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

by Robert Iannone

  “Three? Why so long?”

  Flying Girl was in no mood to justify herself. “If you are not there in three hours, this little revolution is off. Got it?”

  For a moment Peak thought he was talking to an Absolute. “I will send Lightning Flash.”

  Egg wanted to say, “Thought you might, you coward.” Instead, she replied, Fine. Three hours from now,” she repeated then disconnected. “Well, it’s party time.”

  “We’re not actually having a party, right?” asked a somewhat confused dragon.

  “I wish. No, we need to finalize our plans.”

  Chapter 6 – Chaos ‘mas Eve

  Aboard the Gracie

  “First things first. Xara, what do you need to write the program? Obviously we don’t have the key.”

  “For one thing, I need to be an Amber Heart again.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “To input the program into the key requires the gift. So until I get a pendant and access to the mini MAGEK unit, I can’t do anything.”

  “But I can.” Everyone turned to Po. “Once we are back on the surface, I can use my gift to write the code.”

  Now everyone turned to look at Xara. It was pretty obvious she wasn’t a happy camper. Trying to wiggle out of the situation, she started to lie with, “That won’t work. She doesn’t have the skill set required. She’ll only . . .”

  “Stop,” demanded Egg. “Find a way to make it work. In the meantime, what do you need to develop the code?”

  As mad as she was, Xara was also a realist. If plan A wasn’t going to work, she would just have to come up with a Plan B. “I’ll need . . . “ and she went on to describe some rather sophisticated equipment.

  Egg looked at her sister. “Serenity?”

  “I can provide most of that. But transcribing the final code onto a crystal . . . that could take me the better part of two days.”

  “We don’t have two days.”

  This time the other Amber Heart spoke up. “I can do it.”

  “How?” asked Serenity rather rudely.

  “I may not be connected to MAGEK, but as I’m sure you will recall (referring to their brush up where Jax’x had levitated the girl and her wheelchair), my pendant and I have enough power to accomplish the task.”

  Serenity mumbled something unladylike. The exchange was not lost on Xara.

  “Okay, you three go to wherever it is you need to go. And Jax’x, be sure to keep our guest in sight the whole time. Wouldn’t want her to get lost.”

  *****

  After they left, the Divine One said, “Egg.”

  “Yes, Po?”

  “Couldn’t Jax’x and I go now to the MAGEK cave so we can get Jay’gar back? You heard what Xara said – the longer he’s in there, the more damage will be done to his mind.”

  Flying Girl was sympathetic but there was no way to do what she was being asked. “I can only guess at what you and Jax’x are feeling . . . the pain and the worry. But, if I let you go now, the green lady is going to know somethings very wrong. We can’t tip our hand before we’re ready. Sorry. Truly.”

  The girl exhaled. “Of course. What was I thinking? Forget that I asked.”

  “Remember, if all goes well, we’ll have him back before the sun goes down tomorrow. Try to be patient . . . which is asking a lot, I know.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Nothing to thank me for. We haven’t done anything yet.”

  “Of course you have. You came here, you’re risking your lives and you’re creating your nemesis. And you’re doing it all for perfect strangers.” She laughed without mirth. “You all are the Divine Ones. Me and my kind are just selfish egotists that have lost our way . . . lost the noble purpose for which we were created. I’m so ashamed for being one of them.”

  BreeZee stepped forward and put her arms around the distraught girl. “As strange as it may seem, none of you have anything to apologize for. It was Xara and her mother that made the Divine Ones what they are.”

  “That’s being more than generous to us, and less than kind to those two.”

  “Not at all. As long as there were two groups, each kept the other honest and in check. When one was removed, that natural balance was gone. This generation of Divine Ones is only thinking and acting like the generation before them. Over the years, you and your traditions have become much like a religion. No one challenges those types of beliefs . . . that’s why it’s a religion. You take it all as a given and a matter of faith.”

  “So when we turn off the MAGEK,” added Egg, “people will realize that there was no divine in Divine Ones. It was just bad science. But there is something else that needs to be said. You did what no one before you ever did . . . realized that the current order of things is wrong. You don’t give yourself enough credit for that epiphany. You, my dearest Po, are extraordinary.”

  “Egg . . . I am most certainly not that. And the epiphany as you call it only came about because of Jax’x. She’s the extraordinary one.”

  “I will grant that you are both amazing people.”

