Box Set #5: Nemesis: [The 4 book 5th adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood]

by Robert Iannone

  “I understand. No, no – we’ll take this nice and slow. But . . . but not too slow because I think I’m in love with you.”

  She didn’t want to but she barked out a laugh. Kr’eep’s face fell . . . just avoiding his knees as it hit the floor. “I’m sorry, that was mean of me. It’s just that I thought love at first sight was stuff of make-believe. But I felt it when I first saw you . . . and I’m so overjoyed you feel the same about me. You do, don’t you? You weren’t just saying that?”

  Disgustingly, the creep actually drooled as he answered. “I really meant it. You are the most beautiful woman in the world. I’m not just saying that so you’ll let me . . . um, you know. I actually mean it.”

  “Well, that deserves a kiss. But just one.” She leaned over and he turned his head so she could kiss his cheek. “No, silly . . . on your lips.”

  “Lips?

  “Those things,” and she pointed.

  “You want to kiss me there?” His eyes were wide, and his breathing had stopped.

  “Only if you want me to”.

  Apparently he did.

  *****

  On the Gracie

  As they made their way to the control room, Egg asked Jax’x, “Do you have a photograph of Jay’gar?” She was dying of curiosity.

  “What is that?”

  “A picture.”

  “I have an image if that’s what you’re asking. The Divine Ones will make them for you . . . usually.”

  “Can I see?”

  “Of course” and she reached into a pocket and tenderly pulled out a black and white photo . . .

  “Here,” and she handed it to Egg.

  The girl examined it. “Wow. Very handsome . . . and sexy.”

  “Thank you . . . but I’m not sure I understand the word sexy.”

  “It just means that he’s very appealing to women. A sexy woman would be very appealing to men.”

  “Oh. Then yes, he’s sexy.”

  “He kind of reminds me of Lord Z’kkk, Dazzle’s husband. Of course, his skin is blue.”

  “Blue? Do you have an image of him?”

  “No. But I’ll have Serenity find one on the computer.”

  “I’d like that. How truly amazing the universe must be. BreeZee has wings, Bl’azzz is a dragon, and Tee’ka is an A.I. And the colors! Everyone on this world is beige. But Spirit has golden tones to her skin, Serenity brown, BreeZee yellow. You mentioned a girl named Sassi who is green. And your Prince, like his father, is blue. How wonderful.”

  “Sadly, on some worlds, people are discriminated against on the basis of their skin color.”

  “But why?”

  “Don’t really know. My guess . . . stupidity.”

  “So Spell’ Bound isn’t the worse world out there?”

  “Not by a long shot. In your case, brilliant minds created amazing technology that was eventually used for selfish purposes. It happens. Anyway, don’t show that picture to Tee’ka or you’ll have to fight off two girls. Here we are,” and they entered the control room. “Hey, Spirit . . .” but then she spotted Jynxie. “How are you feeling, you poor Shamie?”

  “Grrrrrrr, Burp.”

  “I’m so sorry. Can I get you something?”

  “She has been staring out the view screen . . . hoping to see Paradox.”

  “Are you sure she can hang in there for a few more days?”

  “She’s feeling the irresistible pull of motherhood. For her, it’s overwhelming . . . but not yet dangerous to her physical health. Emotionally, she’s like any other lovelorn woman – pining away for the man of her dreams.”

  “She dreams about men?” asked an incredulous Jax’x.

  “As often as most humans. Sometimes it makes me jealous. There has never been a man in my life for me to dream about.”

  “But you’re so exotic, so nice. How is that possible?”

  “I’ve had to run and hide since I was ten. There were those on my world that would have tried to enslave me for my powers. But, thanks to Egg, they are now gone.”

  Jax’x turned to Egg. ”You saved her world too?”

  “She’s giving me way too much credit. When we helped topple her Imperial Highness, Violetta Viva Velveeta, the bad guys on Paradox lost their access to some technology. I don’t even know the details.”

