Without thinking, completely on instinct, our butterfly girl ran up to this stranger and hugged him for all she was worth.
For his part, he wrapped his enormous wings around them both affording the couple complete privacy. Not sure what happened in there but when he retracted his wings, they both seemed a bit flushed.
“Okay then,” said Egg with a silly grin, “introductions are officially over. Why don’t we go back to the ship and make our plans?”
“That would be acceptable. However, I must first change the setting on the . . . lock.” He walked over to the arch and did something to the medallion. “This one is set on a pleasure level of nine. Way too high. I just lowered it to one.”
“What happens at nine?” asked Egg.
“Virtually every pleasant fantasy you ever had comes true.”
“Really?” she replied with too much enthusiasm.
Over the communicator, her husband said, “After our wedding night, dear wife, it would be sadly disappointing.”
Egg laughed. She winked at the others while shaking her head ‘no’ but said to her husband, “You’re right, of course.”
Bree turned to Kon’dor to explain. “They just got married. Do Sky’lords marry?”
He smiled beatifically. “Indeed.”
“Oh good.” She didn’t even realize that she had asked that.
“Now I must go back into the Glass.”
“Why?”
“I need to find one or two of my students. I’ll enlist them to stand guard out here just in case others inadvertently exit the Glass and get confused. I’ll be right back.” He stepped into the Glass and a minute later he came out followed by a young girl. “This is Feather.”
The girl smiled at each of the three humanoids in turn . . . then screamed rather loudly when her eyes found Ix’nay.
“Apologies.”
Chapter 3 – Back to Work
Kon’dor gave the young girl her instructions. “Your first duty is to insure your own safety. If the ground begins to rumble, step back into the Glass. Understood?”
“Yes.”
“If anyone else leaves the Glass, tell them to go back in.”
“But why?”
“You tell me.” That caused Bree to glance at Egg who shrugged.
She shook her head in annoyance. “Oh, Kon’dor” but she gave it some thought. “It’s safer, they won’t get hungry or thirsty, no rocks will clunk them on the head, and . . . blah, blah, blah.” Teenagers – they’re pretty much the same on any world.
“Close enough. Tell them I’m working on a plan and they should be free to leave the Glass very shortly.”
“Okay. Kon’dor, how long have we been in there?”
“A little more than two hundred years.”
Feather’s eyes went very wide. “Really?”
“Really.”
“So, did everyone make it? Is everyone safe?”
“We only lost one.” He couldn’t help himself and his eyes went misty.
Feather took notice. “Oh no. Oh, Kon’dor, I’m so, so sorry,” and she gave him a heartfelt hug.
He didn’t move for a moment – allowing the girl’s love to give him strength. He finally gently pushed her away. “She died a hero and when the time is right, we will honor her memory. For now, you have your instructions. Any questions?”
“No.”
“Feather.”
“Yes . . . um, Egg was it?”
“Right you are. This is a communicator. If there’s a problem, you and Kon’dor will be able to talk.”
“Thank you. Um, Egg . . . how come you and he (pointing at Skotti) don’t have wings but she does?” The girl, of course, had never seen an alien species. Turning to BreeZee she added, “They’re so beautiful.”
Bree smiled brightly. “Thank you. Maybe you and I can talk later? Get to know each other. I can tell you about my people and my world . . . and about our Sisterhood.”
“That would be nice. I’d like that.”
*****
They returned to the Gracie and Bree introduced her winged Mr. Wonderful to the others. “This is Jax’x from the planet Spell ‘bound. Next to her is Skotti’s better half – Serenity from Laff’Alott. And this gentleman is Prince Ben’Edikk of Aerianna and Egg’s husband.”
“Ladies” and Kon’dor smiled and gave each a small bow of the head. To the Prince, he said, “Forgive me Majesty; I do not know the protocol for addressing someone of royalty.”
Benny smiled. “Onboard this ship, there is no protocol except one – no titles. Everyone addresses me as Benny; I would hope you will do the same?”
