“Stop, you ridiculous Gek’a,” demanded his wife feigning outrage. “Don’t make me answer for you.”
“Yes, dearest.” To Egg he meekly replied, “Yes, Ma’am.”
“That’s a good boy.”
*****
Kreed
“Your Majesty.”
“Captain Ax’gard, may I offer my congratulations on your engagement to my Feminion. Who is my Sister. Who is the co-founder of the Hameggattic Sisterhood. Who is also my best friend in the entire universe. Need I say more?”
“I can assure Your Majesty that I will be the perfect husband, friend and companion to Miss Hampton. I will cherish, love and . . . obey (this last one he whispered after making sure only Egg could hear him). Should either her daffy ducks or goofy smile ever leave her, I will hold myself entirely at fault and will submit willingly to any punishment you may wish to administer.”
“In that case, you have my permission . . . to accept a hug,” and she walked over to the young man and gave him one mighty embrace.
After a few seconds, Kreed said with a smile, “Your Majesty is unexpectedly, and surprisingly, quite strong,” and she, Benny and Sylvia broke into gales of laughter.
“I would like to lodge a formal protest,” quipped his betrothed. “My ducks are not Daffy and my smile is most assuredly not goofy.”
“Protest denied,” said Egg. “The good Captain nailed it.”
“Have you set a date?” asked the Prince.
“I defer to my wife-to-be.”
“It’s under discussion,” replied Sylvia. “I’ll be graduating in six months so we’ll wait at least till then.”
“I would ask if you wanted a big wedding, but I know you don’t. So, what do you have in mind?” asked Egg.
“I’m trying to convince my handsome consort to marry me in a Las Vegas chapel that features an Elvis impersonator as minister.”
Benny looked at Kreed who shrugged in ignorance. Egg, on the other hand, thought it was brilliant. “That’s perfect. Benny and I will be your best man and maid of honor. I won’t even ask him to disguise his blue skin . . . whatever happens in Vegas and all that.” She and Syl laughed.
“May I point out that neither of us (indicating he and the groom to be) haven’t even the remotest idea what you are prattling on about. And, perhaps more importantly, in six months you will be nearing your term. The doctor has told you that with twins, the chance for a premature birth increases.”
To all this, Egg and Syl broke into more laughter.
“Benny,” said Kreed “I’m already getting cold feet.”
“Understandable. But the feeling will only intensify as the wedding draws nearer.”
“How reassuring.”
“Easy you two. We’re just having a little fun at your expense.”
“You are an evil woman.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.”
“If my daughters take after you, I will not stand a chance.”
“I have a sneaking suspicion that our children will drive both of us crazy.”
“Oh joy.”
“Our celebratory dinner with the rest of the gang isn’t for another hour. Would you two (Egg looked at her husband and best friend) mind if I borrow Kreed for a bit to talk business?”
“Gracie, you are pregnant and have been going nonstop at this Queen business ever since I put that crown on your head. Can’t you take the night off and just relax?”
“That’s exactly the reason I can’t. I need to get as many people in place and projects started before I give birth. Once my two darling cherubs are born, I intend to be with them non-stop for the first six months of their lives.”
“That is very reassuring to hear. But please, give it a rest tonight.”
Egg grimaced at the thought. “Fifteen minutes. Just fifteen minutes, I promise.”
Benny knew he had lost. So he kissed his wife on the cheek then turned to Sylvia and offered her an arm. “Milady, care to go for a stroll?”
Syl grabbed the arm and squeezed it and the Prince close to her body. “Forget a stroll. Why don’t you and I run off together for a week or two? You know what they say . . . ‘you only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough’.”
Assuming she was being mischievous, the Prince responded in kind. “Excellent suggestion. How about I send the Captain to the Outer Reaches in one of our slowest ships? Then you and I could go to Laff’Alott and make some memorable memories?”
Egg shook her head sadly. “You two are pathetic. Just go.” Syl kissed her man and she and the Prince left. “Kreed, let me get right to it. I need you to resign from the Navy.”
That was a shocker. “May I ask why?”
“I want you to become my Foreign Minister.”
“I’m unfamiliar with the title. What exactly would be my duties and responsibilities?”
“You’re going to lead the effort to finalize the charter and constitution of our new Commonwealth. Once that is done, you will be its first, and only, titular President with the goal of insuring everyone learns how to participate in, and gain as much benefit from, their membership. After your term is up, you will be Aerianna’s minister to the governing council.”
“I see. To be honest, what I don’t understand is how this Commonwealth differs from the Federation – other than who belongs.
“The Federation has two primary goals – mutual protection and free trade. Our Commonwealth will have those two elements plus cultural, scientific and educational programs. Every member will be obligated to help the other members achieve their full potential. We will be a family with all that the word implies. You will help the others understand their role. I also expect that the constitution will require amending as we all learn how best to work together.”
“Your Majesty, I am honored that you think I’m qualified for this incredible challenge. However, I don’t. I have no experience in such matters.”
