by Danny Dunn
The kids are dying to get pictures with the Aliens. Pong sees that and spends time with them while they video every word.
Dave Mathers "Is that ok, Pong? Oh yes, they are adorable little devils.
Pong Zaria 1" are you all hungry?"
Dave Mathers "starved."
Pong "Great "Let me take you to the food and drink. While you do that, my crew will ham it up with your kids in an Alien photo shoot. The kids look to their parents for approval. Dave Mathers’s wife nods, and the kids go crazy. The Zarias take them to the pool and play with them while the parents each and watch them all play. The Pong Bots take turns playing with the kids while the other Pong Bots take the pics and movies. Dave Mathers's phone, his wife's phone, and Tim's phone all starting beeping as the pics are being sent to them live. Dave Mathers's wife leans over to Dave Mathers and tells Dave Mathers how unbelievable this is. Dave Mathers nods his head. Then she asks Dave Mathers if he is going to ask her about Eddie and Dave Mathers nods his head.
Pong walks up to the table and checks to make sure everything is ok. She tells them about the small stage they have made.
Dave Mathers, "Dave Mathers sees it and says that it looks good. Dave Mathers tells Pong they have a few guys that will set everything up. He tells Pong he would like to talk to her about a few things when she has time."
Pong replies, of course, how about after you eat. She says. Dave Mathers replies, that would be great."
Dave Mathers and his wife walk over to Pong after they finish eating. We have a close friend who is dying, he wants to meet you before he dies. It would be a last wish kind of thing. Pong says that she is sad to hear that and asks how long he is expected to live. Dave Mathers says he thinks Eddie might have a few weeks left. Pong asks where Eddie is right now and asks if Eddie can get around on his own. Dave Mathers says that he is at home in Phoenix, and yes, he gets around fine.
Just a few minutes is all it would take Dave Mathers adds. Pong tells Dave Mathers to have Eddie pack for overnight and that Eddie can be her date for the night. Dave Mathers is thrown back a bit and asks Pong if she is sure about that. Pong tells Dave Mathers, yes, she is sure. Pong says she will have a car there in 30 minutes, and my jet will be there in an hour. Pong gets Eddie's address and tells Dave Mathers and his wife to relax and have fun and that their kids are in great hands. She waves the Zarias over, and they all walk over to the kids and do all sorts of goofy poses that include the Pongettes. They all get crazy and have a blast.
More guests arrive, and Pong goes over to greet them. By now, all the families are there, and many are in the pool.
Pong walks up, and David tells her sorry, we couldn't wait anymore to tell Tom about off-roading in his jet. Michael, Alby, and Joe are all chiming in on the story, which they are turning into a hilarious adventure. Pong walks up as they are approaching the guard shack, and the guard does a quick draw on Michael. Michael is laughing and says that here we are in Costa Rica, and we get quickly drawn by some security guard, and he has me frozen. Then out of nowhere, Pong hits this guard first the hand to knock his gun away, and then the second one tasers him in the neck.
Pong adds, " those were $400 drones. I thought about not doing it, those were my favorite drones.
Joe "So we throw everything into the cabin of the plane and are ready to take off when the tower tells us they have an emergency. We all knew that was nonsense, so Michael says gas it and so I did. They send a police car with two guys in it to block the runway. So, I kept the engines at full throttle, the two guys jump out of their car and head to the side while reaching for their guns.
I didn't have enough speed to take off, so I pulled the yoke back and got the plane to just clear the car and then put it back down to get up the speed we needed for taking off. I put the flaps back up, which was the scary part, and kept it full throttle. Five seconds before we were going to run out of runway, I put the flaps back down and pulled the plane up just enough to clear a bunch of trees. Alby adds, "that is where the leaves and twigs came from. The plane clipped the trees.
Michael adds it was then that he asked Joe if he learned that with the Blue Angels and Joe tells us, "are you kidding? I have never done that before in my life, that scared the hell out of me."
Tom is laughing so hard that tears are coming out of his eyes, and he is amazed at what they did. Their wives are laughing as well. The wives have been with their husbands long enough to know they are good at what they do. They know that their guys have always been ahead of whoever they are after.