“As you wish.” He hesitated then asked, “If I may ask, did you sustain your injury trying to save my people?”
Benny dismissed the thought with a wave of his hand. “A misunderstanding led to a minor wound. It is nothing.”
Kon’dor appreciated the response. Let us not forget, most men prefer to suffer in silence. Go figure. Anyway, he then took a moment to take in the control room of the ship and was mightily impressed. “Perhaps when there is time and if it’s permissible, someone could give me a tour of this vessel?” He addressed the question to the Prince.
“This ship is property of the Hameggattic Sisterhood. My dear wife is the one who would give you permission.”
If that was surprising, Kon’dor didn’t show it. He simply nodded then turned toward Egg.
“Absolutely. Normally Serenity would do the honors, but I think I’ll ask Skotti to join you two. I’m sure he has some technical questions about the Glass he’s dying to ask you. However, we need to make a few decisions first. Why don’t we all go to the conference room and figure out our next moves and maybe grab a bite to eat.”
“Oh, that reminds me,” interrupted Sparky. “Jax’x and I came up with this,” and she handed a crystal necklace to Egg.
“What am I looking at?”
“Go ahead and tell her, Jax’x, since it was your idea.”
Egg smiled. “You two seem to be playing nice together.”
“I admit it; I’ve met my match.” It was probably the greatest compliment Sparky had ever given to anyone.
“Whoa, what about me?” teased her love.
A normally rude remark was replaced with a little of Jax’x-learned snark. “My admiration for you is boundless. Clever, inquisitive and on a scale of one to ten, a solid seven when it comes to kissing.”
Everyone smiled – except Ix’nay (who had no idea what they were talking about) and the grease monkey (who had just been mortally wounded). “I will have my revenge,” he threatened.
“Enough you two. Jax’x, tell us what this is, please. Keep it simple.”
“The short answer is that each crystal acts like a laser and gives off coherent light . . . each at a different frequency. We didn’t know which would be the most beneficial to Ix’nay so we gave him a little variety.”
“What powers them?”
“They’ve been bathed in concentrated axion particles. They’ll last for decades.”
“Impressive. What say you, Ix?”
“Gratitude and deeply awed. Specifications accessible to the Rak’nex?”
“Let’s try it on you first. If it works well, then you can get all the information you need to produce more.”
“Appreciation.”
Egg walked up to the creature who bent his knees so the girl could affix the necklace. “So, does it work?”
“Word for extensive joy?”
Egg smiled. “I’ll take that for a yes. Come on, let’s go talk.”
*****
Kon’dor was presented with all the alternatives available to him and his people. He listened intently, asked a few questions then came to a quick decision. “Since the supply ships will not be here for another two weeks, I will leave my people inside the Glass. In fact, I will ‘lock the door’ so to speak. It won’t do anyone any good to exit and roam around without food or water.”
Bree asked, “That reminds me
, why did you ask Feather to explain your decision back in the cave?”
“She is highly intelligent and represents the next generation of Sky’lords. She needs to learn to think for herself and not rely on her elders. Though I’m just a flight instructor, I care deeply for our children and feel it’s my responsibility to do all that I can to bring out the best in each of them.”
Bree had been staring intently at Kon’dee’s face as he spoke. When he finished, it took every bit of will power not to grab the man and kiss him. Egg saw her reaction and put her hand on her friend’s arm just in case the girl needed to be restrained.
“That’s very noble of you.”
“Thank you but I hope not. I would think everyone felt the same way.”
Bree licked her lips so Egg interrupted the two. “You’re a good man. Love to hear more about your philosophy. Benny and I are thinking about making changes to Aeriannian society and any input would be appreciated. So, back to the issue at hand . . .”
