“May I?”
“Of course.” Cindy read her as they embraced.
“I am very proud of you, Little One.”
“I had plenty of help.”
“I was speaking of how much you have grown as a leader.”
“Oh. I guess I had help with that too.”
“We are at Rhoshe One,” Constanthos announced as she strolled back across the garden. She was about to speak more, but she was interrupted by the sounds of Robert crying out off in the distance. “What is that all about?” she asked.
“I'm sure we will find out soon enough,” Gladys replied as she traded smiles with Cindy. “Perhaps we should give them a moment before we decide our next course of action.”
Robert and Michelle were all smiles as they came into view. “Guys!” Robert could hardly contain himself. “You're not going to believe it. We are expecting a baby! And Michelle is going to be my wife!”
Phildan was walking up as the space erupted. He lowered the data pad to take it all in. Frank was the first to offer a congratulatory handshake.
“You're a good dude, Robert. You deserve this. Michelle, congratulations.” He offered a gentle hug to her and then quickly moved aside to make room for the others. Standing next to Phildan, he looked down at him and said, “Pretty awesome, huh?”
“I would certainly have to agree,” Phildan replied. “Especially judging from everyone's reaction.”
Gladys glided over to join them. “Have you ever seen our Robert so happy?”
“He's been through a lot,” Frank said. “So this is absolutely perfect.” They stood there, enjoying the moment and soaking up the joy.
“Breet is waking up,” Phildan said after a glance at his data pad.
“I'll go greet him,” Frank offered.
“And I shall go contact his mother,” Gladys added. She gave him a brief yet very effective kiss before turning to glide down the path toward the finished area. He was distracted for a few moments before he walked to his boat. Making his way through the living room and into the hall, he was surprised to see Breet sheepishly poking his head out of the door of the biotech room.
“Hello, my friend,” Frank said.
“Hello, Frank.” Breet bounced a few times to shake the stiffness out of his legs. “That was nice. Plenty of room to stretch out in there.”
“I'm jealous,” Frank said as he led the bug toward the living room. “I don't sleep very well myself.” He found some syrup and offered the whole bottle to Breet.
“Thank you. Why don't you sleep well?”
“Nightmares, mostly. I've had to do some really crazy things as Custodian.”
“I like to think that I didn't kill any being that didn't deserve it. And I think you and I have that in common, Frank.”
“Yes. I like to think that, too. I sure as fuck hope so, anyway.” They shared a laugh. “We have both fought for our species. There is honor in that.”
“Yes. I feel a lot better about everything now. So, where are we?”
“We just got to Rhoshe One. We stopped off and picked up our friends while you were sleeping. I hope you don't mind being around so many humans.”
“I must say I have acquired an appreciation for your species.”
“Thanks. But don't let these folks fool you into thinking all humans are good. I surround myself with good people, but there are some real assholes in the galaxy.”
“It's like that with most species, Frank.”
“I haven't met a bug I didn't like.” Frank turned to see Denise and Phildan entering the boat. “Hey guys, what's up?”
“We are on a slight delay,” Phildan replied. “They requested that a remote be sent.”
Frank couldn't help but smile as Denise greeted Breet. “Why do they want a remote?”
“They fear the transmissions may be compromised. There is a lot of traffic.” Phildan located the remote for the television and put on the view outside.
“What are all of those vessels?” Breet asked.
“I'm afraid I have no idea,” Phildan replied.
“I don't like it.” The smooth contralto came from behind Frank. He looked to see Constanthos marching into the boat.
“I am inclined to agree,” Breet said.
“Would someone please speak English?” Denise asked.
Frank hadn't noticed that they'd all been speaking Sessiki. “Sorry. The comm chip kinda does its own thing sometimes. Maybe I should talk to Gladys about getting one for you and Nera.”
“That would be wonderful. So, what's the issue?”
“There is a lot of extra traffic in orbit,” Phildan explained. “We are trying to figure out who all these vessels belong to.”
“They don't look like freighters,” Frank observed.
“Denise,” Constanthos said. “I'm sorry, but I think you should wait on Main Ship this time.”
“Something tells me you're right,” Denise said as she looked at the screen. “Are you going?”
“Yes. And Gladys will be there via remote. You should observe from the control room.”
“Sounds good,” Denise said. “What about Nera? She likes to watch Frank's back.”
“I will go fetch her,” Phildan volunteered. He was gone before anyone could protest.
Frank watched as Denise crossed the room to embrace Constanthos. “I wish I could be as fearless as you.”
“I am far from fearless, Denise,” Constanthos replied. “In fact, that is the emotion I have the best understanding of.”
“On Vera, you were afraid the whole time?”
“Very much so. But like Frank, I need to see things through.”
“Gladys is the same way,” Frank added.
Constanthos looked at Frank, and shot a look that showed that she was impressed. “Indeed,” she said. She looked at him standing casually next to a warrior bug that most beings would be terrified of. Luckily, her thoughts of her own urges were interrupted by the arrival of the rest of the humans.
“What's up?” Robert asked. His mood was still very light.
