“Gurdiks have been visiting us for years without incident. I was unable to read those who betrayed me.”
“I think we have a pretty good lead. I need to talk to Gladys and compare notes. She had some time talking to Ahn before we got to him.”
“He seemed somewhat remorseful.”
“He was only remorseful over the death of the queen. He didn't give two shits about any other species.”
“Yes, you are probably right. I sense that you do not fully trust the Royalty.”
“It's not that I don't trust them. I don't trust their ability to lead their empire. Mostly because it's a messed up way to govern. I think Princess Caja has a good heart. Her dad is a little soft.”
“One thing is certain, Frank. Your final actions will discourage them from ever visiting Earth again.”
“I don't really want them visiting anywhere, to be honest. If they learn to behave themselves, it would be okay. Gladys is working on finding a solution to their problem.”
“It is an interesting pattern that I see in you. You defend first. Then you defeat your foes. And then you fix them. I could feel your sense of relief when you realized Moldew was good.”
“Their ways are certainly alien to me, but he did seem like a good dude.”
“There is something else that I need to discuss with you.”
“What is it?”
“The day you were taken, and you sent everyone away, I met one of your friends. The young soldier named Damon.”
“Potts? He's a good guy.”
“It would be easier if I just showed you. May I?” She extended her hand.
Frank smiled and once again took her hand. He closed his eyes and saw the vision through the eyes of a child. He somehow knew that it was Damon, and he was lost in the woods. And then he saw the Ezilak. She went ahead and replayed the entire conversation with Damon, as it had been brief.
“I had nothing to do with that nickname,” Frank said.
Cindy smiled. “I know.”
“Ezilaks on Earth? Wow. How did they get there? And how long have they been there?”
“I have those same questions.”
“We should try to get them home too, Cindy. I'm sure it gets tiresome to always have to hide from humans.”
“If they have been able to hide for this long, a little longer won't hurt. We need to find my home first, and then we can attempt to gather them. You can't exactly haul around an unknown number of Ezilaks indefinitely.”
“Yes. Good thinking. We're picking up our friends and then dropping off Breet. I have a feeling that neither will go quickly. And then we will set out to explore our leads.”
“Frank, I know I was part of the reason you chose to go with the Gotes without a fight. I insist that you rest.”
Frank smiled. “I'm just doing my job, Cindy.”
* * *
“You will now be able to visit Nuun without any threat of contamination,” Gladys said with a smile.
“I didn't feel a thing,” Robert said as he stood up. He turned to take Michelle's hand as she slipped down from the table.
“I gave you a little something for your leg too,” Gladys added. “I hope you don't mind.”
“I don't mind at all. Thank you.”
“Robert doesn't like to complain,” Michelle said as she smiled up at her man. “I need to talk to Gladys for a minute if you don't mind. Girl stuff.”
“Oh. That's cool. I'll be getting ready for Nuun.” Robert took a couple of steps before stopping abruptly and turning toward Gladys. “Wow. The pain is totally gone. Thanks.”
“You are very welcome. And do feel free to ask if you are ever in need of any treatment.” As the door closed behind him, Gladys turned her attention back to Michelle. “What is on your mind?”
Michelle started smiling so much that she almost found it difficult to speak. “Well, I was talking to Cindy, and she kinda told me she could sense a life growing inside of me.”
“Really?” Gladys started smiling as well. “That is wonderful. Let me have a look at you.” She held Michelle's head in both of her hands and looked closely at her face. “It is difficult to tell like this, with all of your adaptations.”
“Adaptations?” Michelle asked.
“Mostly that wonderful pigment. Sometimes there are differences that can be detected in the skin tone and texture. Keep in mind my eyes work slightly differently than yours.”
“Oh. I see. So do you think Cindy can really just sense these things?”
“There is no reason to doubt her. Her gift is special. All the same, I could run a scan. It will only take a moment.”
“That would be great, if you don't mind,” Michelle said. “Should I get back up on the table?”
Gladys pressed a few places on her data pad. “You can just stand where you are.” An automech came forward and presented a couple of strange looking devices. “I prefer a more direct approach, but these devices are fast and accurate.” She picked up the first device and held it up. When she let go of it, it hovered in place and projected an image. It was just a strange cloud of nothingness until Gladys picked up the other device and held it in front of Michelle's abdomen. Her insides became visible in the projection field. Gladys made a gesture in the air and the image zoomed in to the right spot. “Ah, yes. There it is.”
Michelle's eyes began to well up. “I don't know what to say. I am so happy.”
“Congratulations. Have you discussed it with Robert yet?”
“No. I need to figure out the best way to tell him. I'm sure he will want to get married.”
“Isn't that a good thing?” Gladys asked.
“Yes. It's a very good thing. I never thought I would feel this way about it.”
“You have a very good man, Michelle. He is an exceptional human being. I will keep this bit of information to myself as I'm sure the two of you will want to announce it together.”
* * *
“That thing with your eyes is amazing,” Denise said as Constanthos hung her halo back onto its cradle.
