Everyone smiled broadly. Their love for Egg knew no bounds and Meggy’s words were like music to their ears.
“Meggy, that’s terrific. But I would add one more thing,” said Sylvia.
“If it’s yellow ducks, the answer is no.” Everyone knew of the ongoing ‘feud’ between the two best friends from earth and laughed.
“Cute. No, not the ducks . . . which are just so cute.” The jeers were immediate. “Oh, shut up. Anyway, we should make sure that everyone knows that Egg has no idea we’re doing this and would be mostly outraged if she found out.”
“Excellent point. Anyone else?”
No one had anything to add.
“If you do think of something, please let me know. Now I will give you your assignments. Again, this is not cast in stone and we can change it if you wish. Aeri’elle will be contacting her grandfather tonight. We have high hopes he will ‘visit’ all dragons and let his opinion be known. K’ssss will rally the scientific community. Syl, Serenity and Jax’x, since you three have . . . ahem, connections to the Navy, you will talk to as many of them as you can.”
“Kreed is going to captain Benny’s ship, but that shouldn’t be a problem,” said Syl.
“Very good. I’za, with your emotional connection to the elderly and infirm, you will speak to them.”
“Thank you. That will be wonderful.”
“Bl’azzz, Soo and Ashley will meet with the members of the Citizen’s Council – not just current members but even those that retired.”
“Can do,” replied the dragon.
“Mother, you will talk to the current and former monarchs.”
“I will do that as soon as Egg leaves for Peekaboo Prime.”
“Thank you. Lady Molly, you will talk to as many of your royal friends as you can.”
“Of course.”
“Tee’ka, I want you to visit all the schools and convince the children to harangue their parents to vote for Egg. If Waldo can join you, that would be wonderful.”
“Oh good. Thanks, Meggy. Um, did I tell you guys that we got married?”
“WHAT?”
“We got married.”
“And you didn’t invite your sisters?”
“Um . . . we didn’t get married like Egg did.”
“What does that mean?”
“We went inside the big computer on Kallous . . . like the first time I met Waldo.” She smiled from ear to ear at the memory. “We were there for almost three seconds.”
All the non-technical sisters began to giggle until Serenity explained, “Three seconds in a computer is like two years for us.” The giggles turned into speechless shock.
“Really? How fascinating.” Meggy stopped herself and shook her head. “Nevertheless, we should have been told so we could hold a proper celebration. I am both very cross at -- and very happy for -- you. When Egg returns from her mission, we will hold the appropriate festivities.”
“Okay.”
“Let me finish these assignments, and then we will break out the champagne and toast your nuptials.”
“Will it hurt?”
“Will what hurt?”
“Toasting my nuptials. I forget . . . what are they?”
Meggy snapped her head and scanned all those in attendance giving a quick shake of the head. The message was clear – don’t laugh. To Tee’ka she explained, “Toasting means to raise a glass of champagne and congratulate you. Nuptials means wedding. It will not hurt.”
“Okay.”
The Queen shook her head again to clear away that conversation. “Where was I?”
“Bree and I need assignments,” said Sassi.
“Thank you. You will meet with the former members of the Shades of Night and convince them there is only one choice for Queen. If anyone remembers the fight against Mobius, it will be them.”
“I can do that. It will be wonderful to renew old friendships.”
“Bree, I want you, Kon’dor and the two Sky’lord children to fly from city to city. The four of you always attract large crowds. Use that as an opportunity to preach our message. And, please, visit as many of the Dragon castles as you can.”
“We will. What about you Meggy?”
“I will meet with all the ambassadors from the other planets that are in residence here. They have friendships among the leading citizens of Aerianna. I will convince them that it will be in their best interest to support me in this endeavor. Any questions?”
No one did.
“Then let us take a moment to toast Tee’ka. Afterward, I would talk to Serenity and Jax’x. Oh, and please . . . please don’t breathe a word of this to Egg. It would ruin everything. Now, where is that champagne?”
*****
The gathering had finally dispersed after the impromptu wedding celebration for Tee’ka. The girl had told them stories of how she had spent her two glorious years in cyberspace. Unfortunately, some of the tales were a bit too personal and no one knew how to tell her they were borderline inappropriate. So as not to hurt her feelings, they listened and reacted appropriately.
They were also in high spirits because their beloved leader was to be crowned Queen . . . and that had them all giddy with anticipation.
Meggy, Jax’x and Serenity left with the others but regrouped in the Queen’s office. “I asked you two here to discuss the Myst Tree’s warning for Egg.”
“What warning?” asked Jax’x alarmed.
“He said that she would become Queen, but not before one more challenge . . . one that she must face alone.”
“Why?”
“No idea. He had one of his infamous riddles,” and she recited it. “And, as usual, no one has any idea what it means . . . unless one of you does?”
“I got nothing,” responded Serenity.
“Me neither,” added Jax’x. “Have you given this message to Egg?”
“That is the problem. If I told her too soon, she would almost certainly fight the notion of becoming Queen. On one hand, she needs to know; on the other the timing must be just right. I was hoping you two might be able to suggest something.”
