As she tried to step back, he reached out and pulled her close. This time the kiss was a tad less innocent.
Now back on the ship, she replied to Egg’s question with, “It was an interesting experience.”
The others waited for more information but Bree pretended to busy herself with some chore. Sparky was having none of it. “Spill it – now. Don’t force me to get grumpy.”
Skotti pleaded, “Bree, please – for all of our sake.” Under his breath, he added, “especially for my sake.”
“Oh, all right. I met L’elle.”
Chapter 5 – Sisters in Transition
“WHAT?” That could have been anybody.
“It was a three-word answer – which part didn’t you understand?”
“I’m going to pluck her feathers,” growled Serenity.
“Kon’dor, care to explain?” asked the Prince who was just as curious as the rest.
“With respect, no,” He gave Bree a wink.
“Jax’x,” called Egg. “Beam her to the infirmary. Maybe we can program the auto-doc to extract the information.”
“It’ll be excruciatingly painful.”
“Not a problem.”
“All right. No need to get your panties in a bunch. Kon’dee . . . sorry, sorry. I mean Kon’dor invited me to share one of his fondest memories. Naturally, the woman he loved was in it.”
“Did you get to interact with her?” asked a fascinated Skotti.
“No. I just kind of eavesdropped on them.”
“Why?”
“I’ll let him tell you.”
Everyone turned toward the Sky’lord. “Bree and I have a mutual attraction. And as you all know, I had a relationship with L’elle that she shared with BreeZee through her diary.” He laughed softly. “It wouldn’t surprise me in the least that she knew it would happen that way. I didn’t want her ghost to come between us. So, I thought if Bree met L’elle and could put a face and a voice to that ghost, it would make it easier for her to see that she’s not in a competition with my past.”
The girls melted at the man’s thoughtfulness while the two other men thought the same thing – is this guy nuts? Why would you ever have your last two girlfriends meet? Men – what do they know?
“She was beautiful and funny,” added BreeZee graciously.
“Now your turn,” Kon’dor told her.
“We switched his magic jewelry and he got to share one of my experiences.”
“I know which one,” replied Egg.
“No, you don’t.”
“You’re my sister. I know exactly how your mind works.” That was punctuated with a smile from which her tongue protruded.
“Wife, I will be monumentally impressed if you get this right.”
“Never bet against our legendary leader,” warned Jax’x.
“Go ahead, miss know-it-all,” said Bree ‘egging’ on her sister. “Tell us.”
“Well, if you insist. It was after the Ascension Storm when you touched your colorless wings to the Ascension Stone and they turned the beautiful colors they are now.”
Both Bree and her new boyfriend stared. Then, the girl ran up to her sister and threw her arms around her. “And that’s why we will always follow you anywhere.”
*****
Grex and Aero finally arrived with the modified spacecraft. It was the Astral, Serenity’s ship. Bl’azzz, I’za and Tee’ka chose to accompany them – all feeling badly for taking time off from the Sisterhood. Upon docking with the Gracie, they made their way to the command center
Before they could say a word to their friends, they spotted the somewhat unusual form of Ix. Egg, still in her giggly phase, had purposely not warned her sisters of the big bug in advance – only telling them of Kon’dor.
What happened next was quite revealing. The two men, even though they had seen images of Ix, took a reflexive step backwards while Bl’azzz and her two sisters stepped in front to protect the men. The Sky’lord found it very amusing and barked a laugh. In truth, had he not been forewarned he would be meeting a dragon, he, too, might have taken a step back.
“What’s he laughing about?” demanded Hot Lips.
“Sorry,” answered Kon’dor. “But I have heard so much about the bravery of the legendary Sisterhood. To see it in action . . . well, sorry. I was rude. By the way, I am Kon’dor of the Sky’lords.”
“Bl’azzz. The pointy-eared one is I’za; the cute one is Tee’ka. This big, beautiful guy over here is Aero and the little one is Grex.” She turned to the others, “What is that?”
