“You think of everything, my dear.”
“Cutting gravity now,” Gladys said. “Your wives are anxious to see you.”
The weight of her words nearly held him down even as the gravity was canceled. His wives. The situation was still alien to him and he was struggling to sort out his feelings. It was an odd emotion, one he had never encountered before in his life. As he floated in the empty boat watching Constanthos pass her sword through the port, she glanced back at him and paused. Her expression made him wonder if she could see it in him. He watched as she disappeared through the hole. Trying to shake off the strange emotion, he turned his attention toward making his way off of the empty boat. But he was hanging in the air and was unable to do much more than flail his limbs.
“Shall I send Connie back in to assist you, my love?”
“No thanks. This is already embarrassing enough.” Relaxing, he held his sword up over his head and pushed it off of the ceiling. The angle put him about four feet away from the port when his feet hit the deck. Bending his knees to absorb the momentum, he pushed himself back toward the ceiling, rotating as he floated so his feet would meet the ceiling. Spotting his target, he pushed off hard, leading with his sword. He judged the angle correctly, and within moments, he was pulling himself into his boat. “Hey, Phil.”
“Hey, Frank,” Phildan replied as he closed the port right after the remote passed through. “We are free to disconnect,” he reported.
“I think there is a trip to Avope in our future,” Gladys answered.
“What is Avope?” Frank asked as he sat heavily on his couch.
“I'll let Connie explain. I want to be there to greet you.” The orb parked itself and appeared to power off.
“Avope is another moon near Sessik Home,” Connie began. “That is where Ryal set up his manufacturing facility.”
“Oh. Okay.”
Constanthos looked at Phildan who was lost in his data pad as he steered the boat in to Main Ship. “There is something else I need to explain,” she said. Leaning toward him, she asked in a low tone, “Do you remember when Gladys told you affluent Sessiks take multiple wives?”
“Yes.”
“At this point, she would be the affluent Sessik in that scenario.”
“Connie, I'm pretty sure she was talking about Sessik males.”
“It doesn't matter. I know you are overwhelmed by your current situation. I just want you to know it's all her doing. And I don't mean that in a bad way.”
“I can't remember a time in my life where I have ever been more confused.”
“Yes, I know. I'm just glad that she is finally getting some confidence. Just so you know, she chose to take multiple mates, and she pressured you into it.”
“Still confused. I really do love you all though, and I don't want to see anyone hurt. But I don't know how to handle all of this.”
“You and I may be around for a while, Frank. I admit that I do have feelings for you, but I am also confused.”
“I can see where you would be.”
“Yes, I'm new at emotions. We have time to figure it out.”
The door opened before he could continue. Connie flashed him a smile and then walked toward the door. Frank forced himself up off the couch and followed. Everyone was there waiting for him with solemn expressions. It was clear then they knew how he felt about what he had to do on Rhoshe One. There was no kissing. Everyone, including Robert, offered warm embraces. But their sympathy only added to Frank's confusion. He finally made his way to Cindy.
“You knew, didn't you?” he asked in a tone that was nowhere near being harsh.
“I didn't know he was going to ask you to help.” She wore a sad expression. “May I?” she asked as she extended her hand.
“Of course.” He took her hand and watched her face as she read him. Tears were forming in her eyes and he instantly felt bad for letting her do it.
“I know your kind words meant everything to him.”
Frank was unable to speak so he only nodded.
“I propose we return to Earth,” Constanthos said as she turned toward her boat.
“That is a fine idea,” Gladys replied. She couldn't help but to notice her husband's time with Cindy did very little to improve his mood.
Frank looked around and suddenly felt very awkward. “You know,” he started, “it's times like this I wish I wasn't immune to booze.” He faked a smile and everyone seemed to loosen up a bit.
“Frank,” Hiro said in a low tone, “I know this is hard, but you did the right thing.”
“I know. Thanks.”
* * *
“This is really hard,” Michelle said. She had pulled Robert to the side so she could feel more comfortable speaking her mind without upsetting anyone any further.
“I know,” Robert replied.
“What can we do to help him?” she asked. “He's just one man. He can't keep this up.”
“Let's just handle our business. Since our business is his business, we're helping.”
She put her hands on her stomach. “Not all,” she said with a smile.
He pulled her into his arms. “That's a human growing in there. That makes it his business. He made me sit that last one out because he wants our child to have a father. So, since we're grounded, we should focus on handling his affairs and making his life on Earth as easy as possible.”
“I haven't known him as long as you. I know he saved your life.”
“He saved everybody.” Robert's words were interrupted by Denise walking over. “What's up?” he asked.
“I've been thinking,” Denise replied.
“About what?” Robert asked with a smile.
“There's lots of nice places just outside of Indianapolis.”
“You don't say.”
“We could maybe acquire a nice secluded bit of land that would be suitable for raising a family. And parking a landing boat.” Denise smiled as she spoke the words.
“What are you getting at?” Robert asked.
