4.
“This is pathetic,” Roper said, gazing at the pile of rocks. He was answered with downward gazes as his fellow Verullians gathered for the ceremony. He knew the ground wouldn't support a proper pyramid and the carefully measured pile of stones was the best they could do. The alignment was correct, but the fractions were offensive.
“Is this what has become of the mighty Verullians?” a female voice asked from behind him.
Enraged, Roper stood and spun around, ready to end her life. But hovering in front of him was a Sessik remote. He could only growl the question, “Do you have some plan for this planet too, Witch?”
“I am not Gladosanthos,” she replied.
“I do not care who you are. We are trying to worship. Be gone.”
“You need to hear me out,” she said in a more serious tone. “I am offering an accord.”
* * *
Frank was raised into the boat and found himself alone in the back corridor. He looked down to notice he had been lifted into one of the larger ports. “Well, shit,” he said out loud before he noticed Constanthos coming around the bend to greet him. It was obvious she had taken the time to get cleaned up. “A large port? Really?” he asked.
“You'll shrink,” she replied with a smile.
“You always say the right things,” he replied as they made their way toward the living room. He sensed her uneasiness, but whenever he would look at her, she would only smile. “Hey guys,” he said in English as they entered the room.
“Holy shit, Frank,” Robert said.
“A most impressive display,” Breet chirped.
“Thanks,” Frank replied. “How many got away?”
“I would estimate well less than a hundred,” Phildan replied.
Frank was stowing the stash away as he answered, “That will do, I hope.” He stood to look at his friends. “At the risk of seeming rude, I really want to go get cleaned up.”
“Yes, please do,” Phildan replied, contorting his scales.
“By all means,” Robert added.
“I'm planning on taking my own sweet time,” Frank said as he left the room. He was hearing Phildan translate his words for Breet when he noticed Constanthos following him. “Is everything okay, Connie?”
“Yes. Everything is okay.” She was smiling as an orb found its way to hover over her left shoulder.
“Gladys, I'm dying to see you all but I really need to get cleaned up.”
“Take your time, my love. I think Connie will be available if you need any assistance.”
“Oh, well... I, uh.” Frank stammered along as Constanthos could only smile. He was happy she closed the bedroom door behind her but felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him as she stared at him walking into the refresher room. But then he realized that she had seen him naked several times already, so he quickly got over it. He removed his varitherm suit and allowed himself to be cleaned. When the devices were finally finished with him, he set about to finally brush his teeth.
“There is a whole package of brand new tooth brushes, Frank,” Constanthos reported.
“Oh, wow! Thanks.” Frank opened the package and prepared a new toothbrush for use. He put it into his mouth and started. “Ouch!” he said as the toothbrush handle broke off in his hand.
“You will need to adjust for your strength,” Constanthos said as she came forward to inspect his wound. “It's already gone.” She reached and grabbed a new toothbrush and presented it to him.
“Thanks. How are you managing? With your strength, I mean.”
“Pretty much the same,” she replied with that same beautiful smile.
He looked into the small mirror. “Oh, wow. I look like shit. My face has really filled out.”
“You really don't look bad, Frank.”
“You're sweet. But this mirror isn't big enough for my big fat head now. And I'm almost afraid to shave.”
“Finish brushing your teeth. There are some clippers over there. Don't worry about shaving.”
“You're right,” he replied. “Thanks for being the voice of reason.”
She could only smile as she watched him finish brushing his teeth. He was about to begin with the clippers when she stopped him. “Frank?”
“Yes, Connie?”
“I need to take care of something, but before I go...” She grabbed him by his shoulders and pulled him to her. Her kiss was slow and clumsy, and he realized then it was her first kiss. So he took his time and tried to do a good job of it. She finally released him and smiled all the way through the bedroom door.
He was watching her go when the orb spoke. “Spectacular, isn't she?”
Slightly embarrassed, Frank answered, “Very much so. Where is she off to?”
“She is going to introduce Breet 1751 to Cindy and stay with them until you are ready.”
“I hate to ask that of Cindy. I think maybe using her gift takes a lot out of her.”
“It was her idea, Frank. She knows he is in need. And Connie is the only one that could handle him if something unfortunate was to happen.”
“I see. I'm about done. This black varitherm is the only thing that will fit me. I'm sure it's pretty filthy by now.”
“Hand it to the automech. It can be sifted in just a couple of minutes.”
* * *
“Frank is still getting cleaned up,” Robert said as the door slid open. Michelle, Denise and Cindy were all waiting in the garden. He went straight into Michelle's arms.
“How bad was it?” she asked as he nodded his greeting to the others as they passed through the doorway into the boat.
“It was bad. Frank is going to need a long vacation after this one.”
“What about you?” she asked.
“I need a break, certainly. But I'm more worried about him.”
“You are a lot like him, you know. Always thinking of others.”
“I'll take that as a compliment. But he takes it to an extreme.” They shared an embrace for sometime before he asked, “So, do you want to meet a warrior bug?”
“Nah, I'm good.”
* * *
Frank entered the living room to find Denise and Cindy standing with Constanthos as she translated for Denise. Breet was looking a bit overwhelmed. “Breet, I see you've met Denise. She loves insects.”
