's hand. “Come sit with us.”
“Connie, could you please drop the gravity down on my boat, please?” Frank said aloud.
“Certainly,” she answered. “Gravity is now at Sessik comfort level.”
“Thank you.” Frank walked a small circle around the backside of Gladys so that he could position himself between her and Nera. Offering both of his arms, he asked, “Shall we?”
13.
“You just stay back,” Bett said. “I will take them from here.”
“This is all very exciting,” Shik replied. “I have never ridden on a ship before. And now I get to see a kyle.”
“In all of your life, you have never witnessed one?” Bett asked, taking a slight pause.
“The ocean is deadly. There is nothing for us here, so we never come. I've heard stories though.”
“I'm sure you've heard about it from Nera. That is how we met.”
Shik nodded. “I am sorry to admit that I barely believed her tale for the longest time. But here you are and you are even more than she described.”
Bett was nearly shocked that yet another human had somehow managed to illicit his emotions. “Thank you, my young friend. Now if you would, start pacing about. The motion will help attract the creatures. But do not get any closer to the water.” Shik began pacing back and forth as Bett dragged the first Gote down to the post. “I see you,” he said in a low tone as he noticed an eyestalk peering at him from near the rocky area. He propped the carcass against the post, in a sitting position, and took a few steps back. Before long, a thick tentacle shot out of the water and wrapped itself the Gote's arm. “It is an adult!” he reported as the body was quickly pulled into the water. Within seconds, it was gone.
“That is the scariest thing I have ever seen in my life!” Shik exclaimed.
“Are you sure about that?” Bett asked. “I know you have seen quite a lot.” He marched up to repeat the process with the second Gote.
“It is the unseen part that is the most terrifying. I can only imagine what the rest of that thing looks like.”
“I have seen them. They are indeed terrifying.” Bett couldn't help but to chuckle as he dragged the second corpse down to the post.
“So why don't they eat you, Bett?”
“Because I eat them!” With that, he let out a louder laugh. Several eyestalks poked out of the water at once. “I must remember to laugh more,” he said to himself. Two tentacles flew in and ripped the corpse from his grasp before he had time to react. Blood stained the water where the two sea monsters were fighting over their meal. Bett stood and stared in disbelief for a moment before once again laughing. “They really like these Gotes!” he shouted up to Shik, who was standing with a dumbfounded look. Bett quickly scurried up the slope to fetch the final body. “I fear I have wasted an opportunity.”
“What are you talking about?” Shik asked.
“Watch and learn.” Bett began dragging the Gote down toward the water. But this time, when he came into range of the tentacles, he drew his blade. As the tentacles came flying in, he did his best to cut a few off. He was able to get four of them before the Gote was finally claimed. Once again bursting into laughter, he gathered them up and carried them to the ship.
“Now that is disgusting!” Shik cried out.
“Ah, you don't know what you're missing.” Bett walked past Shik and headed up the ramp. “I will store these in the ship's galley. It is a good start for gathering food for my trip.”
“May I go to Earth with you?” Shik asked.
“I am afraid not,” Bett answered.
“May I ask why not?”
“There are several reasons. First, you wouldn't be able to tolerate the gravity. And then there is the matter of diseases. Gladosanthos could make such a thing possible, as she did for Nera, but I am unable.”
“Couldn't she do all of that once we arrive?”
“That is a possibility, but that brings me to the most important reason why you cannot go.”
“Is it because you find me annoying?”
“Well there is also that,” Bett joked, “but if you go to Earth, who is going to defend Nuun?”
Shik considered Bett's point. “You are right. I have the most experience.”
“We do not know what to expect. The Gotes were gathering up your people. I know very little about them, but I am certain that they had the foulest of intentions. More might come. I'm trusting you to defend our home.”
Shik nodded. “I shall reassemble the warrior sect. We will run drills as Nera would have us do.”
“I will drop you off at the groves after I have gathered more food.”
* * *
“Gladosanthos! My heart is...full of joy to see you well. Well done, Frank.”
Frank answered with a nod, deferring to Gladys who said, “And I am happy to see you as well, my old friend.”
“Your wings...What happened to your...wings?” The Mother of Rhoshe was tilting her head, trying to get a better view.
“They cut them off when they captured me. Our wings are the source of the Reverence.”
“I have always...wondered about that. I hate to see...you left defenseless.”
“I am not entirely defenseless, Mother. I have Frank.” She reached over and took his hand.
“I thought he was going...to destroy whatever is...left of the Li Empire.”
“I certainly felt like it,” Frank said with a smile. “Mother, I have a large quantity of syrup that I wish to deliver to you. How fast can your guys unload it?”
The Mother of Rhoshe fiddled with her pincers as she thought it over. “We would have to be very quick...about it. I fear it isn't safe right now.”
“Why isn't it safe?” Gladys asked.
“There is a major shipment of...essence being delivered right now.” She cast her gaze downward.
“What is it that you aren't telling us?” Gladys pressed. “We have no quarrel with the Sungarans.”
“It's the Gotes, I'm...afraid.”
“Jeez,” Frank interjected, “I haven't even met those guys yet and I already don't like
them.”
“I do not...wish to burden you with our troubles.”
“Mother,” Gladys said in a most tender voice, “we are your friends. Your pain is our pain. Please tell us what is going on. What are Gotes doing on Rhoshe One?”
The Mother of Rhoshe fiddled with her pincers some more before finally answering. “The Gotes...have been trying to push their way in for some...time now. We have been able to resist...them directly. Korick...won't risk an all out war as he doesn't...have the numbers. So instead, he invaded...Sungara.”
Gladys turned to Frank to explain. “The bugs import the essence, which is basically a sweetener not unlike your syrup, from Sungara.”
“This is...why the syrup is so precious to us.”
“I intend to honor my promises regarding the syrup,” Frank said, “but what about the Sungarans? What will become of them?”
“It is regretful, as...we have had a very good relationship with them...for thousands of cycles. But I must do what is best...for my family.”
“Do they at least have a military?” Frank asked.
“Yes. But they would...not be able to withstand a full bombardment.”
“I need some time to think this through. How about I bring down the syrup while you two talk?”
“That suits...me just fine. I will have a Breet...transmit landing coordinates.”
“I will need to pause my transmission briefly, Mother,” Gladys said.
“Take your...time, my friend.”
* * *
“This may very well be the last time I do this,” Constanthos said as the boat departed. Gladys had gone to her personal chambers to resume her conversation with the Mother of Rhoshe, and Cindy agreed that anywhere that Gotes may be present is nowhere for her to be.
“Whatever our future may hold,” Frank replied, “I want to let you know that I am eternally grateful for everything you have done for me.”
“While I have a basic understanding of your sentiments, soon I will have a better understanding of the emotional element that currently escapes me.”
“That's good, I think.” Frank just shrugged as he barely understood what she was saying. “Nera, Denise, we're going to land and just try to stay out of their way.”
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