David, "my absolute favorite moment so far is when we were out in the desert tracking the Pong Bot thieves. Don Dixon had just left the side road out in the middle of nowhere. They were going to kill poor Larry and throw him in a grave that Dixon's guy had dug before their meeting. This fixer guy was about the finish off Larry when Pong sneaks up on him from behind with a drone and says, "that is my ex guard you have there.” The only thing the guys sees when he spins around is a drone about 20 feet back and 10 feet up,
What does he do? He reaches for his gun. Pong starts quoting pulp fiction and the rundown and is giving him the option of option “A” or option “B.” We had them dead to rights that Pong got them to drive themselves to a police station and turn themselves in. Can you imagine, hello, we committed crimes and feel so bad we want to turn ourselves in?” They all laugh.
Pong greets Eddie, Dave Mathers's friend. He is gaunt and walks slowly. But holds himself up ok. Eddie gives Dave Mathers and his wife and Tim a big hug, and tears start streaming down both their faces.
Dave Mathers releases Eddie and introduces Eddie to Pong. Pong Walks to Eddie and gives him a long and gentle hug. Pong takes Eddie by the hand and says to walk with her. I have some of my family I want you to meet, she says."
Pong walks Eddie around to each of her family. They get pictures with every family member and group pics. Then Pong introduces him to Zaria. Eddie, this is my mother, Zaria Queen of the planet Zari. Mother, this is Eddie. Zaria takes Eddie for a while, and they sit while Zaria tells her stories and about her incredibly good fortune to have Zari as her creator.
Dave Mathers tells Pong that what she is doing for Eddie is so kind and generous and tells her he is truly speechless. Pong asks Dave Mathers if he has done good things for other people. Dave Mathers replies that he tries hard to make sure he does. Pong says that she has that great feeling inside her right now that you get when you do something nice. The good you have done is just coming back around to you. Pong leans over and gives Dave Mathers a big hug. Now I have a request for you.
Dave Mathers, "anything."
Pong "Ballerinas and dedicate it to the Zarias and Eddie and for my Pongettes to do backup singing with you and Tim."
Dave Mathers "You got it. Do we need to practice? " Pong says no, they will be fine.
Pong "We will take good care of Eddie. You just relax with your family and have a good time among friends. Few things are more precious to me than someone using a favor to make someone else happy. Anytime you want me to help out with charity appearances, a party with friends like today or anything else, you let me know."
The Zarias mingle with the A team and take turns with Eddie exchanging stories and enjoying the summer sky and the Milky Way.
Dave Mathers and Tim start to play. The Zarias all come over to Eddie and take him over to the front row, where there are 7 seats open for Eddie, the Zarias, and the Queen who surround Eddie for the show. Dave Mathers dedicates Ballerinas to the Zarias and Eddie. Dave Mathers looks down and sees the absolute genius in her song selection and her dedication.
The Pongettes all line up behind Tim and Dave Mathers and are in ballerina outfits. They dance while Dave Mathers and Tim do an intro. As the song begins, 3 of the Pongettes chime in 3-part harmony while the other 5 do a beautiful routine in the background.
Dave Mathers has tears coming down but continues with the song. After playing, Dave Mathers and Tim come over to thank the Zarias and the Queen. Dave Mathers, "I j
ust can't express how much I appreciate what you have done for Eddie. You are forever in my heart and soul. I hope we meet again soon. Dave Mathers's and Tim's family all say their goodbyes.
Pong Zaria 1 "I enjoyed all of this so much, thank you all very much. And I hope we do meet again soon.
Around 11:00 pm the guests all leave except for Eddie.
Zaria and Eddie sit and watch the stars. Zaria points out where she is from. And points out where her daughters left to come here. Zaria stays up with Eddie until noon, and Eddie falls asleep on a lounge chair until morning.
Pong brings him coffee and breakfast and gets a car ready for him.
Eddie "Thank you so much, Pong. This meant more to me than you might realize.