“What thing with my eyes?” Constanthos asked.
“The color just, I don't know, fades away? And then it comes back when you're done.”
“Really? I noticed the same thing happening to Frank. It seems to happen when he uses his shield.”
“I guess I'm lucky that I'm never close enough to see it in person,” Denise said with a smile. “So, how are you feeling?”
“I feel fine.”
“That's not what I mean, Connie.”
Constanthos gave her a blank stare for a moment before asking, “Are you talking about Frank?”
“Yes, silly. Are you feeling it like the rest of us?”
“I am feeling something. But I do not have the words to describe it.”
“Is 'love' the word you're looking for?”
“That is a possibility. Gladys hoped the Custodian and I would find each other acceptable. That was before she fell in love with him.”
Denise thought about her comment for a few moments. “How do you know that?”
“I had full access to her memories. I don't think she knows that I make these kinds of connections. But feelings change. She was jealous of you at first, but then she grew to love you and pushed Frank to accept a more Sessik-type lifestyle.”
“She pushed me too, to be honest. And to be more honest, I couldn't be happier about it.”
Constanthos' smile faded for a moment. “I had full access to Frank's memories too, you know.”
“I know you probably won't want to answer this, but is there anything in there that might lead you to believe that this wouldn't work out with all of us?”
“I will only say that we need to work on his confidence.”
“Let me guess, his ex-wife?”
“Yes.”
Denise gave an exaggerated sigh. “I need some more time with Yui so that I can learn to beat Wendy's ass properly.”
Constanthos laughed out loud in such a violent manner th
at she surprised herself. “I can't even,” she finally said.
Denise joined in with her laughter. “That emotional component that you're always talking about really kicked in right there.”
“It did. For a moment I thought you may have broken something in me.” Both women laughed some more. “I think I am going to enjoy being human.”
“You might enjoy it more if you help me corner Frank.”
“While I do find myself curious in that way, I want to take it slow. The memories.”
“Oh, wow. So it's like you were there?”
“Yes. I am learning still. I now feel the emotional part, but the physical stimulation obviously cannot be uploaded. Although I suspect Cindy's methods allow her to understand that part when she communes. But for me, I feel almost infantile, emotionally.”
“Take all the time you need. Just promise me something.”
“What?”
“Don't be mad at me when I trip him.” Both women laughed again.
* * *
“So every arrow found its mark?” Bett asked as he dragged another dead Gote down the ramp.
“Yes. I don't want to sound like I am bragging.”
“Shik, I know you are not bragging. You should be proud of your efforts.” Bett had grown fond of Shik as the young warrior was quickly maturing into a fine young man. “Stay at the ship. I'm not familiar with this stretch of beach. These kyles may try to take me as well.” Bett had located another rocky area on the eastern coast of the island continent where kyles had congregated. His camp had become overrun with kyles offshore awaiting an easy dinner. As he came within range, a tentacle shot out and relieved him of his burden. “I suspect they are far more intelligent than I originally gave them credit for,” he said as he walked back up to fetch another body.
“So, are you really swearing off eating them?” Shik asked.
“Yes. I will stick to the other... dumb aquatic animals.” Bett's thoughts were interrupted by several alarms sounding off from inside the scout ship. He quickly scampered up the ramp, around Shik, to see what was going on. “We're being hailed,” he said finally.
“Well, who is it?” Shik asked.
“Frank Ford has returned.” Bett's face almost looked like it was smiling. “I must finish unloading quickly. This is cause for a celebration.”
* * *
“Can't we just lift them real quick and be on our way?” Frank asked, knowing that it would never do.
Gladys stopped kissing his neck long enough to answer, “The Nuunians would never forgive you. They do seem to like their gatherings.”
Frank carefully slumped. “I just, uh, I just don't want anyone seeing me like this. I look stupid.”
“You most certainly do not.” Gladys pushed a panel to seal the door to her lab. “I need you to lay down on the table. This won't take long.”
Frank hopped up on the table and turned to lay flat on the surface. “I suppose at least the lower gravity won't make me any bigger. I want to shrink so I can hold you without hurting you. You know, on accident.”
“You worry too much. I heal too, you know.”
“I can't not worry. I nearly killed myself with my toothbrush. So what are these tests that you were wanting to do?”
“The tests have already been done,” she said as he hopped up on the table to straddle him.
“Oh.”
* * *
“Jard, you are becoming predictable,” Fev said with a smile. “The Gote just now left. If someone wanted you dead, you're making it easy for them.”
“Now Fev, who would want me dead?”
“I have no idea. But that is the life, isn't it?”
“I have no idea. I've never actually spoken with another assassin other than yourself and your brother.”
“That is smart. But I'll have you know I am on hiatus.” Fev smiled as he made some gestures on some apparatus that was out of the view of Jard. “Your fee was doubled. I am impressed.”
“The king enjoys a certain flair for the dramatic. The job certainly took its toll on me.” Jard was being very careful with his words.