  Jax’x shook her head in disbelief. “You accidently saved an entire world. Incredible.”

  “Blind luck . . . and not important. Spirit, have you talked to Serenity?”

  “She said she would call shortly with a progress report.”

  “And how is our dragon lady doing with the creep?”

  “Last I checked, they were alone in a bedroom and he was kissing her.”

  “Why that little tramp. That didn’t take her long,” teased Egg.

  “What is a tramp?” asked the former Librarian.

  “In this case, a woman of low moral standards.”

  “Spirit . . .” came a crackling voice over the intercom.

  “Serenity, it’s me,” responded Egg. “What’s going on?”

  “I’ll let Bree tell you.”

  A new voice said, “Egg, you’re not going to believe this. Po is with Jagged Peak and someone named Lightning Flash who works for a different Absolute.”

  Jax’x explained, “She works for Grassy Knoll, Peak for Forest Green. I’m pretty sure she has no business being in the Library.”

  Bree responded, “Po said they’re working together and they’re on our side.”

  “WHAT?” That could have been either Egg or Jax’x or maybe both.

  “You heard right. Lightning Bolt . . . I mean Flash . . . went to the Library to save Jax’x. Then Peak appeared and the long and the short of it, they began kissing.”

  “Geez, it’s like an epidemic.”

  “Say again.”

  “Nothing. Anyway, that explains why he missed us with those lightning bolts. And why I never got goosebumps. What about Tee? How is she?”

  “They’re discussing that right now. I’ll get back to you as soon as I hear.”

  “Good job, Bree. We’ll be waiting.”

  *****

  The Library

  The Librarian cleared her throat. Then, once again. She finally got their attention on the third try. “Thank you for clarifying your relationship. Now, tell me what happened to Tee’ka.”

  “She’s is fine . . . all things considered.” Po felt a wave of relief wash over her.

  “Where is she? What do you intend to do with her?”

  “In a manner of speaking, she’s right here,” and he waved his hand to indicate the room they were in. “But, before I do anything, I need to meet with those that are helping you. Is that flying girl I saw their leader?”

  “Yes.”

  “We need to meet with her.”

  “Why?”

  “I need to know that you and Pond Ripple have credible allies. Flash and I are putting our lives in your hands. If I don’t give my Absolute some meaningful information in the next day, this Tee’ka will die . . . and so will I. And if Flash doesn’t produce you, she could die.”

  “Well, you can certainly take me to Grassy Knoll. That won’t be a problem.”

  “You are either very brave or very stupid.”

  “Neither, I assure you.”

  “What are you not telling us?”

  “I am not telling you anything. That is for Egg to do if she so chooses.”

  “Egg?”

  “Flying Girl.”

  “Very well. When and where can we meet? Remember, Flash must produce you very soon. I, on the other hand, have a little time.”

  “I will go with Lightning Flash now. As for you, I should think a quick trip to the heavens will suffice.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Flash grabbed her lover’s arm. “Are you sure you can trust them?”

  “We have no choice.” To Po he said, “Your move Librarian.”

  “First, I need to tell you that
. . . um, that I won’t remember any of this conversation. In fact, I won’t even remember how either of you got here.”

  The other two scrunched their faces in confused unison.

  “Egg will explain it to you. I just didn’t want Flash to think I was acting strange.”

  Lightning Flash, in a flash of insight, asked, “You are not the Librarian, are you?”

  “No. This is an artificial body.” She put up her hand to stop the questions. “I can control it or I can turn it over to an artificial intelligence that mimics the Librarian.”

  “How is that possible?”

  “Truthfully, I have no idea. But it obviously works.”

  “So who are you? One of their allies?” asked Peak.

  “I am Pond Ripple. But please, if we’re going to work together, call me Po.”

  As the other two continued to gawk, Po returned the avatar to the A.I. Simultaneously, Serenity beamed Jagged Peak to her ship.

