Custodian_Monster of Earth Book One

by Patrick F. Johnson

Laughing, Frank said, “Just wanted to see if I could.” Hiro could only shake his head and laugh. After finishing up, Hiro returned to the kitchen to start preparing the day's meals. Denise stuck around to talk to Frank.

  “Deon tells me you're divorced,” she started.

  “Oh, he did?”

  “Yes. He has a lot of Frank Ford stories to tell.”

  “Nothing too bad, I hope. He's always been a talker.”

  “No, nothing bad. It seems his whole family holds you in pretty high esteem.”

  “I'm glad to hear that. They're good people.”

  “So why haven't you remarried?”

  Caught off guard and generally uncomfortable with the topic, Frank only said, “I've been too busy with work to even worry about it.” He didn't want to discuss the black hole he'd been living in with this young lady that he barely knew. He looked over to the orb as if to ask for help, but Gladosanthos only floated there silently. “Well, me and Jones are going to finish what we can on the dorms today. The entire navy is on high alert, so we can't get the trusses delivered anytime soon, but we at least want to have it ready to go. I'll see you later.” This time it was she who couldn't help but to watch him leave.

  * * *

  “Constanthos, I want to research human copulation.”

  “Their 'internet' is full of information on the topic. I'll adjust for a two-dimensional output.”

  “Thank you, sister.”

  “Have you been practicing reading English?”

  “No. I have been far too busy to study.”

  “There are plenty of video files available. There are those that are free, and those that you have to pay to view.”

  “Let's view the free ones. Frank would frown on spending money needlessly.”

  “I must admit, I do not fully understand the titles.”

  “Just pick one at random.”

  Constanthos played a video. Two humans, one male and one female, were talking idly over a subject that was not understood. Before long, they pressed their mouths together.

  “That is the human form of kissing, although it looks quite different here than the recorded theater that I have been viewing,” Constanthos said.

  “There is a lot more to the human's process than I am accustomed to studying.” Things on the video were progressing quickly, with clothing quickly being removed.

  Gladosanthos could only tilt her head to the side slightly, trying to comprehend what she was seeing. Constanthos actually giggled. “I have never heard you do that before.”

  “Well, you do not need to laugh at me,” Gladosanthos giggled.

  “I couldn't help it. You look ridiculous.”

  Now that the female on the video was fully disrobed, Gladosanthos could tell that her curves were even more exaggerated than those of Denise. When the couple began to do things that she could not fully comprehend, she asked Constanthos to shut it down.

  “Please, excuse me,” she said. She left the control room and made her way to her personal chamber, where she had a large mirror. After gazing at herself for a short time, she sat on her platform, held her face in her hands, and began to weep.

  * * *

  That evening, Frank sat alone in his living room, trying to call Terrelle on the telephone. After several attempts, he gave up. For whatever reason, Terrelle wasn't taking his calls. He let his mind drift and started to doze off.

  Back at the tiki bar, the conversation stayed serious with everyone talking strategy and speculating the Mingrein plan. Gladosanthos' orb was hovering in the corner, monitoring the conversation, ready to offer input as needed. She couldn't help but to notice Denise slipping out the side and making her way toward Frank's boat. Sitting her orb down on her shelf, she powered it down and then powered up one of the orbs they kept inside the boat. She didn't move it from it's place with many others. It stayed still and silent, allowing her to eavesdrop on the ensuing conversation.

  Denise came into the boat quietly. She found Frank dozing on the couch and considered her next move. But Frank was a very light sleeper and suddenly woke up with a start.

  “It's just me, Frank.”

  “Oh, hello. I just dozed off for a couple minutes.”

  “I was starting to wonder if you ever slept.”

  “What is everyone up to?”

  “They're just talking shop. I thought I would turn in early.”

  Frank stood up. “Okay, I'll leave you to it then.” He moved toward a red circle as she called out to him.

  “Frank?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I was hoping you would join me.”