“The transfer is complete. There are a few jobs available that you might have an interest in.”
“Fev, to be honest, I was captured on Vera.”
“I am aware.”
“As I was certain. But I need some time to heal. I'm afraid I underestimated the scope of the job.”
“You're not trying to retire, are you?”
Jard looked Fev straight in his odd, yellow eyes. “The work doesn't stop, Fev. I only need time to heal.”
“Of course. Take your time. I was only wanting to tell you of this open contract that recently became.”
“You know I don't do open contracts.”
“Yes, Jard, I know. But this one has the record for highest payout by a wide margin.”
“Really? May I ask the target?”
“A human, believe it or not. They call him the Monster, of Earth.”
“Is that so? Well, I feel sorry for whoever tries that job.”
“Have you seen any news lately, Jard? They have him over at Vera. I'm surprised you didn't see him while you were there.”
“You need to keep your eye on the news. There will be a breaking story soon.”
“I'm going to be honest with you. I know you always work alone but I was thinking about assembling a team for this job. What do you know?”
“Fev, you have always been good to me so I'm going to give it to you straight. The Monster is no longer being held on Vera. I did see him. He was in the process of dismantling the place when I left.”
“A human? Dismantling the place? You are joking, right?”
“Turn on a broadcast. The news should be arriving anytime now.”
“I just can't see the Gotes allowing one human to best them.”
“He left piles of dead Gotes in his wake. And he has powerful allies.”
Fev locked eyes with Jard again before turning to activate a view-screen. “They are still talking up the tournament.”
“Fev, there is more. I have spoken with the Monster at length.”
“Oh, come on!”
“His cell was right next to mine. His name is Frank. He killed a Gote right in his cell, bare handed.”
“That would be quite amazing if it were true.”
“I couldn't make this part up. He kicked his cell door off of its hinges. He then freed me and the rest of the combatants. Even the champion showed respect for him.”
“He could talk to the bug?”
“Yes. And then the Mingrein arrived to aid in his escape.”
“Mingrein? How is that possible?”
“Fev, do the research. He is no ordinary human. And I strongly advise that you skip this job.”
“You have certainly given me much to think about,” Fev said with a wry smile.
“Until next time.” Jard turned to leave knowing there would be no next time. He knew better than to officially retire as any contracts on his life would become active upon him leaving the guild.
Fev watched Jard leave and as soon as he was out the door, the button was pushed to seal it. He turned back to the broadcast. They were still discussing the tournament. By the time he had poured himself a drink and sat back down, the news changed to reports of the tournament being canceled indefinitely. Fev continued to watch until they finally explained why it was canceled.
6.
“You're not coming with us?” Michelle asked.
“I've seen Nuun,” Phildan replied, contorting his scales. “I am staying behind so Constanthos can experience the surface. Enjoy yourself and keep in mind the gravity is approximately two-thirds of that of Earth.”
“Thank you very much.” Michelle smiled as she turned away. She found herself feeling very impressed by his manners. Her thoughts then turned to her situation with Robert. She decided to enjoy the moment and discuss matters later.
“There it is, Michelle,” Robert said, pointing to the view
screen. “That small island continent is Nera's home.”
“It looks so beautiful,” she replied as they quickly grew closer.
“Bett's camp is there,” Phildan said, pointing to the coast. “We were told to set down in a clearing at the south end of the groves.”
“I am so excited,” Michelle said. “I don't even know how to act.” She looked over and noticed Frank looking glum as he drank a bottle of water. “Why do you look so down, Boss?” she asked with a playful tone.
“I look like an idiot.”
Denise felt the need to interject. “You most certainly do not!”
“As a journalist, you're not supposed to be biased,” he joked back.
“Yes, there might be a little more of you to love, but you will shrink.”
“But until then I look like an idiot.” Frank set his water down and looked at the screen. “I hope I don't scare her. Let's do this.”
“Everyone,” Denise said, “we are going to let Nera have this moment. It's a big deal to her people.” Everyone nodded in agreement and followed Frank into the hallway and around to where the ramp was starting to lower.
Michelle took Robert's hand as they brought up the rear of the group. She was instantly in awe, as the colors of the groves were vibrant in the afternoon sun. And then she noticed the orange clouds. The Nuunians were gathered a short distance away. Nera Bunto was standing proudly, flanked by the Nakamuras. The rest of the warriors were behind them, their faces all bearing the black stripe that contrasted sharply against their orange skin. And behind them the rest of the Nuunians were awaiting the reunion of their lead warrior and her husband. Bett, the Risen, was strolling over from the scout ship with Shik as Frank was marching toward Nera. Michelle could only see the back of his head but she could tell he was smiling. Nera couldn't wait. She sprinted forward and jumped into his arms. When he bent down to kiss her, the Nuunians began to cheer. Frank looked back at his entourage and said, “Okay, this next part is really cool. Watch this.” He turned to Nera and winked before addressing the warrior sect. “It's over!”
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