She was answered by a burst of blinking lights followed by the mechanical voice of the translator. “Greetings. I am Ix’nay of the Rak’nex.”
“Fascinating,” commented Aero.
“Gentlemen, first things first, status of the fleet, please.”
“Your Majesty, they’re still about a week out,” reported Aero. “If I might suggest, at some point we should upgrade the rest of your ships with the new propulsion modifications.”
“An excellent suggestion . . . and your next assignment when we return.”
“Yes, sir. I could certainly use Mr. Toff’s assistance.”
“What say you, Grex?”
“It would be my pleasure, sir.” The two had grown quite fond of each other – something the human-averse dragon would never have foreseen.
“Let’s go to the lounge so we can bring everyone up to speed,” suggested Egg.
“I did wonder why the doors seem unusually large,” commented Kon’dor. “Now I understand,” and he nodded towards Bl’azzz.
“We also have two sisters who are sea serpents as well as another dragon,” explained Bree.
“Amazing. I look forward to meeting all of them.”
They made themselves comfortable in the lounge. Jax’x and Grex took it upon themselves to offer refreshments. When they got to Ix, Jax’x asked, “May I show the necklace to my friend?”
“Affirmative.”
The big bug bent down so Jax’x could slip it off. She handed it to Grex.
“What is it?”
“Ix feeds off the electromagnetic emissions of these lasers.”
“Really? Can I assumed that you chose to use different wavelengths to give our guest a little variety?”
“Actually, we didn’t know which wavelength was best so we gave him a choice.”
“Ix, can you . . . taste the different emissions?” That was a question neither Jax’x nor Serenity had thought to ask.
“Taste?”
“Can you differentiate between these,” and he held up the crystals.
“Affirmative.”
“Which is your favorite?” asked Jax’x more teasing than curious.
“Green.”
“Hey you guys, come join in the conversation,” called Egg.
Jax’x replaced the necklace and thanked the Rak’nex. Without thinking, she grabbed Grex’s hand and led him to a couch.
*****
An hour later, the newcomers were all caught up. It will come as absolutely no surprise that the men were beside themselves thinking about the technology of Reverie Glass nee Cognitron while the women were equally excited about the discovery of a lost civilization and the new relationship between Bree and the Sky’lord.
There was only one more subject to discuss. “When Skotti heard that the Rak’nex have learned how to harness the energy from a black hole, he decided he should go back with Ix and learn what he can.”
“It’s a game changer for the rest of us. This knowledge could literally jump start the Federation’s next great technological advancement. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”
“How long will you be gone?” asked Aero who was toying with the idea of joining the young man.
“Roundtrip transit time is a year. I’ll probably be there for at least another six months.”
The three newly arrived sisters turned to look at Serenity.
“What?” she barked – though she was bursting at the seams to tell them what h
ad transpired. However, why make it easy on them.
“Aren’t you a little upset?” asked I’za.
“About what?”
“Him leaving for that long?”
“I hadn’t really given it much thought.”
“Liar,” declared the dragon. “Or as Soo would say – you’re a flagrant fabricator of falsehoods.”
“How is Soo?” replied the grump.
“Don’t change the subject. If I burp and burn, your butt will be the first victim.”
“And you call me a grump.”
“Spill it, girlie.”
She did . . . and out came the hugs and champagne one more time. Unfortunately, Bl’azzz took the opportunity to play her kazoo.
*****
“Will you gentlemen take Ix’nay, Skotti and Serenity on a tour of the ship? There is still time for last minute minor modifications if they deem them necessary.”
“Yes, Sir.” To the others, Aero said, “This way, if you would?”
Egg turned to Jax’x. “Go on. Grex looks anxious to say a proper hello.”
The girl shrugged as if indifferent. Then a smile broke across her face and she hurried after the others.
“They really do grow up fast,” Egg said to the rest.
“You may have to change the bylaws of the Sisterhood. Only married, engaged or in-love ladies need apply,” suggested Benny jokingly.