“I would like to speak to the clan leaders or government heads of Zynn-Zaz’zia to see if relocating there would be in everyone’s best interest. The final decision of course would be with my fellow Sky’lords. However, I would like to have that alternative settled before I broach it with them. If that does not work out for whatever reason, then I will avail myself to the Prince’s generous offer of assistance in rebuilding our world.”
“Should you and your people choose to stay, you might want to consider sending the young and the very old to Aerianna while the work is being performed. Regardless of the help we provide, it will be hard work and uncomfortable for a protracted length of time.”
“Agreed. But, again, I can only offer that to my people. It will be their decision.”
“May I say something?” asked Skotti.
“You are a member of this team,” replied Egg. “What’s on your mind?”
“Seems to me that this planet belongs to the Sky’lords. Technically, they never left it. So, the folks in the southern hemisphere need to be paying rent on the land that they’re using. This will give Kon’dor and his people a source of income.”
“Excellent suggestion,” said the Prince. “Kon’dor, I will have my legal team work with the proper authorities in the Federation and see what can be done.”
The winged man steepled his fingers as he gave that some thought. “I’m inclined not to pursue that. We never used the southern hemisphere and it seems morally wrong to claim it now. However, perhaps we can trade with them - lodging and food for as long as we might need to rebuild in lieu of monies for land use.”
And so it went for another hour. Finally, there remained just one issue to resolve . . . the Reverie Glass nee Cognitron. “I will make a unilateral decision and return the device to the Rak’nex. It was, and is, rightfully yours. Returning it is also a way to thank you for saving our lives.”
“Ix, you kept saying ‘cease to exist’. What did you mean?”
“Sentience would be forever terminated.”
Everyone was silent as they considered his words. It was Serenity who finally asked, “Why would the Mentorians build that function into the Glass?”
“Not all Rak’nex deserved to be self-aware.”
Kon’dor understood. “If a member of your society went . . . went rogue, you would return them to their natural state.”
“Affirmative.”
“A bit harsh” commented the Prince.
“Kindliest retribution,” countered Ix.
“Ah, I see your point. Not that you asked, but I do approve.”
The Fleet Engineer was curious - “So Ix, how were you planning on returning to your home world with the Cognitron?”
The answer was lost in a mini-explosion of twinkling lights that couldn’t be translated.
Skotti smiled. “I hear you, brother.”
Everyone looked at the young man. “Lover boy, what are you talking about? Actually, what is he talking about?”
“Ix has been so focused on reacquiring the Cognitron that he gave no thought to what he would do once he achieved his goal. Think of how frustrating that is – win the battle but lose the war.”
“Immeasurable sadness.”
Jax’x asked another pertinent question. “Ix, do you have a way of powering the device once you get it home?”
“Affirmative. Harnessed infinite gravity well.”
“I’m going to regret this, but what does that mean?” asked Egg reluctantly.
Whatever Ix replied, it was full of technical references that the translator could not understand.
“Sparky,” said Jax’x. “Explain it to them.”
“An infinite gravity well is a black hole. Seemingly, they found a way to capture the energy it generates.”
Skotti was beside himself. “That is awesome. Ix, do you know how it’s done?”
“Negative.”
“And that’s disappointing.”
Bree offered the most obvious answer to the problem at hand. “We could give Ix a ship. L’elle mentioned in her journal that his ships were a lot slower than hers so it won’t take as long to get home.” And that reminded her “Oh, Kon’dee I’m so sorry,” and she hurried out of the room and returned with the ancient diary. “Here, this is yours,” and she reverently handed him the last written words by the woman he loved.
He took it from her, his eyes a bit moist. “Thank you. I’ll read this later.” Again, without forethought, Bree squeezed the man’s shoulder.
“Benny, is that possible? Can you give Ix a ship?” asked Serenity.
“Of course. But it won’t be designed for his . . . form.”
“Get Grex and Aero to work on it. They can speed up the propulsion drive and program an AI to interface with Ix’s twinkling lights. Jax’x has plotted a course back to his home world. The trip should take no more than six months.”