Pong, "I do know Eddie, and you are so welcome. Enjoy every second of what you have, Eddie. I am leaving for a trip this coming week to meet the President and The Queen, but maybe we can do something after that.
Eddie "Thank you so much. That would be great."
Pong "Eddie, the place will be empty this week except for the Pongettes. You stay as long as you want."
The Zarias are all packed up to go rafting. Pong hasn't told them where they are going, only to be prepared for intense water fun. The jet flies them to a small airport near the northeast end of the Grand Canyon. Pong tells them they are looking at 1 of the 7 natural wonders of their world. They enjoy the serenity for a while and then chopper down to the takeout point. There was a lot of rain and snow the winter before, and it is spring, so the rapids are huge.
Zaria looks at the river and says that this looks relaxing. Pong laughs and says yes, mother, just a nice float down a peaceful river. They all hop into the raft and float peacefully for a while. The guide alerts them that they are about to hit their first rapids. He tells them to hang on just as the front end of the raft flies into the air. They all scream with joy. The rapids come more frequently, and the rapids get more intense by the minute.
Zaria "This is incredible. I love it. They run through about 10 sets of rapids one right after another giving them little time to settle. The guide points to a small beach on the side of the river and tells them that is where they will stay for the night. They make camp and the Zarias relax and tell stories. The rafting guides get out a guitar, and they all sing songs for a while. As the sun sets, the light hits the upper walls of the Grand Canyon, and the walls on the east side turn red and have this amazing shading effect to them. They all agree that this is a truly unique and amazing place and that there is nothing like it anywhere they have been.
The stars come out and are very plentiful. The Milky Way is very bright and slowly moves clockwise.
Zaria asks what the plan is for the week. Pong tells them all that on Monday, they are going to see their 2nd of 7 natural wonders of the world. The mother of all waterfalls. Zaria 2 is excited and says that it would be the Niagara Falls. Look at the big brain on Zaria 2. Zaria 2 asks if they are going to jump off the top. Pong tells them no. She explains that the Bio beings were jumping off the falls in barrels and dying, so they made it illegal. But that does look like that would be fun, says Zaria 3. I don't think I would want the barrel; I would prefer to just jump adds Zaria 4.
Then we go to meet the President on Tuesday and the Queen of England on Thursday.
I told the Queen we had 3 beginners, 1 intermediate, and one advanced student for Queening lessons. They all laugh. I think she has a ceremony something similar to what we had in Prescott. They are so proper and dignified there. I am sure it will be something small and well structured. Zaria 1 adds that they will all enjoy her; she is so sweet and thoughtful. She is a very special bio being. I hadn't realized it until now, but she is my favorite so far. Her family has had a monarch in place for over a thousand years. And their citizens wouldn't have it any other way.
Zaria asks Queen Zenthra what it is like without Bio Beings. Queen Zenthra replies that It is a bit lonely. There is just something about bio beings that add this unique twist to our existence.
Zaria "roger that. Kind of like Howard Stern, you never know what they are going to do next.
They stop talking and watch the stars and then rest for a while. The sun rises, and they are ready for a day of fun.
Rafting guide "I know you ladies are game, but yesterday was much tamer than what you are about to experience. This raft can capsize. So do not take your vests off at any time for any reason.
Zaria 1 "copy that, sir."
Rafting guide "Ok, here we go.
They are in the water for 4 minutes and hit rapids 15 feet high, sometimes they are surrounded by water and then pop up and almost leave the water and head back down.
The boat is being tossed about like a dog shaking a rag. The Zarias are all smiles and screaming for dear life. Queen Zenthra is all smiles and very happy to be with the Zarias. They go through cycles of insanity followed by some beautiful calm but periods of floating.
Rafting guide, "Ok girls, we have saved the best for last. The next one has the biggest rapids and lasts for about 40 minutes. If the boat is going to capsize, it will happen here, so hang on. They all look around at each other like they have just woken up for the first time in their lives. They immediately go into maniac-mode, and the boat is being bent, twisted, and stretched beyond recognition.