“Just the opposite. We all fell in love after we joined.”
“Point taken. Besides, single women are much more fearsome than their happily married or otherwise-in-love counterparts. OW, that hurt.” He rubbed his arm where his wife punched him.
“You’re such a girl. Finish what you were saying.”
“I got nothing.”
*****
They spent a full day trying to create a wedding dress that could fit over Serenity’s exoskeleton and still look attractive. It wasn’t easy . . . and she wasn’t helping.
“I’m bored.”
“Sparky, we’re doing this for you. Get your mind in the game,” demanded Jax’x.
“If I have to try on another dress, I’ll scream.”
“Here,” and Egg handed her another garment. “Scream all you want.”
“This is the last one.”
“It’s the last one when we say it is. Now, go change.”
A few minutes later she called out, “I look stupid.”
“That’s for us to decide, not you. Now come out here.”
“If anyone laughs, I’ll get even,” and she stepped into the room . . .
“Tamales caliente, girl. You look gorgeous,” exclaimed Egg. (Not really sure why she was still speaking Spanish).
“You actually look female for a change,” needled Jax’x. “Now try smiling.”
“Not happening.”
“Serenity, you look truly lovely,” said Bree. “He’s going to go crazy when he sees you.”
“He’s already crazy seeing as he’s marrying her,” tormented Bl’azzz with affection.
“Can I have the dress when you’re finished?” asked Tee’ka in all her innocence.
Not to be left out, I’za said, “I for one approve. You do look very sophisticated and stunning.”
“You’re all liars. You were getting as bored as I was and just wanted to stop this madness.”
“I’m warning you, girlfriend . . . if you don’t start getting into the spirit of the occasion by smiling from ear-to-ear, I’m going to have Jax’x create a Sparky avatar – programmed to be happy and charming - and we’ll trick your man into marrying her.” Egg was probably kidding.
The girl put on a grin that would have made Batman’s Joker jealous. “Better?”
“NO. I mean yes. Much better.” Egg turned to Jax’x. “You might want to work on that with her.”
*****
Skotti put on his Navy ‘dress’ uniform . . . with gold braids, epaulets and a handful of medals and citations. He left his cabin and found his friend. “How do I look?” he asked Grex.
The other man eyed him from head to foot. “Sufficiently average as to not offend anyone.”
“High praise, I’m flattered.”
“Am I intruding?”
The two men turned to face the Prince. “Of course not, Sir.”
“Skotti, if you don’t start calling me Benny I’ll have you Court Marshalled.”
“Would that involve a firing squad?” asked Grex unhelpfully.
“Perhaps forty lashes for the first offense.” Turning serious, Benny said “in as much as you are about to embark on an official Navy assignment, and you will be representing all of Aerianna in a ‘first contact’ diplomatic mission, it would be unseemly to have our emissary be a lowly lieutenant. Therefore, as fleet Admiral, I hereby award you a field promotion to the rank of Captain,” and he extended his hand.
Skotti was stunned and simply stared at the proffered appendage. Grex shook his head in disgust and slapped his friend on the back. “Take his hand or he’ll up those forty lashes to one hundred.”
“What? Oh. Oh, sorry Sir,” and he did as Grex suggested though a bit more enthusiastically then was proper.
“Allow me to put these on you,” and Ben’Edikk stepped closer, removed Skotti’s lieutenant insignias and replaced them with those of captain. He then snapped off a salute which the other man returned.
“Thank you, Sir. I promise I won’t let you down.”
“I assume that refers to the mission and to your wife-to-be. Now, if you are ready, I have a marriage ceremony to perform.”
*****
The men entered the lounge which the ladies had redecorated for the festivities. Benny had taken the time to explain to Ix what was about to happen. The Rak’nex was mystified by the concept.
“They wish to mate?”
“For humanoids, it is a bit more complicated than that. They wish to spend the rest of their lives together – working in a partnership of equals to achieve whatever goals they have or will make.”
“This ceremony – does it alter their minds to achieve this?”