And then Skotti dropped a bombshell. “I should go with him.”
“Skotti, no. No.” As you would expect, Serenity was shocked and horrified by his suggestion.
“Sparky, if I can learn how to harness the energy from a black hole, it would be a game changer.” He turned to the Prince. “With your permission, Sire.”
Benny was about to respond but Egg put her hand on his arm to stop him.
“You would leave me?” the bitter accusation in Serenity’s voice was uncomfortably evident. “You’d be gone for a year maybe two.”
“Then come with me.”
“I can’t. I’m a Hameggattic Sister; I won’t abandon them.” Putting her obligation to the Sisterhood over her longing to be with the first love she had ever known was beyond difficult. It did, however, show the strength of the girl’s character.
“You’ll always be a Hameggattic Sister.”
Without thinking, she turned away from Skotti and towards Benny. As she opened her mouth to speak, Jax’x leapt over to the girl and smothered her mouth in her hand. “Don’t,” she said.
“But . . .”
“You begged me to keep you from saying something that could endanger your relationship. I’m just doing what you asked.”
The others had no idea what was happening – but to a person, they did not interrupt.
Serenity exhaled loudly. “Thanks.” She had been about to ask Benny to order the Lieutenant not to go with Ix. That would have been ‘going over his head’, ‘around his back’ and ‘under handed’ all in one gesture. It would also have been a tragic mistake.
Trying to convince her with logic, the young man said, “Sparky, if you come with me you could be an emissary for Egg and the Sisterhood.” Her eyes wide and unblinking as she considered his words, Serenity turned from the young man to her sister but said nothing.
“You don’t need my permission,” said Egg gently. “I would never stand in your way to be happy. Besides, a year or two isn’t that long in the grand scheme of things. You won’t be letting us down; you could never do that. Always remember that we owe you so much – I owe you so much. Givi
ng you a little time is the very least we can do to repay you.”
“And don’t forget, they still have me,” teased Jax’x. She was sad at the prospect of losing her best friend but was determined not to let on.
The look on Serenity’s face was total confusion and uncertainty . . . her heart being pulled in opposite directions. But in an instant, that changed to shock and surprise when Skotti dropped yet another bombshell - “But you can’t go unless you marry me first.”
*****
Bree, Jax’x, Benny and Egg smiled broadly. Kon’dor nodded his approval while Ix twinkled his confusion.
On the other hand, Serenity blushed furiously. This whole exchange was totally unexpected, way too public and leagues out of her comfort zone. “Can you guys excuse us for a moment?”
“NO,” cried Jax’x. “That’s not happening. Answer the man’s question.”
This time it was Serenity’s turn to drop a bombshell. “I can’t marry you.”
“Why not?” Skotti was so sure she would say yes.
“It . . . it seems wrong.”
Now everyone joined Ix in their confusion. “Why would a marriage proposal seem wrong? I thought you loved me.”
“I do love you.”
“But not enough to marry me? Well . . . um . . . well, sorry to embarrass you.” Having his proposal turned down in front of the Prince, Egg and the others was beyond mortifying. It would be like a guy asking a girl at a baseball game – on national TV – to marry him and she laughs at the preposterous idea. Ouch.
“Maybe you two should finish this in private,” suggested Egg.
“I know it’s totally inappropriate, but may I say something?” asked Kon’dor. He addressed the question to Serenity.
“Sure, I guess.”
“Before I was a flight instructor for the young, I was the Kommander of the Deep Space Exploration Corps. Our task, as the name implies, was to visit very distant stellar anomalies and study them. A typical mission could take three or four years to complete. Before I left on my first – and only – assignment, I asked L’elle to marry me.” Bree’s head snapped up so fast and hard it almost caused an injury. “Since she was in Service, as my wife she could be assigned to go with me. She told me no. Please remember (and he stole a glance at Bree), we were very much in love.”
Lady Eloise [Book 6 of Ever After, an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 3