  “Oh. I uh....” Frank was at a loss for words. She rubbed her own arms anxiously. “I'm sorry. I don't think that would be a good idea.”

  “You've been alone for too long.”

  “You don't understand.”

  “What is it?”

  “It's this implant in my head.”

  “Does it make you unable?”

  “No. Well, I don't think so. But look.” He was struggling to find the right words. “My best option right now is to fight and die trying to save the Earth.”

  She paused, thinking about what he's trying to say. “But what happens when you win? You want to be alone for the rest of your life?”

  “The rest of my life could be a really long time. This thing makes me practically immortal.”

  “I had no idea. Can't they take it out if you want it gone?”

  “No one has told me outright, but I get the feeling that would kill me. Take a minute and imagine falling in love and watching that person grow old and die. Then you have to live on without them, forever. Immortality is a bit of a curse when you really think about it.”

  “I see. I feel sorry for you, Frank.”

  “Don't do that. It's not worth that much trouble. You're a beautiful, intelligent, young woman. You can have your pick of men. You probably don't realize that I'm in my mid forties.”

  “Really? I knew you were older than Deon, but I figured you were around thirty.”

  “A couple of months ago, you would have been able to tell.” He looked away from her, suddenly feeling down. “I'll keep this conversation to myself. Have a good night.”

  “I'm here if you ever want to talk.”

  “Thanks. Really. But there's only one person who really understands what I'm going through.”

  “Phil?”

  “No. Gladys. Well, goodnight.” He dropped out of the boat and set off for a long walk in the moonlight. Gladosanthos powered down the orb and sat back, suddenly feeling very satisfied.

  “Maybe there is a chance,” she thought to herself.

  * * *

  Frank was walking along aimlessly, trying to clear his head. He wasn't walking toward any particular destination but he wasn't worried about getting lost. The island wasn't big enough to get lost on. He decided to head back to the platform, to see if he could find something to work on, as that was the best thing for him in these times. But before he could reach the steps to the platform, his phone rang again. He didn't recognize the number.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Frank. It's Wendy.”

  “Is something wrong? Are Terrelle and the kids okay?”

  “Yes. They're fine.”

  “So what's up?”

  “I was hoping we could meet for a drink. You know. Catch up a little.”

  “That's not a very good idea. I'm very busy.”

  “You can't make time for me? For old time's sake?”

  “No. I gotta go. Goodbye.” He hung up the phone, not allowing her to say another word. “This night is going to haunt me,” he said out loud to himself. He then dialed Terrelle's number again.

  “Hello, Frank.”

  “Hey, Terrelle, is everything okay?”

  “No. Everything is not okay.”

  “Have you been drinking?”

  “Yes I am.”

  “Where are you now?”

  “My office.”

  “Jee
z, Terrelle. That's not a good idea. I'll meet you on the roof in ten minutes.” Frank hung up the phone and walked into the tiki bar. Everyone was still milling about, doing this and that. Bett and Phildan were in a technical discussion with Deon. To Frank's surprise, Denise had made her way back out to the bar and was sitting with the guys, drinking, and watching a television program that Frank didn't recognize. “Gladys?” he called out.

  The orb raised off of it's shelf and flew to him. “Yes, Frank?”

  “I need to run an errand. Can you drive?”

  “I'd be happy to.”

  “Thank you, dear,” he said with a wink. He noticed she had been more quiet the past few days. To the rest of the men he said, “I'll be back in a little bit. I need to go meet with my attorney.”

  * * *

  Once they were on the boat with the course laid in, Frank sat down heavily on the couch and sighed heavily.

  “This boat needs an ottoman,” he thought out loud, watching the view screen which was set to the second input so he could see where they were going.

  “Rough day, Frank?” Gladosanthos asked.

  “Yes, actually. You know, I will never understand women.”

  “As a female I can do nothing but agree with your sentiment,” she joked.