  “Anyway, after we lose our gift, do you think the citizens will try to take revenge on us? I probably would if I were in their place.

  “Well, that’s where a good leader or two will need to step forward. Maybe Jay’gar and Jax’x could do that.”

  “Egg.”

  “Yes, Tee?”

  “I don’t think that would work.”

  “What won’t?”

  “An Amber Heart and an ordinary person.”

  “They’re called ungifted or citizens, but never mind. Why don’t you think it will work?”

  “Nobody on this planet ever heard of the Hearts but everyone knows about the ones in the red hoods. I think one of them needs to help lead . . . to show everyone that they really have changed and can be trusted.”

  “Hey, you walking computer, that’s a really good analysis,” complimented Bl’azzz.

  “And you thought I was just a pretty face, didn’t you?”

  Egg put her hand over her mouth, but it was too late. The others burst into giggles and she followed suit. A little of the tension in the room dissipated.

  “Why are you laughing?” asked the avatar-turned-sister.

  “Because you are absolutely right. We sometimes forget that you’re more than a beautiful lady. As far as your suggestion . . . I think you’re right. They need to find a Divine One that can help lead the people through this transition. It’s going to be a rough time for everyone.”

  “Po, you can do it. I know you can.”

  The hooded girl looked at the one with wings. “No. Absolutely not.”

  “You’re selling yourself short,” argued Egg. “You’d be wonderful at it.”

  “But I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “I would have to work alongside of Jay’gar . . . day in, day out. I can’t do that.”

  “But why?”

  “Because she loves him,” answered Bree for the embarrassed girl. “And she’s afraid of what might happen.”

  “Please, please make me a Hameggattic Sister. If I don’t put a trillion miles between me and him . . . I’ll die.”

  *****

  “Po, getting away from Jay’gar is not really a good reason to join the sisterhood. We can always take you with us and drop you off wherever you want. Aerianna would be a great first world to visit. There are enough retired sisters there to help you get acclimated to being a ‘former Divine One” and to help you formulate a long term plan.”

  “Is that your way of saying no?”

  BreeZee chose to answer. “Egg would never do that. She wants you to make an informed decision and not one in haste. She’s only thinking about your wellbeing.”

  Those words actually made Egg get a bit misty eyed. “Thanks Bree and very well said.”

  “Sorry. It’s just so hard to believe people can be so nice . . . so caring. Then it’s settled. When this is over, I’ll go to Aerianna.” She smiled. “Th
at actually sounds terribly exciting. A world of dragons and sea serpents, floating cities, talking trees and blue men . . . how amazing. Thank you yet again.”

  “No problem. However, there’s a big, bad machine that we need to unplug first. To that end, let’s talk about how this will play out. First, tell me what happens on Chaos ‘mas – especially how it might affect our plans.”

  “All rules are suspended for the Absolutes and anyone who wants to become one.”

  “What does that mean exactly?”

  “They can do whatever they want to one another. Anything. That also applies to any Divine One that chooses to help. They are fair game, also.”

  “Do you mean like ‘bang-bang, you’re dead?”

  “If you’re asking can they kill one another – yes and no. There can be no actual bloodshed or mangled bodies. But Vanishing Veils and the like are acceptable. In reality, it’s usually only a couple of the Divine that try to make a play for more power. Just knowing that anything goes tends to keep things more or less civilized.”

  “What are you expecting this year?”

  “I thought Forest Green and Grassy Knoll would go at each other. They are the two most powerful Absolutes. But, we now know that Jagged Peak and Lightning Flash intend to get involved. To my knowledge, that’s never happened before.”

  “Well, it sounds like none of that should impact us. In fact, if they’re busy whacking each other, that will distract them from detecting our little scheme.”

  Po was silent for a moment, obviously deep in thought. Then she looked up and smiled. “We have to delay our trip to MAGEK.”

  “That’s a change of heart. Why?”

  “Because Peak and Flash are hoping to turn off the machine before midnight – the start of Chaos ‘mas. They know that their individual Absolutes will expect them to help with whatever schemes they each concocted. If that happens, they can’t be with us when we visit MAGEK. Worse, for them, is that they may very well be collateral damage.”

  “Ah. I like it.”

  “Hey, if it were me, I’d make sure that they were.”

  “What’s that, Bl’azzz?”