“You’re smart, unflappable and a decorated naval officer (Benny had just added the Star of Aerianna to Kreed’s medal collection). You’ll learn as you go. However, I can’t force you, nor would I want to. This meeting is between us and if you prefer not to accept the assignment, no one – not even my husband or my Feminion – will ever know.”
“I told you not too long ago that there isn’t anything you could ask that I wouldn’t do. But before I say yes, would you answer me one question?”
“Shoot.”
“What?”
“Ask.”
“Oh. Won’t my elevation to this position seem like favoritism? After all, I’m marrying your best friend.”
“Your success will prove me right.”
“And my failure?”
“Oddly enough, it will still prove me right.”
“How so?”
“I told everyone that I’m not qualified to be Queen. This would just prove it. So, either way I can’t lose.”
*****
The next day, Egg, continuing her hectic pace, had two important meetings scheduled.
“Only two?” quipped her husband. “Are you not feeling well?” he teased.
Egg stared at her husband apparently formulating her reply. As the seconds ticked by, Benny began to get nervous. It was never a good sign when the love of his life gave any subject too much thought . . . especially if that subject was him. “I need to put you to work.”
And there it was.
“An excellent idea. You and I can converse over dinner tonight.” It was a husband’s age-old tactic – postpone the discussion, distract her with other activities and, if necessary, purchase a gift that screams ‘I love you’.
“Nice try. The blue footed booby is back.”
“I am horrified. Are you doubting my sincerity?”
“Yes. Yes, I am.”
He tried not to smile – it would have been a clear sign that she had bested him yet again. But he failed. Smiling from ear-to-ear he said, “I beg for mercy.”
“Too late. After you finish your br
eakfast, hop on your horse and ride out to Kallous. I want you to negotiate an agreement with Waldo. I need him and his people to guard the power source in the Outer Reaches when it’s built. I expect you to negotiate brilliantly. However, in the end, Waldo will win a very lucrative contract. He’ll need to submit a proposal on how he plans to do the job. I also want him to go out there and survey the planets. On his way back, he needs to find Gilly and bring him to me.”
“We won’t need his people for at least three years . . .” he began to argue then thought better of it. “However, having this settled now is eminently wise. I have just one question.”
“Which is?”
“What exactly is a horse and where does one find one?”
She kissed her husband. “That’s two questions.”
*****
Rap’tor
“Good morning Rap’tor.” The Queen was dressed casually since she would not be holding an audience today.
“Good morning, Your Maj . . . Egg.”
“Come over here and look out the window, please.”
“As you wish,” and he did. “Am I looking for something in particular?”
“What do you see?”
“A floating city, the land and ocean below, a dragon or two flying hither and fro. Have I missed something of significance?”
“Yup. Aerianna.”
The dragon paused for a moment trying to divine what his Queen was saying. It had become a game between them – she would say something incomprehensible and he would attempt to guess the meaning. “Is this a forest and tree analogy that you spoke of at your Coronation?”
“Exactly,” and she gave him a warm smile. “Where am I going with this?”
“I presume I am allowed my three questions?” That was part of the game.
“Of course.”
“Very well. Does it have anything to do with the role you wish me to play in your grand scheme?”
“It does.”
“My efforts will not be directed off-world . . . either with the Commonwealth or the Federation.”
“Correct.”
He thought for a moment but could not come up with an idea. “Care to give me another hint?”
“This position will make your mommy proud.”
“I’m to be King?” he teased.
Egg laughed. “Not quite. I want you to be my Minister of Culture.”
“I am flattered.”
“Ha. You have no idea what I’m talking about, do you?”
“I rarely do.”
Egg laughed again and without realizing what she was doing, she gave the dragon a quick hug. Rap’tor kept the surprise off his face, but his eyes twinkled with pleasure at another sign of the friendship that had developed between them. “I want you to oversee the changes I plan to implement on Aerianna . . . with a few exceptions.”
“I assume you’re referring to the Citizens Council and the Mentor Program?”
“That’s part of it, but only a small part. I have my grandparents developing our first National Holiday but someone else will have to help implement it. I want to create sports teams that compete for National championships then export that type of competition to our sister worlds to create the Commonwealth Games. I want to develop some industries that we have on Earth as well as some on Federation worlds; in a few years we’ll have unlimited energy and a huge revenue stream that needs to be invested in infrastructure, people and programs, and we’ll need to develop an organization to help the other worlds of the Commonwealth with their problems and development. I can go on, but you get the drift.”
“That’s an incredible amount of change you intend to bring to Aerianna.”
“It’s only the beginning. Is that a problem?”
“More of a challenge than a problem -- and an absurd amount of responsibility. Are you sure I’m the right individual?”
“I wouldn’t ask you if I thought otherwise. Serendipitously, it will showcase the intelligence, ability and loyalty of a Dragon. I’m very tired of hearing people belittle your species.”
“Did you not tell the entire Federation that you cannot legislate away prejudice?”