  “How are you holding up? Freezing your ass off?”

  “I am plenty warm. Much like yourself, I have been keeping busy with various projects.”

  “You've seemed distant. I'm glad to know that it wasn't something I did or said.”

  “You're the Custodian. There isn't much you can do or say to keep me distant.”

  Frank laughed. “Well, it's a good thing I'm the Custodian, then.”

  22.

  They found Terrelle waiting on the roof. Frank dropped out of the boat and just about scared him to death. “Hey, buddy.”

  “Dammit, Frank!”

  “Hey, isn't this place still open?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You can't be seeing clients when you're drunk. Unless you're trying to get yourself fired.”

  “Wendy kicked me out, Frank.”

  “Really? What did you do?”

  “She found out I hired a private investigator to follow her.”

  “Oh, wow. You don't have to tell me more if you don't want to.”

  “It's okay. You probably know how this one ends.”

  “What about your kids?”

  “The kids are going to be staying with me. There's no way she can win custody. I know too many good lawyers. Plus, she's developed quite the pill habit.”

  “Where are they now?”

  “We're staying with my folks for a while until we can get a place.”

  “So, you're free to hit a bar with me then?”

  “Sounds good. I'll just go grab my things.” Terrelle went back inside the building. Frank took the opportunity to admire the view of downtown from the roof. Terrelle had done really well for himself. It's a shame he had fallen for the same trap as Frank. After a short time, he came back out carrying a bag.

  “How long can you be away, T?”

  “As long as I want. Mom and Dad love to spoil the kids.”

  “Awesome. I know this new bar that just opened up.”

  “Clyde's?”

  “No. This one has a different vibe.” Frank pressed the button, looked up at where the boat was hovering, and held up two fingers. “Brace yourself.”

  Terrelle was once again startled as he was lifted along with Frank into the boat. “Is this scare-the-shit-outta Terrelle day?” he asked jokingly.

  “Hello, Terrelle,” Gladosanthos' orb said.

  “Hello, Mistress,” Terrelle said with a slight bow, feeling embarrassed about his outburst.

  “Where to, Frank?” Gladosanthos asked.

  “I thought we could show Terrelle the new bar.”

  “That sounds like a good idea,” she replied.

  “What station is this?” Terrelle asked as he sat down on the couch.

  “That's not a TV station. That's the feed from the external camera that Phil installed for me.”

  “Impossible! There's no way we're moving that fast. I don't feel a thing.”

  “Pretty cool, huh? She's even faster out in space.”

  “So you've been out in space, huh?”

  “Yeah. We did a flyby on that moon base once we got our camouflage working right.”

  “You're telling me you've been to the moon?”

  “We just flew by. I didn't get out or anything.”

  “We're here,” Gladosanthos announced.

  “Where is here?” Terrelle asked.

  “My secret hideout.” Frank replied as they made their way to the red circles.

  Terrelle only stumbled slightly. “Now this is what I call a hideout! Did you build all that?”

  “Yes, but I actually had help this time,” Frank replied, alluding to all the times Terrelle had barely been a help to him in their youth.

  “So you found someone that can keep up with you?”

  “For the most part,” Frank replied as they were nearing the steps to the platform. “Hey, I better warn you. There is a Mingrein defector inside. He's been very helpful, and he's cool once you get to know him.”

  “I think you can make friends with just about anyone, Frank. At least you give everyone a chance, anyway.”

  “I try,” he said as he made his way to the entrance of the tiki bar. “Oh, and Deon's here too.”

  The shock of meeting Bett, the Fisher, for the first time paled in comparison to the stress that Terrelle felt while reuniting with his cousin. Deon was known for being vocal. When he caught sight of Terrelle, he became very vocal. It was a verbal onslaught that no one present would soon forget. And Frank just let him go, enjoying every moment.

  “........shit, if I was Frank, I'd kick your ass right now,” he finally finished.