“I can tell. I never expected a human to be so enthusiastic over meeting a bug.” Breet watched as Denise suddenly broke away and ran into Frank's arms. After she was finished kissing him, Breet added, “I suppose she wasn't as enthusiastic about me as I thought.”
“They are ready,” Phildan's voice came from behind Frank. He walked into the living room and turned to Frank. “I have routed the audio through this remote.” He handed an orb to Frank. “The Mingrein wish to say their farewells. Keep in mind that in addition to their support on the surface, Trove managed to destroy a Gote warship as it came through a rift.”
“He did?” Frank asked. “That is awesome.”
Constanthos came forward, but didn't kiss Frank again. “I will make myself ready to open a direct rift for them.” She turned and left, smiling the whole time.
Once Frank came back to reality, he noticed Denise smiling at him. He gave her a wink before turning back to Breet. “Sorry about all these, uh, formalities. Have you had a chance to speak with Cindy?”
“Not yet. What species is she?”
“I am Ezilak,” she said.
Breet jumped back, startled. “How did you do that?” he asked.
“Breet, she communicates telepathically,” Frank explained. “Please calm yourself.”
“My apologies,” Breet said. “I have been locked away for a long time.”
“There is no need to apologize, Breet 1751.”
“Korick sought to exploit her race,” Frank continued. “I was able to help her escape, and we are very pleased to find that she it one of the kindest beings we've ever met.”
“I am happy to meet you,” Breet said. “But I do not understand why yo
u would want to meet a bug such as myself.”
“I only wish to help. May I?” She extended her hand toward him. With her other hand, she clutched her necklace. Frank knew that she wanted to keep their conversation as private as possible. Breet folded his claw downward and presented the elbow to her. A moment after she touched him, there was a noticeable change in his demeanor. Frank knew exactly what she was doing, and was instantly grateful for it as he knew Breet was carrying the memory of every fight with him.
Frank walked back into the hallway in order to speak to the Mingrein without disturbing Cindy and Breet. Denise held his arm the whole time but he sure wasn't going to complain. Holding the remote up, he said, “Mingrein?”
The voice of Trove answered, sounding as jovial as a Mingrein could manage. “Thank you for letting us exact our revenge on those idiots.”
“You are quite welcome,” Frank replied. His throat was already sore from the harsh Mingrein language. “I should probably be thanking you though. I understand you destroyed a warship?”
“That was my second, actually. It isn't nearly as impressive as it sounds. They are garbage.”
“Do not rob yourself of any glory, my friend. You have earned it. Gildract's group killed several hundred, if not thousands, on the ground.”
“He told me they only got five.”
“Really?” Frank was confused. “Oh, he must not be counting the ones that the Rotinoms got.”
“Those don't count,” Trove said with a chuckle.
Frank let himself laugh out loud. “It was a good day for everyone. The noble Mingrein got some revenge. Breet, the Selfless, got some revenge. Other people too. And I got to leave that place.”
“A fine day indeed. I see our rift is opening. It will save much time from our trip. Again, I thank you.”
“As always, it has been an honor. Please give my regards to your brothers.”
“Until we meet again, Frank Ford, of Earth.”
Frank didn't know what to do with the orb so he just carried it back with him into the living room. Cindy had disengaged from Breet, who was now awkwardly nuzzling her. He snapped his head up out of embarrassment when he realized Frank had reentered the room. “Amazing, isn't she?” Frank asked.
“Most certainly,” Breet answered. “I feel as if a great weight has been lifted from me.”
Frank turned to Cindy and gave a slight bow. “Thank you for helping my friend,” he said with a smile.
“Breet 1751 is remarkable. It truly was a pleasure to commune with such an honorable being.”
“See there, Breet. I told you you're being too hard on yourself,” Frank said. “Are you ready to go home?”
Breet was carrying himself in an odd manner. “I hate to be a burden, Frank, but I have a small request.”
“Sure. What is it?”
“I would like to rest before I go home.”
“Oh, absolutely. Short nap? Long nap?”
“A very long nap, please.”
“Do you need anything special? A bed? A nice quiet space?” Frank noticed Phildan passing by once again and motioned for his attention.
“A nice quiet space would be nice,” Breet replied. “I do not require a bed.”
“Let me show you to the biotech room,” Phildan offered. “We can dim the lights as low as you like and no one will disturb you.”
“That sounds wonderful. Thank you.” Breet nodded and allowed Phildan to lead him away.
Switching into English, Frank said, “That went very well.”
“If you say so,” Denise replied with a smile. “I have no idea what anyone was saying.”
They were heading toward the door to the garden when the orb jumped from Frank's hand. “Mind that first step, Frank,” Constanthos said.
Frank was trying to figure out what she was talking about as he was stepping through the door. The sight of Gladys distracted him, and as soon as the light gravity hit him, he stumbled and fell flat on his face. He stayed there on the walkway, laughing at his own stupidity. Rolling onto his back, he saw Gladys kneeling down above him.
“I don't know what I'm going to do with you,” she said as she leaned down to kiss him.
“For starters, you can help me with my diet. I've put on some weight.”
