Monster

by Patrick F. Johnson

  “Oh, just acclimating,” Frank replied. “Did you sleep well?”

  “As well as can be expected. Did you kill anyone while I was asleep?”

  “Not this time.” Frank collapsed to the floor and decided that since he was down there, he might as well try to do some push-ups. “Oh, this totally sucks,” he said as he turned red in the face under the strain of his own weight.

  * * *

  “The trip back is always faster,” Phildan was explaining. “If the return trip is after a very short time, things haven't moved around too much. The computational systems can figure more quickly, and, well, you get the idea.”

  “I think so,” Robert replied. “So Connie was able to do the math even faster then?”

  “She just somehow knew where everything was. That amount of knowledge is staggering to consider.”

  “So she gave all of that up to be human?” Michelle asked.

  “She gave it up so that she may live,” Phildan replied. “As we became more high-profile, her existence would have surely been discovered.”

  An orb appeared. “We are through,” Gladys said.

  “Home, sweet home,” Robert said as he glanced over at Earth growing on the television screen. “What's our first order of business?”

  “I would say that the first order of business is already done,” Phildan said. “There aren't any Gote ships in sight. Earth is safe for now.”

  “Robert,” Gladys said, “could you please contact Denise?”

  “Will do. And then I'll call Dave.” Robert pulled out his phone and pressed the button to call Denise.

  26.

  “I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality,” Denise said with a bow. Yui was beside her grandfather to translate. He smiled and bowed before turning toward Constanthos. Yui walked over to stand closer to Denise so the sound of her translating wouldn't interfere with Yohei's speaking.

  “It has been a great pleasure to have you both here as guests in my home. Like Frank, you are kind and gentle mannered.” He turned and picked up two swords off of a nearby stand. “I took the liberty of having these made for Frank.” He pulled one from its sheath. “A friend of mine acquired several of the discarded alien swords from New York City. The greatest living sword-maker in all of Japan used them to fashion these two katanas. I know that Frank likes to carry two swords. One lightweight and one heavy. And as proud as we are of our own swords, they cannot withstand the strain that some of Frank's battles put them under. But now that I have met you, Constanthos, I am hoping that he wouldn't mind sharing one with you, as I only have two to give.”

  “They are beautiful,” Constanthos said as she accepted them. “I know, from speaking with your students, that many hours of painstaking labor and care are put into every blade. I cannot imagine how difficult the alien metal was to work with.”

  Yohei smiled. “I understand there was much cursing involved.”

  “Please send my compliments. I know Frank will love them.” Constanthos bowed very deeply. “Master Nakamura, it has truly been an honor.”

  “The honor is all mine,” he replied, returning her bow.

  Constanthos and Denise walked over near where their luggage was stacked in the clearing at the center of the garden. Yui came forward and hugged both women goodbye. Constanthos pushed the button on her bracelet and within seconds, the luggage was lifted away. And then Denise was gone. Constanthos held the swords vertically in front of her and smiled as she was raised away.

  * * *

  “And just like that, you're talking and walking around like you've always been human?” Robert complimented as he and Michelle greeted them.

  “I just needed some time to put it all together,” Constanthos said with a smile. “Luckily, I have Denise to guide me.”

  “She's just being nice,” Denise joked. “All I did was sit around and watch her beat people up.”

  “Hiro's grandfather was training you?” Robert asked. “Ah shit, now we got two Franks.”

  “Amazing,” Constanthos said with a look of wonder in her eyes.

  “What?” Robert asked, looking puzzled.

  “I lacked the full understanding of the emotional component before, but now I understand why Frank holds you in such high esteem.” Constanthos turned to Michelle. “You are a very lucky woman.”

  “Thank you,” Michelle replied. “I gotta admit I'm confused.”

  “I am learning what makes humans attractive to other humans. Among heterosexual men, common interests and compatible senses of humor are a large factor. I actually share some of Frank's memories, and now it is all coming together for me.”

  “I encouraged her to speak freely about these things,” Denise added. “I'm sure we can all offer her different perspectives.”

  “Oh,” Michelle said with a smile, “for a minute I thought you were checking out my man.”

  “As a female,” Constanthos said, “I must admit that your Robert is a fine example of a human male. But not only do I respect your monogamy, I have...feelings for someone else.”

  Robert was noticeably feeling awkward so Michelle slipped an arm around his waist. “He is a fine example, isn't he?” She smiled up at him before turning back to Constanthos. “So, who is the lucky guy?”

  “Frank, of course.”

  * * *

  “So the princess has expelled our agent,” Korick was saying. “We'll just have to get a new one.”

  “That may prove more difficult than you think,” Ahn replied.

  “Greed has a stronger pull than patriotism. I've built this whole place because of that fact.”

  “I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try.”

  “We can take some time to think that over,” Korick said in his usual tone. “In the meantime, my little Li puppet is going to check up on our warship over at Korbaal.”

  “Good. I was hoping you would find a use for that thing.”

  “Ahn, that thing is the great Ottwan. He is magnificent and I am very pleased to have his services.”