  “Okay, Deon. Water under the bridge,” Frank said smiling.

  “Where was that five minutes ago?” Terrelle asked Frank.

  “C'mon T, that was fun!” Frank made his way behind the bar and found a glass and a bottle of whiskey. He poured his former best friend a generous amount. For himself, however, he poured a tall glass from the blender marked 'Frank'. There were two blenders full of margaritas, but one was for him and the other for anyone else. His was about three times stronger. “So what have you all been up to?”

  Phildan was sitting at a table with Bett, who was sitting upon a stool as a chair won't accommodate his tail. “Mr. Worm was working with Bett and myself on an idea to locate the owner of that phone number,” he said.

  “See how he calls me Mr. Worm? That's called respect!” It was clear that Deon was exempt from the 'no getting drunk' rule. The Crew were allowed to drink, but not to the point to where they couldn't do their jobs if needed. Phildan didn't seem to notice.

  “We know,” Phildan started, “that the phone was activated in the Washington D.C. area and the number prefix is common for mobile phones. I am going to outfit one of the Mistress's remotes with a scanning agent that will......”

  “Phil, dumb it down for me, please,” Frank interrupted.

  “Very well. If you get close enough and call the number, we can pinpoint the location of the phone to within about one hundred feet.”

  “That is awesome, guys!” Frank was elated.

  “I wish to give credit where it is due. Bett and Mr. Worm have worked out all the details. I am merely installing it.”

  “I'm just doing my job. Bett here is the shit when it comes to this kinda tech,” Deon replied.

  “You are too kind, Mr. Worm,” Bett said. “Frank, I need to measure your head.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Phildan and I have a special project planned.”

  “Bett, I have previous measurements. We can start as soon as I finish the other project.”

  Frank decided not to press for details. He was just happy to see that everyone was getting along so well. The two aliens re
tired to Phildan's workshop on the landing boat as Gladosanthos parked her orb on the shelf where it sat quietly for the evening. Everyone else pushed the tables together and sat and drank and laughed. The topic of conversation was one that Frank wasn't entirely comfortable with though. Terrelle and Deon were swapping old Frank Ford stories, much to the delight of everyone else.

  “.....so this thug, Victor, and three of his buddies tried to jump Frank in an alley when he was walking home from school. Dude was bent out of shape because Frank was seeing this girl he was sweet on.”

  “We were just friends,” Frank corrected.

  “Yeah, sure,” Terrelle said dismissively.

  “Really. She helped me with my English homework and I helped her with her math. I helped her dad do some work on his house, so I became something of a family friend.”

  “If I recall correctly, she wasn't allowed to date.”

  “Like I said, family friend.”

  “She was one of the prettiest girls in our class. Perfect skin. Curvy.”

  “Just friends.”

  “So anyway, Victor had it bad for this girl. Did I mention she was black?”

  “Yeah, and so are you. Just friends.”

  “Victor didn't like my boy, Frank, spending so much time with his girl, so he and three of his buddies decided to jump Frank.”

  “You already said that. Let me fill your glass there, drunkard.”

  “Now Frank was like, a man, before the rest of us. He's been shaving since the third grade. If I hadn't come along, he would have only got his ass beat a little. I mean he got his share of shots in.”

  “I mostly covered my face.”

  “So I show up, and together we whooped their asses.”

  “The way I remember it, they ran.”

  “Well, we won, didn't we?”

  “That we did.”

  “Didn't you end up taking her to prom?”

  “Yes. I was the only guy her dad would allow.”

  “Now, you're gonna tell us you didn't hit that.”

  “Just friends, T.”

  “Bullshit!”

  “Alright, you got me. She threw that shit on me.” The room erupted in laughter. But Frank had embarrassed himself. Although it had been so long ago, he wasn't the kind of guy to brag about such things. Denise was delighted to find out that Frank wasn't a monk. Hiro came out of the kitchen with a late dinner for everyone, and joined in on the fun.