“Oh, there's lots of strange traffic over Rhoshe,” Frank replied. “I'm sure it's nothing.” Frank noticed the Nakamuras both standing in wide-eyed amazement, staring at Breet. “Hiro, Miyako, this is Breet 1751. Breet, the Selfless.” Frank then turned to Breet and said in Sessiki, “This is Hiro and Miyako Nakamura. Along with my wife, Nera, they are the heroes of Nuun.”
Breet bowed deeply. “It is an honor.”
Hearing her name, Nera perked up. “Did I just hear my name?” she asked with a smile.
“I was explaining that you three are heroes of Nuun.” Switching back to Sessiki, Frank continued, “You already know Robert Jones, and his bride to be, Michelle.”
Nera looked at the screen and made a face. “I get the feeling those ships aren't here to trade.”
“Gladys sent a remote down,” Frank explained. “They're afraid of our transmissions being listened to. I was thinking you should sit this one out. I hope you're not mad.”
“Is Connie going with you?”
“I am going,” Constanthos replied.
“I will happily stay back then. If something happens, I wouldn't be able to keep up with you two.” She was making a totally different face.
Frank walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “We're going to be coming back here at some point. Denise wants a chance to enjoy the place. And I know you will want to, as well.” He knew she would want the opportunity to face her fear.
“Last time was terrible,” she admitted in a low tone. “I will come back.”
“Instructions are coming,” Phildan interjected. “We are to leave the cloak up and land in a different location. And you are encouraged to carry your weapons.”
“Yikes,” Frank responded. “Maybe we should just take two boats.”
“What do you mean?” Phildan asked.
“The three of us can go down in an empty boat,” Frank said in Sessiki so that Breet could be in on the planning
process. “You can follow in my boat, to cover us.”
“Yours is the only boat with armaments?” Breet asked.
“Yes,” Frank replied.
“That is sound planning,” Breet complimented. “Even a cloaked ship is vulnerable on the ground.”
“I will need someone to help me reload torpedoes, if it comes to that.”
“Sure thing, Phil,” Frank replied. Switching to English, Frank asked, “Who wants to ride with Phil and reload torpedoes?”
“I'll do it,” Robert said.
“Nope, you're on paternity leave. Anyone else?”
“Frank!”
“No arguments, Junior.” Frank smiled at the big man.
“Show me how to do it,” Hiro said.
“It will go faster with two of us,” Miyako added, with a wry grin.
Robert relented. “You guys...” He shook his head as he led the Nakamuras toward the hallway.
“I'm sure this will all amount to nothing,” Frank said as he led the party out into the garden.
“I can sense the apprehension,” Cindy said as she came forward.
“There's a lot of extra traffic today,” Frank said. He offered his hand so she could fully understand.
“I'm sure it's nothing.” Her tone didn't match her words. With a sad expression, she turned to Breet. “I am glad to know you,” she said to him.
“Thank you for everything,” Breet replied.
“Gladys is busy with the Mother,” Phildan called out from inside Frank's boat. “You need to go without interrupting.”
“Well, shit,” Frank said. “I don't like to leave like that.”
“I'm sure she feels the same way,” Denise said as she came into his arms. Nera wasn't shy about butting in.
“When this is all done,” Nera said with a smile after the kissing had stopped.
“I, uh, wow.”
* * *
Jard could move extremely fast when he needed to. But his ship was two yards over and there was the small matter of circling around the crew of assassins that were still milling about. And he had no idea where Earth was located. He could stick to the original plan and wait for Frank to find him there on Hitakkita, but it sounded like Frank would be exceptionally busy. Surely even a being of his magnitude would need to restock. So Jard decided to return to his ship as quickly as possible to crack the data collector and hope it held a clue as to the location of Earth. No one had ever before offered genuine friendship and he wasn't going to sit idle while his friend was being killed.
* * *
“So, what are you going to do next?” Frank asked in his usual jovial tone. Constanthos was focused on her data pad and didn't seem too interested in the conversation.
“I would say that all depends on Mom,” Breet replied. He seemed to be lost in thought. “I'm sorry Frank but I am very nervous.”
“It's okay. We're here for you to lean on. Your Mom is very nice, so you should try to relax.”
“I've only seen her on two occasions. She didn't ask me to speak.”
Frank thought about how terrible it must be to have never been able to speak to one's own mother. But then he thought of the vast numbers of the bugs, and realized it would be physically impossible for her to speak to all of her children. “I think today is your lucky day, buddy.”
“Message coming in from Phildan,” Constanthos said. “He says several of the ships have visible image capturing equipment.”
“Do you mean cameras?” Frank asked.
“Yes, Frank. Really nice cameras.”
Frank thought about it for a few moments. “Maybe they're all fans of Breet, or something.”
“Or fans of yours,” Breet countered.
“Oh, I highly doubt that,” Frank said with a smile. “I kinda ruined their big, stupid coliseum. Man, I wish this boat had a TV.”
“Phildan has advised against flying through any clouds,” Constanthos added.
“Hmm, so, how's the weather?” Frank asked.
“It's nice. There shouldn't be an issue.” Her eyes never left the data pad. “Landing in under a minute.”
“Awesome. Thanks Connie.”