In the middle of the most intense rapid Zaria yells out, do not try this at home and jumps out of the boat. The guide freaks out and starts to try to get her, and the other Zarias tell him it is ok and that she will be fine. Zaria 2 says thanks, sir, we will meet you in the calm part. Then, Zaria 2 jumps, and then the rest of them jump. The Zaria and the Queen are screaming for joy every time they come up from being underwater. They start competing at bringing up the biggest fish, when they pop up out of the water, they hold up their fish and yell out how long it is and throw it back in to go get a bigger one. After 40 minutes of absolute insanity, the waters turn calm, and they are all floating together happier than they have ever been. They hold hands and form a circle for a while and can't believe how exciting and fun that was.
Zaria says that she will cherish this moment forever and ever. They all smile. The boat catches up to them, and they all pull themselves in. The guide is a bit miffed about them jumping. The Zarias all feel bad and surround the two guides. Zaria, we are sorry if we scared you. We calculated everything and would not have jumped if we thought we were going to be in any real danger. The guides smile and reply, how could I be mad at the one that captured the worst terrorists of all time. You guys are crazy. I love it.
They arrive at their landing point, and there is a crowd of photographers there waiting for them.
Pong Zaria 1 "Well, it looks like the word is out. Here we go, girls."
David, Alby, and Alex and some newbies are there waiting for them with a van. They get out of the boat.
Reporter 1 "How was your rafting trip."
Zaria signals for the rafting guides to come over.
Zaria 1 "This is Jeff and Tommie, they are the best guides on the planet, and the Zarias highly recommend them at JTguides.com.
Reporter 2 "could you introduce us, Pong."
Pong "Of course, this is my Mother and Queen of planet Zari, my sister Queen Zaria 2, my sisters 3, and 4. And, this is our very-special guest Queen Zenthra from the planet Zenthra who has been the reigning Queen for the last 625 years.
Reporter 3 "Are you here to take over our planet."
Zaria "That's it, give me back my ray gun. I'm gonna shoot this one. Better yet, would you like to go rafting with me?”
The other Zarias, the Queen, and the guides envision Zaria tossing the reporter out of the boat, and they all laugh pretty hard.
Reporter two asks where they are going next.
Pong "The President has graciously offered to give us a tour of the White House and then we are going to London to get Queening lessons from my kind and sweet friend the Queen of England.
Reporter 4 "Why have you all converged on Earth?
Zaria
"We had not seen each other in 25 years, and Earth was in the center of all of us. Zaria 4 was a guest of Queen Zenthra, and she invited the Queen to join us, and we are very happy she accepted. Zaria looks at the reporter who asked if they were here to take over the planet and adds and because we are going to need help taking over the planet. Pong Zaria 1 smiles and tells the reporters they have to get my mother back to the shop so we can adjust her code to accommodate the earthly conditions and to remove the water from her circuits. They hop into the SUV and take off.
Zaria 4 says, wow, now that was fun. Thank you, Pong Zaria. They regale their adventure on their short flight home. At home, the press is camped out at the gate. Zaria 1 tells her crew that it is free time until morning, where they will have a 4-hour flight to the waterfall."
Zaria 1 sends out an open invitation for everyone in her foundation list to help out in any charity event they would like help within any of the cities the Zarias will be in.
Zaria 1 announces an all-day press party next week at her house 3 days after they get back.
They leave for Niagara Falls Monday morning. There is a big screen in the jet, and they watch the movie "Contact" and are adding their input the whole time. They follow that up with the movie "Forest Gump," which they enjoy immensely. They arrive at a small buffalo NY airport, a short chopper ride from the falls.
They arrive and take a boat Pong has chartered. It will take them in a far as they can legally get to the falls. They are getting soaked from the mist.
Zaria "Pong, I love the name you chose. You are so thoughtful; Zari would be so proud of you."
Pong Zaria 1 "You are not going to make me cry. Although there is so much water, it looks like I am anyway. I love you too, mother. Thank you for all the time you spent preparing me for this life. I never feel I am under-prepared for anything."
Zaria 2 "We can survive the drop and can survive being tumbled up and down for a long time, but the rocks are a problem. If you hit a rock on the fall, it is new-body time.”