“I’m not legislating anything. You’re going to show them they’re wrong by what you accomplish. So, no pressure, but the reputation of your species is now entirely on your shoulders.” She added an evil grin for emphasis.
The dragon stared at his friend and Queen. “I do feel a tinge of pity for Kru-Ella. She chose the wrong person to cross.”
“No idea what you’re talking about. I’m just a sweetheart. Ask Benny.”
The dragon eeked. “I have. He told me in the strictest confidence that he is absolutely terrified of you.”
“I knew I married well. He’s handsome and smart.”
Chapter 4 – Busy Work
A month later and the start of Egg’s second trimester
“No more morning sickness, yay.”
“I am told by two individuals with great knowledge of such things that your second trimester is a time of renewed energy and diminished discomfiture.”
“Who, pray tell, is your source of such wisdom?”
“Your grandmothers. They both worry about you continuously.”
“Oh, my gosh. I feel so bad.”
“But you just said you felt no nausea.”
“What? No, silly. I’m fine physically. It’s just that I have spent time with my family and none with yours. Do you me a favor and invite your parents over for lunch.”
“I could reschedule my conference if you’d like.”
“What conference?”
“My father, your parents and I are meeting with representatives from all three species to discuss your ideas for a sports league. Your suggestion to include our families was, as usually, brilliant. They are very excited by the concept.”
“That’s even better. I think a little ‘one on one time’ with your mom would be wonderful. I can meet her in her apartments if she’d like.”
“Nonsense. It thrills her to no end to see you in the Royal Suit. I will arrange everything for noon. What do you have planned for this morning?”
“I’m meeting with Serenity, Skotti, Jax’x, K’ssss and Gilly. Then later today, Bree and Kon’dor are coming over. You’re welcome to join in these discussions. I know for a fact that on occasion you have something worthwhile to contribute,” she teased.
“Such high praise from my Queen is an honor I will long remember.”
“Then I demand you show your appreciation this instant.”
He grabbed her in his arms and gently (for the twins’ sake) pulled her close and kissed her enthusiastically. She returned the gesture in kind. A few moments later, he pulled back and said, “I am also led to believe that the libido of pregnant women can become an impressive force of nature.”
She smiled seductively, crooked her finger to draw him closer then gently nibbled his ear lobe. “Best if you rest as much as possible before this evening,” she whispered.
He laughed. “Woman, do not make promises you cannot keep.”
“I assure you, Prince Ben’Edikk, the Queen of Aerianna never does.”
*****
“Come on in everyone.” Once they did, Egg greeted Gilly – her first chance since he arrived on Aerianna. He had already made a very favorable impression on the others. “Gilly, it’s wonderful to see you again. What do you think of Q’umulus?”
He bowed his head then looked up. “The city is beyond imagination and I thank you for the opportunity to see it.”
“You don’t sound overly enthusiastic.”
“Lady, I am ashamed.”
“I don’t understand?”
“I thought you would have forgotten your promise to me. I would never expect a Queen to treat someone like myself with such honor.” He didn’t see the other four smile.
“Everyone, make yourselves comfortable. Gilly, come with me,” and she led him outside to her balcony.
“Take a moment and enjoy the view.�
� and she looked at the breathtaking vista as did her guest. “Now, what would happen to me if I stepped off of the city?”
“Lady?”
“If I jumped, what would happen to me?”
Confused and aghast, he managed to answer, “You would fall two miles to the ground below.”
“I would. What would happen if you jumped?”
More confusion. “The same, of course.”
“Do you know why that is?”
“The law of gravity.”
“Exactly. I’m no scientist but I vaguely remember the equation. What I don’t remember is if it requires someone to identify the person falling as a Queen or as a citizen.”
“Lady, that information is not relevant.”
“Is that because the universe considers you and me as equals?”
Gilly didn’t answer as he seriously considered Egg’s words. Then he smiled. “Yes, Lady. In the eyes of the universe, you and I are equal.”
“No better, no worse than each other. Do we understand each other?”
“We do, my Queen.”
“Let’s go back.”
“Lady?”
“Yes?”
He smiled again. “In truth, we will never be equals. No one will ever be your equal. But, I do thank you for the physics lesson.”
*****
“How’s the black hole project coming along?”
“You can’t keep asking us that every other day,” complained the grumpy one. “It’s incredibly complex and time consuming.”
“I hate to agree with her,” added Jax’x, “but we’re splitting our time between this and the anti-grav project for Splendora. It would go faster if we could postpone that one.”
“No, we made a commitment to Kon’dor. K’ssss, are any of your colleagues available to help out?”
“Just Zazzi at this time.”
“Hmmm.”
“Egg, you’re the Queen now. Just say the word and I’ll recruit a whole team.”
“I don’t want your husband working on this project.”
K’ssss looked offended (though it’s a little hard to tell in a sea serpent). “He’s an excellent scientist.”
Egg smiled at her sister. “No, you slithering sack of silly. I know he’s almost as smart as you are. I need him on another project.”
Gracie - Box Set #6, Part 2 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 35