Benny tried not to laugh. “In a way. It symbolizes what they already feel and formalizes that commitment to the world.”
“Apologies. Explanation is a null set.”
“Perhaps over the next six months – living in close proximity to them – you will begin to understand.”
“Acknowledged.”
“By the way, I wish to thank you for allowing them to accompany you . . . as well as your offer to teach them your technology.”
“Scales will be closer to balanced.”
“We do not see it that way. We are doing you a kindness – there is no requirement for reciprocity. However, we fully appreciate the gesture in sharing your technology.”
“Acknowledged.”
“We are very different species, that is obvious. But over time, perhaps we can learn from one another and come to appreciate those differences. At your convenience, I would encourage you to reach out to us, your new friends, and we can initiate a cultural exchange. You and your people are always welcomed to visit Aerianna.”
“Deep gratitude. Offer eagerly accepted.”
“Excellent.”
*****
Benny took his place at the head of the room – standing under a large communications screen. He was decked out in his finest princely attire and cut a very dashing figure. Standing in front of him was the bridegroom and Grex, his best man.
On that screen above Benny, were the faces of the Hameggattic Sisters not physically present. As their images appeared, Bree introduced them to Kon’dor and Ix. “This is Sylvia, one of the original sisters and Egg’s best friend from Earth. Syl, this is Kon’dor of the Sky’lords and Ix’nay of the Rak’nex.” All the sisters had been told of the impending wedding and of the two guests. They were also apprised of Bree’s developing relationship with Kon’dor but were asked not to say anything.
“I’m honored to meet both of you. Ix’nay, I wish I were there
so we could have an in-depth discussion of your society and the effects of the Cognitron will have on your future. As for you Kon’dor, anyone that gorgeous deserves a hug and a kiss. Maybe when you come to Zynn-Zaz’zia we could meet for a cup of coffee?”
“SYLVIA!” cried BreeZee. I said they were asked not to say anything; I didn’t say they agreed not to tease the heck out of their sister.
“What? Just trying to extend some intra-galactic love and affection.”
The winged man was not fooled by Syl’s statement and decided to respond in kind. “Greetings, Sylvia. I, too, am honored. As for that meeting, I was warned that the women of Earth are renowned for their generous spirit and uncontrollable urges. I should warn you, however, that I have been in the Reverie Glass for two hundred years without female companionship. Hopefully you can make the necessary allowances.”
“KON’DEE.” That was Bree again.
“Gorgeous and a sense of humor . . . sorry, not my type. Perhaps Bree might be interested.”
“I just might explore that possibility at the appropriate time.”
“Bree.”
“Yes, Syl?”
“He’s a keeper.”
*****
Kon’dor was fascinated by all the sisters. He had never seen a sea serpent – and now he had been introduced to two. The fact that one was a renowned scientist was beyond interesting.
The dragon Aeri’elle was the founder and head of a well-respected institution of learning. It peaked his desire to explore all the worlds of this Federation of Planets and experience the amazing variety of species that populated it.
He turned his attention back to Bree as she made the last introduction. “And may I introduce the Queen of Aerianna, M’egg-Alynnia. Meggy is Benny’s brother and Egg’s sister-in-law and a Hameggattic Sister.”
“Your Majesty,” and Kon’dor bowed his head.
“Greetings,” added Ix through his translator.
“First contact is always a great pleasure for me. On behalf of the peoples of Aerianna and all the worlds of the Federation of Planets, I welcome you and extend the hand of friendship. After the festivities, I would talk to each of you in turn.”
Chapter 6 – The Honeymooners
The wedding was like all weddings – beautiful bride, tears of joy from the sisters, smiles and congratulatory pats on the back for the groom, food and drink, and even some real wedding music (Bl’azzz pouted about the insult to her kazoo-playing abilities). What was really odd was that the bride chose a schmaltzy generations-old Earth song for her first dance with her new husband . . .
Lady Eloise [Book 6 of Ever After, an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 5