“Do you think this challenge will happen on the way to Peekaboo Prime?”
“Probably not. Only a handful of people know that she is going to give the speech to the Federation. When I accepted the invitation, the official reply was that the Queen of Aerianna would address the assembly. I did not say who that was. However, once she’s there the whole Federation will know. It would take time to mount a nefarious operation against her. So, I would expect any attempt would be on the return trip . . . if it even has anything to do with this mission.”
“Send the fleet with her,” suggested Serenity.
“I have thought of that. Again, that would seem out of the ordinary and would arouse her suspicions. I will, however, send the fleet out to greet her on their return trip. By then she will know she has been elected Queen.”
“Don’t like it,” complained Serenity. “Feels wrong.”
“I’ve got an idea,” and the other two turned to Jax’x. “Let’s use Ziz to deliver the message when they reach their destination. We can get Kreed to stow it onboard without Egg knowing.”
“Doesn’t the dragonetta only respond to your amber heart powers?” asked Meggy.
Sparky interrupted. “I can put an A.I. in that thing. It will act independently . . . or until Egg gives it a command.”
“Excellent.”
“Still don’t like it,” continued the Grump. “Egg is defenseless if she’s attacked.”
Meggy rolled her eyes. “Flying Girl is never defenseless, but I am open to suggestions.”
“Let’s give Ziz some upgrades,” suggested Jax’x.
“Like what?”
“Give her the ability to communicate with us, for one.”
“Very good. What else?” asked Meggy.
For the next thirty minutes, the two geniuses came up with a hundred possible ideas. But with only a week until Egg left, they would have to pick and choo
se which they could do.
Chapter 3 – All Lives Matter
Egg changed out of her dress and put on her usual casual attire. She had already made the first regal impression of queen. With a long journey ahead of her, she might as well be comfortable. When she finished, she began to pack. Having a few moments alone with Ziz, she asked, “What did they do to you?”
“It was horrible. They cut me open and began to . . .”
“ZIZ! Stop. Just describe the upgrades . . . and keep it simple.”
“I can draw you a picture, if that would help?”
Despite herself, Egg laughed. “It’s like having Serenity for company.”
“I’m much prettier.”
“Yeah, you are. Listen up – we don’t have much time. Tell me about the upgrades.”
“Gotcha. You can use me to communicate with Jax’x, I’m now able to bite and peck if you’re attacked. I can project holographic images of Mobius and Bl’uddd . . .”
“Stop. Why those two?”
“Big, ugly and scarier as heck.”
“True dat. Keep going.”
“I can raise a protective shield to protect myself, I . . .” but the rest was interrupted by the pounding on the door.
“Yes?” called Egg.
“Times up. Get out here or I’ll drag you out.”
“Rude little thing,” observed the dragonetta.
“At least he didn’t barge in. Okay, play dumb.” Before Ziz could snap off a rude retort, Egg raised her hand. “NO MORE TALKING.”
“Eek.”
“Better.” To the bad-mannered hobgoblin on the other side of the door she said, “You have my permission to enter and carry my valise.”
*****
She returned to the General who was still in the main control room. “I’m ready.”
The tall blue woman looked her prisoner up and down – apparently considering Egg’s new outfit. “I approve. Your clothes are less insulting.”
Egg had no idea what that meant. “How did my dress insult you?”
The woman’s tongue darted out and once again tasted the air. “You are like the rest . . . with your fancy clothes and the presumption of superiority over my kind (and her arms embraced the whole room). It is the reason we are here.”
“I’m sorry but I don’t know what that means.”
“No matter. I will give you a minute to say goodbye to your crew.”
Uh oh . . . goosebumps.
“You are releasing them so they may return home, I presume.”
The blue woman hissed. “Not likely. Once we transport to my vessel, we will destroy this ship and its crew.”
On her shoulder, Egg felt Ziz ‘tense’ – her claws digging in a bit deeper and her wings beginning to unfold. She hoped the dragonetta wouldn’t do anything on its own. It would only make the matter worse. To Zwam, she said, “You will do no such thing.”
“I give the orders here.”
“General, may I have a word in private?” Egg didn’t wait for a reply; she turned and walked over to a corner of the ship that was unoccupied.
“Send that mechanical bird to the other side of the room.”
Egg nodded. “Ziz, over there. Don’t do anything, understand?”
“Eek.” The dragonetta flew off as instructed.
The General then told the hobgoblin, “Search her for weapons.”
The little soldier did as he was told. At one point, Egg felt the search was getting a bit too personal and she slapped the guy’s hands away. “Watch it or I’ll toss you out the airlock.”
“That’s enough . . . both of you.” Zwam sent the soldier away and she walked up to Egg. “You have thirty seconds.”
“You are making multiple mistakes. First, this vessel is faster than any of yours and would make an ideal command ship for you. Second, my crew is highly trained in the art of war. Their discipline and knowledge would be invaluable. From my brief encounter with your soldiers, I can tell they could use a lesson in discipline. If you intend to fight the entire Federation, you best have a team that is up to the task. Third, you would make me very, very angry. That is unwise. On the other hand, if you spare them, perhaps we could find ways to work together other than as prisoner and warden.”