“Buy a house in the country. The commute wouldn't be bad by Atlanta standards and there can be a secluded area for a boat. I have a feeling Frank will want to visit often.”
“What are you talking about?” Michelle asked.
“She is offering to buy us a place in the country,” Robert explained.
“Denise,” Michelle started, “how is it that you can make this offer?”
“I'm Frank's wife. I'm sure he won't mind. Just think about it.” Denise turned to walk away.
“He is in way over his head,” Michelle said.
“Oh, I know,” Robert replied.
* * *
“We are within phone range,” Constanthos reported as she returned from her boat.
“Okay,” Frank replied. Turning back to Gladys, he asked, “Did we just leave the broken boat back there?”
“I sent it on a course into the star of that system,” Gladys replied.
“Good thinking. I'm going to go call Stan.” Frank turned to re-enter his boat. Finding his phone, he plopped down on the couch and found the number. There was no answer. So he then located Terrelle's number and hit the button to send.
“Frank! Holy shit, man!”
“Hey T, how ya doin'?”
“What were you thinking, going off with those aliens like that?”
“They said they were going to nuke the planet if I didn't go without a fight.”
“So what happened? How did you get back?”
“We kinda kicked their asses.”
“You make it sound so simple, Frank.”
“I'm not going to lie. It got pretty ugly.”
“Uglier than the last time?”
“The Mingrein? Hell, at least I understood their motivations. The Gotes are fucking crazy.”
“You can tell me all about it sometime. Things have been crazy here too.”
“Oh yeah? What's up?”
“Stan is going to be impeached.”
“Wow. I just tried
to call him to report in. What did he do?”
Terrelle took a deep breath. “Since he got back, he's been suffering from a compulsion to be an honest, hard-working president.”
“I can see where that might piss some people off.”
“Details of his previous dealings have been leaked, and he owned up to them and began taking measures to, I don't know, iron things out. His own party has turned on him. The other guys are having at him relentlessly. He'll most likely be removed from office. And his wife left him.”
“I suppose there's no place for honesty in modern politics. That sucks about his wife.”
“The funny thing is none of it seems to bother him. His only concern is the safety of the planet, not just the United States. And he's downright cheerful.”
Frank chuckled. “I'm going to have to ask Gladys just what she did to him. He was on the verge of death when I found him and she fixed him up. Or maybe it was Cindy.”
“The alien? He's mentioned her on several occasions.”
“Terrelle, she is so awesome. Five minutes with her and you could fire your therapist.”
“Nah, I'm good. So, are you going to take a break now?”
“I'm afraid not. I have to find Cindy's planet still. There is a lady that I need to locate. And there is another human planet that might be in trouble.”
“Well, shit. You can't keep this up forever, Frank. Who is the lady?”
“Her name is Dorothy Stewart. Her husband and daughter were abducted some time ago and I need to check in on her.”
“I can dig into that for you.”
“That would be awesome. She goes by Dottie. They lived in St. Louis over twenty years ago.”
Terrelle was taking notes. “This seems kinda random, Frank. How do you know these people?”
“They are alive. The royalty on Gotoreo has been sheltering them.”
“If you say so. I'll get right on it. And I will try to reach Stan. I also have a number for a Colonel Taylor.”
“Ah, he got promoted. Sweet.”
12.
“Is he going to be okay?” Nera asked. She was standing on the walkway that led toward the loba tree where she had found a break in the foliage allowing a clear line of sight into Frank's boat.
Denise leaned down so she could peer through the foliage as Nera had. “I sure hope so. Hopefully he can take a break soon. I think the thing with Breet was just about enough to push him over the edge.” Frank was still sitting on his couch. Having ended the phone call, he was holding his head in his hands.
“I think you're right,” Nera said. She gestured toward the tree, where Constanthos was communing with Cindy. “If she needs time with Cindy it must have been bad.”
“She isn't a machine any more, Nera. She is still getting used to having real emotions.”
“Has she, you know, with Frank?”
Denise smiled. “Not that I'm aware of. You're not getting jealous, are you?”
“I'd probably be more jealous of Frank.” The girls giggled as they slowly made their way toward the tree. Connie was finishing up with Cindy and the Nakamuras were milling about as well. Cindy's eyes focused on her surroundings as she looked around and smiled at all of her friends. Clutching her necklace, she appeared to offer a few more private words toward Constanthos before they embraced and Constanthos rose to her feet.
“That truly is a wonderful gift,” Constanthos said.
“As are yours, my friend.”
* * *
Frank was still sitting, lost in thought, when he felt himself become lighter. He looked up in time to see Gladys gliding through the door. She was carrying a data pad. The door slid shut behind her.
“My dear.”
“Are you well, my love?” She sat down on the edge of the couch next to him.
“Yes. I just got off the phone with Terrelle. I'm just trying to process everything.”
“Is he doing well?”
“Yeah, he's good. Stan is going through some political bullshit though.”
“Is there anything we can do to help?”
“Nah, he's good. We'd probably just make it worse.” Frank smiled and took her hand. He focused on being gentle.
“What do you think we should do next?” she asked.