  Lightning Flash stared at the place where her lover had just stood. She finally turned when she heard “Hello. Who are you?” from the Librarian.

  Lightning Flash studied the avatar but said nothing.

  “I said hello. What can I do for you?”

  The other girl smiled in appreciation of what she was witnessing. “My name is Lightning Flash. I am taking you to see my Absolute.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m sure she’ll tell you. Shall we go?”

  “As you wish. But I have much work to do and this interruption is terribly inconvenient.”

  Chapter 8 – Little Po Peak

  In a twinkle of an eye, Jagged Peal rematerialized on the bridge of the Astral. He took a moment to look around and get his bearings. Satisfied, he turned to the girl in the wheelchair and asked, “Where am I?”

  “Look out there,” and Serenity pointed to the view screen.

  Peak did as he was told. “Spell ‘Bound, I presume?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s much more beautiful from up here. You can’t see the destruction.”

  “We can restore your world to its natural beauty.”

  Peak turned to face the girl. “By turning off MAGEK, I presume.”

  “Indeed. My name is Serenity . . . and these two are BreeZee and Pond Ripple, who I think you know.” The two girls had just entered.

  “Pond Ripple, we have never been formally introduced. I am Jagged Peak and I cannot tell you what a privilege it is to meet you under these circumstances,” and he nodded his hooded head. To BreeZee he said, “If I had any doubts that you people were not from this world, they are completely gone. Can you really fly?”

  “Actually, we call it sailing. I can’t flap my wings, only extend them to catch the wind or a breeze. They are very efficient in generating lift.” She extended them in all their full glory . . . to satisfy the man’s curiosity and to preen a bit. Jagged Peak was very good looking.

  “Beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” and she actually blushed. (I just have to say, these girls really needed a night on the town, so to speak.)

  He turned back to Serenity. “That chair – it seems mobile and complex. Is it a means of transportation?”

  “Yes,” she answered but did not elaborate.

  “And where is your leader – the Egg that flies?”

  Serenity raised a finger indicating she needed a moment. Into her communications channel she said, “He’s ready for you. Shall I send him over or will you come here?”

  “Beam him over. Meanwhile, keep an eye on the Librarian. If it looks like we can take advantage of the situation, put Po back in control. Can she hear me?”

  “I can, Egg.”

  “If you think you can use your powers to advance the cause, go ahead and do it.”

  “No,” interjected Peak. “If she fails then Grassy Knoll will be on to us. Better to wait till we can coordinate with one another.”

  “That was Peak, I presume.”

  “Yes. What do you want me to do, Egg?”

  “Just be ready to take control. We can’t afford to lose an opportunity. Meanwhile, let me talk to our guest. Serenity, anytime you’re ready.”

  The girl in the chair looked at the young man who nodded back. “Here he comes,” and Peak was transported to the other ship. The first thing that he saw upon rematerializing was . . .

  “I’m Egg. Where’s Tee’ka?”

  Peak was a bit taken back by the brusqueness of his greeting. “She is safe.”

  “I want her . . . NOW.”

  “Not until we come to a satisfactory agreement.”

  “Let me give you a quick education when dealing with the Hameggattic Sisterhood. Lesson number one . . . no one messes with my sisters, mister. No one. Lesson number two, I don’t take kindly to threats. And three, be nice and so will I.”

  “You would make a great Absolute.”

  Egg didn’t respond to the apparent compliment. Instead she touched the button on the intercom “Spirit.”

  “Yes Egg,” came a mechanical voice (since the intercom couldn’t relay telepathy).

  “Beam this guy back to the Library.”

  “WAIT,” called Peak.

  “Egg?”

  “Hang on a second.” To the young man she asked, “What am I waiting for?”

  “Do you not wish to negotiate an alliance?”

  “Of course I do . . . after I get my sister back.”