The woman stared at Egg for a good half minute. “You called me over here so that I would not be embarrassed in front of my people.”
Egg wasn’t sure if that was a question. “Of course. They need to have the utmost respect in your leadership ability. If they heard my arguments and agreed with my reasoning, it might sow seeds of doubt. In war, that could be fatal.”
Silence again as Zwam considered what she heard. “I have read about you in your history books. They did not lie.”
Egg smiled. “Maybe not lie, but they do exaggerate. I’m not that special.”
“I will have your word . . . as Queen of Aerianna and as Flying Girl that you will not try to escape or to harm my crew.”
“I give you my word.” She really didn’t want to but felt she had no choice. Kreed’s life as well as those of the crew were at stake. The problem was she would never go back on her promise . . . even one made to the enemy under duress. Her options were now a lot more limited than they were a minute ago. In fact, there was only one way out. The General would have to set her free. Oh well, weirder things have happened.
*****
They walked back to the center of the room. In a loud voice, but addressing Egg, the General said, “You will inform your crew of our agreement.”
“Admiral Ax’gard, please step forward.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“To whom do you owe your allegiance?”
“I am yours to command, Majesty.”
“Please pledge your fidelity to the General.”
“Excuse me?” The man tried his best not to show surprise.
“I will not ask again.”
Kreed had come to know Egg fairly well since he and Sylvia ‘double dated’ with the Prince and his wife on numerous occasions. It wasn’t difficult to tell she was putting on an act. He looked intently at Egg’s face trying to determine his part in this little play. The Queen-to-be gave him an ever-so-slight shake of the head, no.
“Sorry, Majesty. I have sworn allegiance to the Crown.”
Egg stepped closer and without warning tore the insignia of rank off the man’s uniform. Kreed didn’t flinch but everyone else who was not part of his crew let out a gasp. The General, herself, apparently was as surprised as the rest – her tongue darting out and dancing to and fro. “For your insubordination, I am reducing your rank to Captain. Now, I ask you again, pledge your allegiance to the General.” This time the tiny nod was a yes.
“As you wish.” He turned to the blue alien. “With respect, I am at your service.”
Zwam stared at the man (as he had just done with Egg), examining his face in minute detail. “I will transfer my ‘flag’ to this vessel. My crew will be yours to command. You will instruct your people to teach them all the ship’s functions. Furthermore, I expect you to instill discipline in my people and bring them up to an acceptable level of professionalism.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Is there anything else?”
The General felt almost giddy. Never had she expected this encounter to turn out so advantageous to her and the rebellion she was embarking on. “That is all.”
“Ma’am,” and Kreed turned to leave.
“One moment,” said Egg.
“Majesty?”
“You seem to be out of uniform . . . Captain. Please rectify your mistake.” The twinkling in her eyes almost made Kreed laugh.
“Apologies,” and he executed a smart about-face. “Lieutenant Amato, you have the bridge.”
“Yes, sir.”
Kreed turned and bowed his head to his two ‘bosses’ then left the bridge to change back into his original uniform.
Egg waited until the man left then turned to the General. “Thank you for sparing my men . . . and for allowing me
to keep Ziz.”
The poor General knew she was out of her depths. This woman – this Heroine of Aerianna – was everything she was not. Instead of showing her up by taking credit for what had just happened, this Queen actually thanked her. “I believe I will take you up on your offer to discuss my plans.”
*****
They adjourned to Egg’s private dining room. The table was oblong with place settings at the head and to its right – the preferred seating arrangement of Benny and his wife.
“Please,” said Egg, pointing to the chair at the head of the table.
Zwam would have normally sat in that chair without being asked as was her right as the Commanding General of the Revolutionary Army and Navy. This time she hesitated. “I believe that is reserved for the Queen,” and she sat down in the other chair.
Egg walked to the head of the table, grabbed the place setting and moved it across from her guest. “Much better,” she said with a smile as she sat down.
“You are not what I expected.”
“Why is that?”
Instead of answering, Zwam asked, “What do you know of the planets in the Outer Reaches?”
Egg was about to say something diplomatic but something told her that would be wrong. The truth would serve better. “Almost nothing. I have heard that the other members of the Federation consider you almost uncivilized and beneath contempt.” Well, that was a tad harsh.
Zwam’s tongue shot out then retracted. Shockingly, she smiled. “I was of the belief that Queens must honey their words less they offend.”
“I am of the belief that honesty is the basis of friendship.”
“Are we friends?”
“Not yet. But, your decision regarding my crew put us on the right track.”
“You do realize that I am here to start a war against the Federation?”
“I do. I’m just not sure why?”
“As you have said, the Federation holds us in contempt.”
“And their insults require a war to avenge?”
“We do not seek revenge. We seek respect.”
Gracie - Box Set #6, Part 2 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 23