“You will shrink, my love.”
Robert looked over, having heard Frank's words, and asked, “You sure you don't want to go for the bench press record or something before you shrink?”
“I ain't in this for the glory, Junior,” Frank replied and then both men cracked up. The women all looked at each other, not understanding the reference. “Okay, I'm going to try this again.” He sat up in time to see Constanthos carefully walking in their direction.
“I tried to warn you,” she said with a smile.
Denise went to embrace her. “You were wonderful, Connie. Oh my god, you're strong.”
“Sorry!” Constanthos exclaimed. “I hope I didn't hurt you.”
“I'm fine.” Denise confirmed it with a smile. She then rushed back to help steady Frank as he was standing.
“There must have been some turbulence,” Frank joked.
“Maybe you should go back into your boat,” Gladys suggested.
“But you're out here, my dear. I'll be alright.” He let her come into his arms, and was careful to not crush her.
“You really must stop being so wonderful,” she said.
“What do you mean?”
“You keep putting yourself in danger. I don't know how much more I can take.”
“They threatened Earth,” Frank replied. “I didn't know what else to do.”
“I ain't trying to argue,” Robert interjected, “but I'm pretty sure we just did a hell of a lot of good for the galaxy.”
“That is true,” Gladys conceded.
“It's like Ottwan said, my dear. You've created a monster.” Before she could respond, he pulled her in for a kiss.
Robert looked around and noticed that everyone of a certain rank was present at the reunion. “Please tell me we aren't still at Vera.”
“We are in a remote solar system,” Constanthos replied. “When I heard Breet request some down time, I brought us here. There is a nice red star.”
“I don't want to sound like I doubted you,” Robert said.
“No worries,” Constanthos said.
“So how long do bugs usually sleep?” Frank asked.
“Anywhere from two to sixteen hours, if Pock is any indication,” Denise answered.
“Nuun?” Constanthos asked. Frank smiled and nodded.
* * *
Jard Dundarsheef was parked in orbit over Hitakkita awaiting an open parking spot. He was searching the broadcasts, only to find that he had beaten the news from Vera. The sports and gaming experts were weighing in on their favorites for the tournament and Jard was almost pleased when one talking head mentioned 'The Assassin'. After a long while an alarm pinged letting him know that the royal Gotian vessel had finally arrived. It fell into the queue, awaiting a parking spot of its own. He opened a canister of protein pellets and gazed out the window.
5.
“Gladys, you need to work your magic on Robert and Michelle.”
“What are you talking about, Frank?” Michelle asked.
“Yes, what are you talking about?” Gladys echoed.
“He wants us to be able to visit Nuun,” Robert said. Turning to Frank, he asked, “Right?”
“Yes,” Frank replied. “They think I'm a giant. I want to show them what a real giant looks like.”
“Show and tell time with the big guy?” Robert asked.
“In all seriousness,” Frank said, “I wouldn't rob you of the opportunity to visit Nuun. It's absolutely beautiful.”
“It is a lovely planet,” Gladys agreed. “Just stay away from any water.”
“Will the water make us sick?” Michelle asked.
“Come with me,” Gladys replied. “I will explain everything as you undergo this minor procedure. There is
no pain involved.” She led Michelle and Robert toward the finished section, leaving Frank with Denise, Constanthos, and Cindy.
“Denise, aren't you coming down with us?” Frank asked.
“I've already had the procedure,” she answered as he came to fill the void that Gladys had left.
“Awesome. I just want everyone back together.”
“I can't even begin to imagine what you went through,” Denise started. “Did you know all along that you would prevail?”
“I thought I was a goner,” Frank replied.
Constanthos was standing, hanging on Frank's every word, when Cindy interrupted. “At the risk of sounding rude, I need to speak with Frank in private.”
“Yes, of course,” Frank replied. He was relieved as he was in great need of the use of her gift but he had been hesitant to ask.
“I'll be in my boat,” Constanthos said. “We'll be at Nuun before you are finished.”
“Is it okay if I come with you, Connie?” Denise asked.
“Certainly, I've dropped the gravity down to Earth-normal.” Constanthos gave Frank a quick smile as she walked away. Denise kissed him and followed her. Frank let them hold his gaze for a moment before turning back to Cindy.
“To the tree?” he asked.
“It might be a good idea for me to sit down, if Breet's memories are any indication. To the tree.” Cindy walked slower than usual so Frank could be more careful with his steps. They made their way to the loba tree and sat casually underneath. Frank offered his hand, which she accepted, and that faraway look once again formed on her face. Frank closed his eyes to enjoy the euphoric rush of the aggression exiting his mind. When her eyes finally came back into focus, she said, “You really should have a container of water.”
“You don't miss a thing, do you?” Frank asked with a smile.
“I could taste it. It was terrible. And it would seem that you have eliminated any demand for both humans and Ezilaks.”
“Unfortunately the Gotes, themselves, didn't have the location of your home.”
“It was the Gurdiks all along. I feel quite foolish.”
“Don't. Not all Gurdiks are assholes. You were unlucky in the sense that if they know how to get to your home, it's probably because they're up to no good.”
Accursed Page 4