  “How do I know I can trust you?”

  “Because I don’t lie.”

  Poor Jagged Peak, he was simply unprepared to deal with someone like Egg . . . in most respects an alien Absolute. But he did understand that he needed this person’s help more than she needed his. He held out his hand bearing the Hex ring and it began to glow. He then made a slashing motion with that hand. To Egg’s shock, it looked like the fabric of space was being ripped open. Peak pushed his hand into the tear and pulled. Lo and behold, out came Tee’ka.

  “Tee,” cried Egg as she ran up to the girl and gave her a ferocious hug.

  “Ouch”.

  “Oh, sorry. I’m just so glad to see you. Are you okay?”

  “A little shaken,” she joked.

  “Where were you?” and she pointed to the slash that was slowly healing itself.

  “In some ways, it was like being back inside the Laff’Alott computer complex. I was just a small point of light in an infinite sea of nothing.”

  Egg smiled. “Wow that was quite poetic.”

  “Silly, I’m a nerd when it comes to words,” came the teasing reply.

  “Yeah . . . not as much as you think. Anyway, what happened to you?”

  “One second I was with Po then the next I was in there,” and she pointed at the now healed tear in space. “Later, he took me out and I met his boss. She was mean especially when I talked like you.”

  “Talked like me?”

  “Yup. But it got her really mad and she shook me with her magic. But this very handsome man helped me. His name is Jagged Peak and . . .” she leaned over to whisper in Egg’s ear, “. . . I think I love him.”

  “Good grief.”

  “It is good, isn’t it?”

  “No, you dopey doe-eyed dufus.”

  Peak cleared his throat to get their attention. “You two are very charming but there’s a revolution afoot . . . and we need your help.”

  “Do you really think I’m charming?” asked the doe-eye dufus.

  “Tee, go find Jax’x and Spirit,” and she shoved the girl out the door. “Sorry about her. She so desperately wants to fall in love.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “She used to be a computer program.”

  “What?”

  “Not important.”

  At that moment, in walked Jax’x and Spirit followed by Tee. “Librarian . . . you are the real Librarian, are you not?”

  “Yes, Peak. I can’t tell you how excited I am that you’re on our side. After that incident with Po, I thought I had been completely deceived by
you.”

  “I tried to tell you. However, this is turning out so much better than Flash and I ever expected.”

  “Who’s Flash?” asked Tee.

  “Lightning Flash is my lover and co-conspirator.”

  “Are you sure?” asked a broken-hearted former computer program.

  “Am I sure that she’s my lover?”

  Egg raised her hand to stop that line of questioning. “Tee thought you might be single . . . and available.”

  “Well, that is very flattering. Sorry, I am deeply in love.”

  “Do you have a brother?”

  Jagged Peak laughed . . . making his rugged good looks even more appealing. “You have gotten over your broken heart rather quickly. To answer your question – I don’t know. I was taken away from my family when I was young.”

  “Okay guys, let’s concentrate on the task at hand. What type of alliance are you looking for?” she asked him.

  “First and foremost that we work together to overthrow the status quo.”

  “That begs two questions. First, why would you want the status quo to change? And second, what did you expect to take its place?”

  Instead of answering the questions, he turned to Jax’x and asked, “Do you know why the former Librarian was replaced by you?”

  “No, I was never told.”

  “She had given the Absolutes almost no meaningful information in the three years she held that post. Unlike you who gave them bits and pieces of not-quite useful tidbits of science and history . . . our former Librarian gave them nothing because she is one of us. Then you came along. Not a Hex or and X . . . but a Heart. They did not know what that meant but decided it was best to keep you close and under control until they could determine if you were a threat.”

  Jax’x looked into the man’s eyes. “But you do know what the heart represents, don’t you?”

  “You are an Amber Heart . . . the last of your kind.”

  Egg interrupted with her own question. “You know about MAGEK. Did the former Librarian tell you about it?”