Ark - Box Set #6, Part 1 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel]

by Robert Iannone

  She just couldn’t help but shudder at that face. “Hi, Mo . . . sorry, Waldo. What’s going on? Why are you in that ship?”

  “I would greet Tee’ka first.”

  You’ve just got to love a guy that does something like that. “Tee, come say hello.”

  The girl rushed over and stood in front of the screen . . . and smiled from ear to ear. You had to be really, really in love to react as she was - considering that it was only hours since she had seen him last. “Hi.”

  “You are well?” It was sweet . . . and amusing . . . and getting a tad annoying.

  “Yes.”

  “That pleases me. I would talk to Egg now.”

  “Okay. Egg, Waldo wants to talk to you.”

  The girl was sitting right there. “I heard him . . . but thanks. So, Waldo, what’s going on?”

  “Your plan is flawed.”

  “Which plan would that be?”

  “To defeat the Ephemeral.”

  “Actually, I don’t have a plan yet.”

  “It will be flawed.”

  Egg’s hand went over her mouth to hide a smile. “Could you be more specific? How can a plan that hasn’t been developed be flawed?”

  “Does your plan include me by your side?”

  “Again, I don’t have a plan. But, no, you by my side was never going to be part of . . . whatever I came up with.”

  “Then it will be flawed.”

  Egg exhaled from a smidgeon of frustration. “Are you asking me if you can join us in this upcoming confrontation?”

  “I said as much. Check your logs of this conversation.”

  “No need to check. I remember now.”

  “You will correct this oversight.”

  “No.”

  “I would have you do so.”

  “Waldo, listen to me. I am in charge. At best, you may suggest something since we are allies. But you may never – and I emphasize the word never - tell me what to do. And you will always accept my decisions. Is my statement ambiguous in any way? I would be more than happy to clarify it.”

  “Your logic is flawed. I have superior intelligence.”

  “Good for you. I have superior experience and, I have a ridiculous amount of good luck. Oh, and my sisters will only take orders from me. Your turn.”

  “Superior intelligence is the primary consideration.”

  “Obviously not since you’re wrong.”

  “I would have you prove your hypothesis.”

  “Sure. Sparky, put some distance between him and us. And, while you’re at it, cut communications.”

  “Done.”

  “Egg, what are you doing?” asked Syl.

  “Teaching our friend a lesson.”

  Someone else made to speak but Egg put her finger over her lips for silence. She watched as the wall chronometer ticked off a full minute. “Hail him.”

  Waldo’s face reappeared on the screen.

  “Anything to say, big guy?”

  “My analysis was flawed. You shall lead.”

  “Catch up and we’ll bring your ship into the cargo hold.”

  “As you command.” The screen went dark again.

  “You know what?” Egg said to the room. “I actually feel better knowing he’s going to be here to help. When it comes to knowledge of the bad guys, he does have superior intelligence.”

  “Can he sleep in my room?”

  “No, Tee, he can’t unless you plan to sleep somewhere else.”

  “Ahhh.”

  “Sparky, how long before he docks?”

  “About five minutes.”

  “Tee, go down and greet him, please. Take him to the lounge and keep him company until I get there. Okay?”

  The girl didn’t answer and Egg turned to look at her. However, all she saw was Tee’ka’s back at she exited the room.

  “If I ever act like that, somebody slap me. OUCH.”

  Sylvia flashed an evil smile. “Did that hurt?”

  “You pulled my hair.”

  “Yes. Yes I did.”

  *****

  They convened in the lounge about ten minutes later. Waldo and Tee’ka sat next to each other – the girl looking like a rag doll next to the monstrous form of her boyfriend.

  As soon as everyone sat down, Egg asked, “Who’s in charge back at the habitat with you gone?”

  “My back up. It is under my direct command however, it has permission to act autonomously until I return. I am in constant contact.”

  “So he’s being updated in real time?” asked Serenity.

  “Updated with what?” asked Bree.

  “All sensory input that I receive is uploaded to the ‘other.”

  “Do your people know what’s going on? Where you’re at?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay then. So let’s talk about the Ephemeral.”

  Waldo commanded, “I will hear your plan.”

  “Big guy, I warned you once . . . you are not in charge. In fact, you are but a guest at this time. Behave like one.”

  “I have no knowledge of your social customs or conventions.”

  “You’re right. We’re going to teach you – all of us. So, if you wish to know something, then ask politely. Tee, show him how.”

  “Okay.” She stared into Waldo’s face and said, “Egg, would you please tell me your plan?”

  “Perfect. Only thing – look at the person you’re talking to.”

  “I was talking to Waldo.”

  “Sorry, Tee. You’re right. Go ahead Waldo, it’s your turn.”

  “Very well. I would hear your plans – please.”

  “Much better. Unfortunately, as I said before, I don’t have one yet. So, would you please tell us whatever else you can about the Ephemeral? For instance, how did the battle go down when you fought them the last time?”

  “The Klat stormed their enclave and overwhelmed them.”

  “Brute force, okay. This time however they have three spaceships which they are arming. I don’t think a frontal assault is going to work. Your people would never reach them.”

  “The Ephemeral are cowards.”