  “If you say so.” Ahn sat in silence for a few moments. “So, what about that scout ship that went to Nuun?” he finally asked.

  “At this point, we can safely assume that it was lost,” Korick answered, but it was obvious that something bothered him about the situation.

  “Perhaps they crashed,” Ahn said. “Or maybe there was some malfunction.”

  Korick stood up and turned on his view screen. He manipulated the controls so that it showed a view from Frank's cell. “He was recorded in the presence of a Nuunian female. Perhaps he has allies there that somehow destroyed my ship.” Frank was doing push-ups in his cell.

  “We know he has allies,” Ahn said. “There is obviously the Sessik.”

  “Sessiks are weak.”

  “I'm just recalling what we know. We know that the Sessik that is known as 'The Winner of Wars' is responsible for creating the Monster. Tirogof had her in custody on Korbaal. Now, we don't know what has become of her.”

  “More than likely, she has fallen out the wrong end of a mingala by now,” Korick joked. “Just the same, I do see the need for us to be thorough. Dispatch a warship to Nuun. Hopefully they either find the scout ship, or Nuunian humans. Or both.”

  “It couldn't hurt. It's only two jumps away. Our soldiers will be fantastically strong there.”

  * * *

  “I was surprised to hear that you are ready,” Gladys said as she hugged Constanthos.

  “This body is wonderful, Sister. I took some of Frank with me and it helped me grow accustomed.” Constanthos pulled away so that Denise could have a turn with Gladys.

  “What is the situation with Frank?” Denise asked as she pulled away.

  “Korick plans to use him in the tournament. He will be forced to fight to the death among several condemned criminals.”

  Denise just stood, staring at Gladys in shock. Constanthos felt the same emotion, but pushed through it to ask, “What planet does this tournament take place on?”


  “Vera,” Gladys answered as she moved to try to comfort Denise.

  “I need a data pad,” Constanthos proclaimed.

  Gladys looked over toward Robert and Michelle who had both been standing quietly. Robert only shrugged. “Constanthos, what have you been up to?” she asked.

  “Training. Which boat may I use?”

  * * *

  Frank was standing in his cell. While he felt good about being able to now stand, he was very uncomfortable, as the black varitherm suit that had barely stretched over his body before was now stretched beyond its limits. He moved into the corner and knelt down underneath the camera in order to make a couple of gestures, causing the smart fabric of the suit to rise up above his knees. He felt instant relief as the material had more mass to spread out. He stood back up and looked down at himself. He decided that he looked ridiculous, and then realized that he didn't really care. Glancing at his left wrist, he knew that the most important thing he could do was keep the bracelet covered. If the Gotes would happen to discover it, he would most likely lose his hand. And more importantly, he would lose his shield. He reached up and slapped the collar, thereby sending a jolt through his body, just to help himself try to acclimate to that too.

  “Are you still acting out over there?” Jard asked through the wall.

  “I cannot control myself. Sorry if I disturbed you.”

  There was silence for some time before Jard spoke again. “If it comes down to us, I just want to say now that I am sorry.”

  “Oh? What are you sorry for?”

  “I am sorry for having to kill you.”

  Frank chuckled. “I am sorry for having to be killed.”

  “I appreciate your attitude, Frank,” Jard said, “but it would really, I do not even know how to explain it.”

  “I plan to escape and shut Korick down,” Frank confessed.

  “Oh, really?” Jard asked. “And just how do you plan to do that?”

  “I am still working on that part. Since they will never let either of us live, even if we win the tournament, how about we come up with some agreement?”

  “What do you have in mind?” Jard asked.

  “I consider you to be a friend. I do not know where my mind would be at this point if I did not have you to talk to.”

  “I have always wanted a friend,” Jard replied. “They mean for us to die anyway. They can electrocute us together.”

  “Do not give up. You are still on a job.”

  “Redemption. If I can kill Korick, my reputation is saved.”

  “It is funny how I may have disagreed with your career choices before, but now I am complicit to the movement.”

  “If I am to die, I would prefer to do so while killing as many of these bloated degenerates as I possibly can.”

  * * *

  “Oh, this will take some getting used to,” Phildan said as he walked onto the boat that Constanthos was using as her gravity acclimation chamber.

  “I don't expect anyone to spend any great amount of time in here with me,” Constanthos replied. “That is why I am leaving the door open.”

  “I certainly don't mind, Constanthos. I am quite adaptive, myself. Here is the varitherm suit that you requested.”

  “Thank you so much, Phildan. I have been looking at the black suits as being for the more combative members of our group. The gray suits are for the more technically minded.”

  “Well, you should keep both suits handy,” Phildan joked.

  Constanthos thought over his words for a moment before smiling. “Your words are very good, Phildan.”

  “Thank you. I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, though.”

  “Humor makes more sense now. It never occurred to me before that there is an emotional component to it.”

  “Ah, yes. Of course. You can write out definitions for emotions, but until you actually experience them, you might never fully understand them. This must all be quite exciting for you.”