“Let's take a couple of days to regroup. Hiro and Miyako should probably check in.”
“Michelle needs to be in the gravity of Earth.”
“Okay then. Let's get them all to the surface. I'd like to focus on finding Cindy's home.”
“Agreed. I believe I have found the solution to the Gote Problem. I'm finalizing a design for its implementation.”
“You are amazing, my dear.” He pulled her in for a kiss.
“I will ask Phildan to take everyone,” she said when she finally came up for air. “I want you under the halo for a long rest.”
“That sounds nice but I don't want you all to be bored.”
“I have plenty of work to do. I'm sure the other ladies can keep themselves occupied.” She picked up the data pad, and after a gesture, the door opened back up. “I have summoned Phildan,” she said.
To their surprise, Phildan emerged from the hallway of the landing boat, and not from outside. “You called?” he asked, contorting his scales into a smile.
“I was hoping I could persuade you to take some people to the surface,” Gladys said with a smile.
“It would be a pleasure. I was just trying to hail Pock but there was no reply. I can only assume they have finished their work.”
“That wouldn't surprise me,” Frank said. “They are crazy efficient.”
“Indeed,” Phildan replied. “So, who am I taking?”
* * *
“Just keep those suits handy,” Frank said to Hiro, “but don't let anyone know about them.”
“Understood, Frank.” Hiro offered a stiff bow that Miyako mimicked. Frank returned the gesture and then the two Japanese warriors entered the armory boat.
Turning to Robert and Michelle, Frank said, “I like the house in the country idea.”
“You already know that I have issues with that,” Robert said with a smile.
Frank shrugged. “Just buy it and pay me back later.”
“We'll think about it,” Robert said.
“Come on,” Frank added. “You need some place to raise that kid. And all the other kids you two are going to have. And we need some place where we can land a boat.”
“We'll start shopping around,” Michelle said with a smile.
Frank was feeling pleased with himself as Denise began speaking. “We want to have everyone get together on the island soon. I want the Crew to be there, and Pock too, if he's still in the area.”
“Maybe Stan could come out too,” Frank added. “And Colonel Taylor too.”
“Good luck with that one,” Robert said. “Taylor never takes leave.”
“Never?” Frank asked.
“Never. He's a legend.”
“Wow. I have a new respect for the man. Anyway, you kids get going. Keep those bums in line down there.” Frank shook Robert's hand and then offered a polite hug to Michelle. Denise gave hugs of her own. Nera stood to the side and smiled the whole time. She was still in awe of Robert's size and a bit intimidated by Michelle's confidence. They watched as the door closed on the boat and then Denise and Nera cornered Frank.
“We were told to make sure you rest,” Denise said as they pressed him against the wall of the dome.
“Yes, I wouldn't want to get into trouble,” Frank replied before she kissed him.
Nera was running her hands up and down his arm, and then onto his chest. “I can't believe you grew like this,” she said.
“I want to shrink back down as soon as possible,” Frank replied. “My strength. I can barely even walk here.”
“Do you think the halo can wait for a couple of hours?” Denise asked.
Frank had to make a choice. The whole situation had him beyond overwhelmed and the temptation presented befor
e him was considerable. “I'm sorry. I really don't think it's safe for me to do that right now. Someone might get hurt.”
“I'm willing to risk it,” Denise replied. Nera only smiled in agreement.
“You don't understand. I already broke Connie's leg with a tree. And I almost killed myself brushing my teeth.”
Denise could see he was serious so she relented. “Hurry up and shrink,” she said and kissed him again. “I love you. Now get to the halo.”
Before Frank could respond, Nera pulled him down and planted her own kiss on him. “Go rest, Big Boy,” she said with a smile. They turned and walked arm-in-arm toward the loba tree.
Frank turned toward the finished area. As he carefully made his way up the path, he noticed Constanthos waiting for him at the door that led to the lab. She gave him a knowing look as she opened the door for him. “I see they didn't take it too hard,” she said as the door closed behind them.
Frank could only shrug. He didn't have the words. He sat down and placed the halo on his head.
“I'm going to set this up on a timer,” she said. “How does three hours sound?”
“That actually sounds nice. Just me and the brother-in-law.” Frank glanced over at Brogue, who was still looking content.
“Goodnight, Frank.”
“Goodnight, Connie.”
She watched as he dozed off. Leaning down, she kissed him on his lips. “I love you,” she whispered before turning to leave the lab.
* * *
Nera was in high spirits despite Frank's rejection. She was content to follow along and do whatever as long as she could be with Denise. They found themselves sitting with Cindy under the loba tree as they awaited Constanthos. Nera looked over just as she was coming down the path and found herself wondering when they were going to try to bed her. Smiling to herself, she tried her best to put those thoughts out of her head and just enjoy every moment as they came.
“Connie,” Denise started, “I think we should head down to the island.”
“Really? Without Frank?”
Denise couldn't stop smiling. “I want to get the place ready for a party. Who knows what kind of weather blew through while we were gone.”
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