  “Maybe. But it sure sounds like they are adapting. They must figure that at some point the Klat or someone like them will attack again and they know their mind tricks might not protect them.”

  Sylvia asked the big man, “Knowing that the same tactics will not work, what would you do now?” He was, after all was said and done, a very sophisticated A.I.

  “I would split my forces. Send most of the Klat against them as before knowing they must use their limited number of ships to stop the assault. Then, I would send a smaller force from the rear to enter their habitat and capture the Hegemon.”

  “Interesting but I will not sacrifice even one of your people to act like a decoy,” commented Egg. “So why capture the Hegemon? Is she so important to them that they would surrender to get her back?”

  “All Ephemeral thought is routed through her and back to the remainder of the population. She acts as a gatekeeper determining what is important and what may be harmful.”

  “Really? And if she’s captured or incapacitated?”

  “For the time it takes to replace her, the Ephemeral are virtually defenseless.”

  “And how long does it take to get this replacement?”

  “Unknown. However, hours would seem a reasonable approximation.”

  Chapter 7 – What Price Love?

  “Hours? They’re not very sentimental, are they? No mourning the dearly departed leader?”

  “Correct. They are void of emotions.”

  “Why is that, I wonder?”

  This time it was I’za who answered. “They have no privacy since every input is shared. If Tee’ka loves Waldo, then everyone would feel the same way. Emotions need to be private to have any meaning. Of course, they can be shared but only when a person chooses to do so.”

  Bl’azzz spoke for them all when she said “Weird.”

  “Anyway, Waldo your tactics c
ertainly could work, assuming we can find another way to divert their attention.”

  “I do not understand fully your reasons for protecting my people from a frontal assault, but I thank you.”

  “That’s what friends do.”

  The man just stared at Egg in utter bewilderment.

  Before she could explain, what apparently was the new normal happened again . . . she was interrupted by an incoming communications. “Who now?”

  Sparky turned around slowly. “It’s your other best friend.”

  “My other . . .” Then she made the connection. “NO. Xara?”

  “Miss Nemesis herself.”

  “This should be fun. On screen.”

  And there was the smirking face of the one and only Archrival . . .

  “Hi, girlfriends.”

  “What do you want?”

  “Come on Princess, don’t be like that.”

  “Xara, we’re a bit busy at the moment. Make it fast or call me later.”

  “I forgot – your guys are the heroes of the galaxy. Anyway, nice sucker punch. I would never have thought you had it in you.”

  “What sucker punch?” asked Syl.

  “Our sweet leader knocked Xara out cold after you were infected by the PhoG. Seems she let that happen on purpose,” explained Serenity.

  “Egg, you are such a good friend. Thank you.”

  “Hey. Hey. I don’t want to hear your girlie talk or I’ll vomit.”

  “Then tell us what you want and make it quick.”

  “So unfriendly. Okay, what I want is your flying suit.”

  “What?”

  “Which word confused you?”

  “You’re not getting my flying suit. Besides, it only works with my DNA.”

  “Not a problem. I’ll figure out a work-around later. So, where shall we meet?”

  “I’m not giving you my flying suit.”

  “I heard you the first time. But . . . you are.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because I found something that you want even more.”

  “Like what?”

  “A blue-skinned man floating around in what was left of his spaceship.”

  *****

  Egg’s mouth dropped open. That proclamation was the last thing in the universe she had expected to hear from the woman. “How is he? Where is he?”

  “He’s in sickbay – the auto doc is trying to keep him alive.”

  That statement caused Egg’s stomach to drop. “What’s wrong with him?” Her voice cracked as she asked.

  Xara for her part, kept her tone serious – no taunting or gloating. “When his command module was blown off his ship, it apparently tossed him around something fierce. I found that thing maybe an hour after the explosion. It took me another hour to realize that there was anyone alive onboard. I transported him directly to sickbay and activated the ‘Doc’. He’s in a very bad way.”

  “Can you be more specific?” requested Sylvia.

  “Hey, it’s the zombie girl. Glad to see you’re back to whatever it is you are.”

  “Please answer the question.”

  “Sure. About a half dozen broken bones which are not life threatening and are being treated. Internal damage to his heart and liver. And a massive concussion that should have killed him. He’s one tough young man – not to mention lucky beyond belief.”

  Egg couldn’t stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks. “Will . . . will he live?”

  “Maybe. If he does, I don’t know what’s left of his brain.” Then she added a sincere “sorry” which was almost as shocking as the news on Benny. “I take it you know this guy.”

  “I know him.”

  “Yeah, it’s what I thought. Do you know him well enough to trade your flying suit for him?”

  Egg was in no emotional state to bargain. “Yes.”

  “I had a feeling. Okay, there’s a planet about two days away. I’ll send what’s-her-name (she meant Serenity, of course) the coordinates. We’ll make the exchange there.”

  Egg nodded but Syl said, “Only if he’s alive.” She wanted to insure that Xara did everything possible for the man but it still sounded harsh.

  “That’s why I’m trying to speed up this rendezvous. Figure there’d be little value if he . . .” but she hesitated – again showing a little humanity. “Anyway, see you in two days.”