  “It is. I understand so much more now.”

  Phildan looked over his shoulder before saying, “She would be doing the same thing if she was able. You two are so alike. Your mannerisms. The melody of your voice. Do you love him?”

  “I do not know. I do think of him constantly. But he was right when he said that I wouldn't know for sure until I spent some time with him. But that doesn't change a thing. I am doing this for them, and you, as much as I am for myself.”

  Phildan nodded. “I will have the halo equipment moved in here presently. Is there anything else that I can do to help?”

  Constanthos smiled and she looked almost devious. “I had an idea. What do you know about tri-limpilone?”

  “I know that most beings that pursue that avenue often become dismembered, at best.”

  “Phildan, we aren't like most beings now, are we?”

  He contorted his scales into a smile. “I suppose not. What do you have in mind?”

  “I want to manufacture shuriken made of an alloy comprised of inepil and eberone.”

  “Shuriken? I suppose simply throwing it would be a lot safer than the usual attempts of making ordinance.”

  “Yes. We will simply make a case lined in rellum to render the alloy inert.”

  “Absolutely brilliant. You have been studying Frank, haven't you?”

  “Yes. Denise has a lot of video recordings of him on her computer. She let me have full access when we were in Japan.”

  Phildan lapsed into his planning mode of thought. “I can line a work table in rellum so the manufacturing process will be safe. The trick will be in getting the weight just right. I'll have to acquire some materials.”

  “We will have to make sure we can safely coat the cases with your cloaking solution.”

  “I will need more materials for that as well,” Phildan responded.

  “We need to talk with the bugs anyway. Do you suppose they would extend us credit?”

  “I am certain they will. They have everything to gain.”

  * * *

  Bett, the Risen was standing at his grill when he heard the alarm sound. Torn between finishing the preparation of his meal and looking at the readings, he chanced a quick glance at the small view screen that he had attached to his reception array. The Gote warship was certainly cause for alarm. He looked back at the glorious catch that was still cooking and decided that it was done enough. He pulled it off of the grill and set it on a rock to cool as he gathered his guns. Moving quickly, he plucked a frond from a nearby tree and wrapped up his dinner to eat during his journey inland. Hopping aboard his personal transport, he fired up the engine and set out for the groves.

  * * *

  Nera was resting as much as she allowed herself, having finished a training session with the Nakamuras. They made it a point to never overtax themselves in case some trouble arose, but she was digesting new techniques just the same. Her respect for the Nakamuras had grown exponentially over their short time together on Nuun. Hiroya's reputation was certainly valid, but she was very shocked to find that Miyako was in possession of a skill that was both somehow gentle and violent at the same time. And they were more than happy to share their knowledge with everyone. But it was the private lessons that Nera loved the most. She was a quick study and her natural intensity made her a challenging sparring partner, even for the masters.

  “Nera?”

  The voice startled her before she realized that it was Shik. “Yes?

  What is it?”

  “We were able to harvest several splines. Our arrows will be deadly.”

  Nera sat up and nodded. “That is good. You have done well.”

  Shik had a look of surprise on his face. “Something has changed in you.”

  Nera fought the urge to smile. “What do you mean?”

  “You have never been complimentary before. I'm not saying that you have lost your intensity, but you have definitely changed somehow.”

  “Frank Ford always gives compliments,” she replied.

  “No offense, but
you're not Frank Ford.”

  “Yes. He has taken me as his wife though. I choose to honor his ways.”

  Shik surprised her with his smile. “That is a relief,” he said. “I didn't like the thought of you as a servant.”

  “His culture doesn't recognize the concept of life-debts. Luckily for me, he is very easy to love.”

  “I am very happy for you,” Shik said with a genuine tone. “The others might not be so happy though.”

  “What do you mean? Do they not like Frank?”

  “Oh, they love Frank. They just like every excuse to hold some big gathering. Your marriage would have been the biggest gathering ever.” Shik smiled again. “They just don't understand us warriors.”

  Her response was interrupted by the humming sound. Both of them knew it was Bett returning, but that sound was still cause for alarm. Some things never fade.

  * * *

  “I can't stand to see you like this,” Denise said as she peered through the door at Constanthos laying on her side on the floor. “There has to be some other way.”

  “The gravity has me for now,” Constanthos replied, “but soon I will adapt. Just keep the loba coming.”

  “I can sense her determination,” Cindy said. Her voice was inside Denise's head before Denise turned to see her sit up from where she had been napping under the loba tree. Cindy looked up and spotted a beautifully ripe loba. Smiling, she stood and reached up to pluck it. “This looks like a good one.” She walked over to the boat of Constanthos, which Denise realized was picked for its close proximity to Cindy and the tree. Cindy paused, as if to center herself, and then walked into the higher gravity without so much as a misstep. She knelt down and peeled the loba, presenting it to Constanthos in the kindest of manners. “We can only support her in her endeavor, as her motives are pure.”

  “Thank you,” Constanthos said. Cindy reached down and gently moved a lock of hair from her face before standing to walk outside the threshold.