Breet turned to Constanthos. “I would like to offer my thanks, as well.”
Constanthos looked up long enough to answer, “It has been a great pleasure to know you and fight by your side.” She bowed her head and then returned her attention to her data pad. There was now a solemn expression on her face.
Frank began the process of pulling his varitherm up over his head. “Do you think those cameras will pick up a bug of your size appearing out of mid-air?”
Breet gave the bug version of a laugh. “If that is what they came to see, I hope they enjoy it.”
“We are down,” Constanthos said as she sat her pad down to begin the process of covering her head. “I'm pretty sure those cameras are designed to pick up everything.” She pulled her face-plate from her shoulder and put it on. Fetching a slightly larger face-plate from a shelf, she handed it to Frank. “Phildan made you a new one. It should fit better.”
“That's good. The last one felt like it was squeezing my face off. Shall we?” He led Breet and Constanthos around to where the ramp was located. “You double check your gear, Connie?”
“Sword and shuriken,” she answered in a dry tone.
“Just follow me,” Breet said. “I'm heading straight for the entrance and I'll be moving fast.”
“Alright,” Frank replied. “Connie, whenever you're ready.”
“It will be down and back up within two seconds,” she said. Her cloak was activating as she reached up to enter the command into the ramp controls. Frank activated his cloaking and the three of them pounced out of the boat. Breet hit the ground running and Frank enjoyed the challenge of keeping up with him. He looked over his shoulder to see Connie. She was keeping up, but she didn't seem too happy about it. The doors of the side entrance were open and several dozen guards were standing in wait. To say that they were overjoyed to see their brother would be an understatement and Frank was all smiles as he removed his face-plate. He turned to see Constanthos uncloaking beside him. But when her face became visible, she didn't seem to share in the joy. Before Frank could ask her about it, Breet 2687 separated himself from the group and came over to greet them.
“Frank, we are overjoyed. I can not thank you enough.”
“It is my pleasure. He helped take down Korick's empire and I consider him a friend.”
The guard bug bowed toward Constanthos before gesturing for them to follow him. “That is just splendid. I must say I am honored to be here to witness this day.”
“I am honored too. He deserves all the glory.” Frank glanced again toward Constanthos, but she still looked very serious.
9.
“The Guard is gathering a few regiments of soldiers to send to Vera,” Raymond said as he escorted his daughter toward the throne room.
“What is your role going to be?” Chloe asked.
“I have no idea. Moldew hasn't been saying too much about it. We lost some good Gotes on Vera and they are shuffling around the assignments.”
“It's nice to have my time with you either way. You know me, always worried.”
“You get that from your mother.”
“Yes I know. You've only told me that about a thousand times.”
Raymond came to a stop and turned to face his daughter. “I want to tell you something. I asked Frank to look in on your mother when he returns to Earth.”
Chloe's eyes went wide. “That would be very kind of him,” she finally said. She was fighting back tears at the thought of her mother.
Raymond began walking again. “He's actually a pretty nice guy.”
“I'm sure the Gotes of Vera might disagree,” she joked. “I can't believe you're on a first name basis with the Monster, of Earth.”
“That's funny coming from my little girl who rubs elbows with royalty on the daily.”
“You're silly, Dad.”
&nbs
p; “Did Caja tell you what this is all about?” Raymond asked.
“No. She just said she needed to talk to her father. I thought she was just giving me some alone time with you. But then, as you know, they summoned us.”
“We'll find out soon enough.” They neared the massive doors that led into the throne room. The guards bowed, which was new, as they opened the doors.
“Raymond! Chloe!” King Ondex's voice boomed. Caja sat next to him, smiling as large as her jowls would allow.
“Your Highness,” Raymond said as he and his daughter bowed.
“Rise, my friends. You do not need to be so formal with us.”
“But you are worthy of every show of respect, Ondex,” Raymond said with an earnest tone.
“As are you, Raymond.” Ondex turned and gestured toward the side door which was out of view of Raymond and Chloe. Moldew and Rando appeared. Raymond was surprised to see Rando out of uniform. “I want you to join me in congratulating Rando as my Caja has chosen him to be her husband.”
“That is wonderful,” Raymond said. “Congratulations!” Rando smiled and gave an odd bow. He was clearly out of sorts.
“You did it!” Chloe exclaimed toward Caja. “I am so happy for you.”
“Thank you,” Caja replied. “But I know that news hardly comes as a surprise to you.” Chloe smiled and nodded.
“Well, I had no idea,” Raymond joked.
Ondex turned to his daughter and nodded. She nodded back and turned to the humans. “With Korick gone, and the loose treaty he had with the Li no longer a concern, it is safe for you to travel. My father and I have agreed the time has come for you two to be returned to your home.”
“Moldew has offered to take you himself,” Ondex added.
“I don't know what to say,” Raymond said. He looked at Chloe. Tears were running down her cheeks.
“I don't want to miss the wedding,” she finally said.
“You won't,” Caja replied. “We are keeping it small. There's still a security concern.”
Raymond thought for a moment before speaking. “I kinda want to wait around to see if the Sessik comes through.”
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