  “Xara”.

  “I can never remember your name.”

  “It’s still Serenity you liar. Instruct the auto-doc to send us continuous readouts of Benny’s vital signs.”

  “So I guessed right. I heard mention of a Prince by that name. Rumor had it that he was very cozy with our Princess Egg.”

  Egg had regained a semblance of her emotions. “Xara, if he dies before we get there, I will hold you personally responsible. I’ll track you down if it takes the rest of my life. Got it?”

  “Listen, Princess. I’ll do my best but you had better remember that it was me that rescued him. It is me that’s keeping him alive. And it’s me that’s giving you the chance to get him back. So – DO NOT THREATEN ME.” The statement was oddly emotional as if the girl was trying to do something good and wasn’t getting the credit she deserved. On the other hand, she was using the situation to extort the flying suit.

  Before Egg could respond with something unhelpful, Syl stepped in front of her. “We appreciate your efforts, Xara. You need to understand that emotions, right now, are running high. It’s not easy to see a loved one slipping away.”

  “I know that as well as anyone,” she replied quietly. She was referring to her mother, of course. “Two days,” and the screen went blank.

  *****

  As Egg sat there, heart pounding, tears dripping – silence enveloped the room. As the seconds ticked on, Waldo finally asked, “Why does no one speak?”

  Surprisingly, Tee’ka pulled the man aside and whispered an explanation.

  “Egg,” said Syl, “do you need a few minutes?”

  “No, thanks anyway. Now we know he’s alive and we know where he is – or will be. I can’t worry about his injuries right now because I can’t do anything about them. Sparky, do you have the coordinates?”

  “Yes.”

  “Set course.”

  “Done.”

  “Egg, are you really going to give her your flying suit?”

  “What choice do I have Syl. Besides, didn’t the Tree say ‘give as good as you get’? This is what he must have been referring to.”

  That seemed very plausible – even though it was wrong.

  “Want me to contact his Lordship?” asked Serenity.

  “Yes, please. But let me talk to him.”

  It took a few minutes but they finally reached him on his ship. “I am glad you called, Eloise. I have news.”

  “So do I. We found Benny.”

  He looked like he had been slapped. “I see. And is my son alive?” The poor man actually raised his chin in preparation of keeping a calm demeanor should the news be bad.

  “Yes.”

  Now Z’kkk dropped his head and put his hands over his eyes. Egg gave him time to compose himself. Eventually he realized he had heard only what he needed to hear. There was more, of this he was certain. “Please tell me the rest.”

  “The sisterhood’s archenemy, Xara, found the remains of his command module about an hour after the explosion. It took her another hour to realize someone was onboard. She transported Benny to sickbay and that’s where he is now.”

  “And his condition?”

  “Broken bones, damaged heart and liver and a . . . severe concussion. Xara was amazed he had survived.”

  “But he does live?”

  “On life support, but yes. Her auto-doc can’t do much more than try to maintain body functions. We have to get him to Aerianna as quickly as we can.”

  “Of course. Shall I rendezvous with you?”

  “No. We meet Xara in about two days. Then we’ll head home. This ship is probably a lot faster t
han whatever transport you’re on.”

  “You are right, of course. Let me take a moment to give you my news. The Ephemeral have landed their habitat on a planet with a very small mining population. The miners abandoned their station when they saw the habitat land. I will head to the planet now. As you said before, no reason to waste time.”

  “Okay. But under no circumstances do you consider sacrificing yourself for any of the hostages. Understand?”

  “Why tell me such a thing?”

  “We had the most bizarre visit from the Myst Tree . . .”

  Z’kkk interrupted from shock and surprise. “He visited your ship? How is that possible?”

  “It was a holographic projection. Don’t ask me the how of it. Anyway, he said that someone who thinks they will be sacrificing themselves for the greater good is . . . um, not thinking straight. So, don’t let it be you.” Not exactly the message from the Tree, but she didn’t want to get into a long discussion. Bottom line – no one was going to die if she had anything to say about it.

  “Yes daughter.”

  Egg was forced to smile. “Must be tough with a strong-willed wife, daughter and now daughter-in-law?”

  “You have no idea.”

  “Well, just wait till I give you granddaughters.”

  “I shall count the days.”

  “Okay, then. That’s all for now. We’ll send you updates as we get them.”

  “Excellent. Before you go, I do have one question. What did she want in return for my son?”

  “Why would you ask that?”

  He paused, staring at the face of his daughter-in-law to be. “May I assume she wants your flying suit?”

  Egg shrugged. “No big deal. I once gave it up for Dazzle; I will certainly give it up for Benny.”

  “I see. Am I still bound by that ‘no compliment’ promise?”

  She didn’t even answer. “We’ll talk soon,” and she drew a finger across her throat – Sparky’s signal to cut communications.

  *****

  “When did you give up your suit?” asked Jax’x.

  “It was originally powered by Dazzle’s life force. After we recovered her preserved body form the Crystal Mountain, the Myst Tree took her spirit from my suit and returned it to its rightful place. That was the end of the suit until Soo and a few other scientists found another way to power it. That was years later.”

  “I just have to read the entire sisterhood history.”