  “Collateral damage. These guys are nasty and power hungry. There’s no way they don’t at least sense that the two acolytes’ are dangerous to them. So, send them in first to draw fire. If you lose them – so what. In fact, so much the better.”

  “Peak and Flash must know that,” said Po expounding on the theory. “That may have been their motivation all along – to protect themselves.”

  “Wow, you guys are good.”

  The other girls smiled at the compliment. But it took an outsider to fully realize what just happened. “That’s exactly why it can’t be me to help with the transition. Well, that and Jay’gar.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “The way you get us involved in the plans, the way you encourage us, and the way you compliment our input. That’s the sign of a real leader. Absolutes, on the other hand, just demand and certainly never encourage or compliment.”

  “I’m still not understanding.”

  “They were my teachers – my role models if you will. I would tend to act like them and try to bully people. You would never do that. You would find a way to inspire everyone’s participation and get them to accept whatever outcome as their own. You’re the one with the gift – not us Divine Ones.”

  “That’s why she’s our leader,” agreed Bl’azzz.

  “She’s one of a kind,” added Bree.

  Everyone turned to Tee’ka – since her silence was deafening. “Well, hostess with the most-est,” demanded Bl’azzz. “Nothing to say?”

  “I’m thinking of changing my hair style. Maybe I’ll go blond while I’m at it.” Four mouths dropped open at that non-sequitur. Then the former hologram from Laff’Alott smiled “Gotcha.”

  “I think I’ll ask Serenity to check your program. There seems to be a glitch,” said Egg through a big smile.

  “Don’t you dare. I’m already perfect. Smart, witty and of course irresistibly cute.”

  *****

  “So, Librarian, are you going to marry your boyfriend or become a member of the Sisterhood?” Xara expected that question to create a bit of trouble. She was eager to see how much.

  Serenity answered for Jax’x. “There’s a zero chance she’ll become a sister. So, she better hope that her man hasn’t completely lost his mind and become a drooling idiot.” That comment was totally uncalled for, uncharitable and unbelievably unkind. Once she heard her own words, she flinched.

  Jax’x hated herself for rising to the bait. “How dare you? How would you like it if I ridiculed you for your failure to save your mother’s life? All you did was to get yourself mangled while you watched her die. How heroic.” Well, that was just as ugly.

  Xara stared at the two combatants . . . her face showing no emotion. Inside, however, she was reveling in the unleashed animosity. It was a weak point in this little alliance and one she might be able to exploit. But she couldn’t be seen taking sides. “Hey, you two, can we postpone the girl fight until after we finished our work?” Perfect – just the right amount of indifference.

  The two combatants stared at each other. Ironically, they were sharing the same emotions. Horror at the words they spoke and venom for the words they had heard. Neither one said anything for fear of escalating the situation.

  “Ladies? Hello?” Xara had to bite her lip to keep from smiling.

  Serenity knew she had to back down and bring the situation under control – if for no other reason Egg would be really upset with her. But she was also incredibly stubborn so she didn’t offer the first apology. Or any apology for that matter. Turning to Xara she asked, “What do you need first?”

  *****

  A couple of hours later, the three women rejoined the others.

  “How did it go?” asked Egg innocently. She was referring to the crystal.

  “I will not work with her again.”

  Egg thought Serenity was referring to Xara. “What did she do?” and she pointed at her Nemesis.

  “Not her. Her,” said the girl in the wheelchair, correcting her sister.

  “What? Oh, not again. Come on, you both need to grow up. There’s a world that needs our help and you two can’t play nice for a few days. You both disappoint me.” It was a sign of the incredibly deep respect that both girls had for Egg that they lowered their heads in shame. Neither wanted her to think poorly of them.

  “Sorry,” mumbled Serenity.

  “Me, too.”

  “NO,” Egg almost screamed. “Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to each other . . . and mean it.”

  Both girls continued to look down at their shoes. Each was trying to get the courage to speak first. So, as you might expect, they both looked up and simultaneously said “Sorry.”

  “Shouldn’t they hug it out?” suggested Xara with pretend innocence.

  “Shut up.”

  “Hey, I was just trying to help.”

  Egg wasn’t buying it. “If I catch you trying to stir up trouble, I will personally put you in Jay’gar’s Cell of blah-blah-blah when we get him back. Think about that before you offer an opinion without being asked.”

  All the girls looked at one another (except Xara who glared at Egg). They had never heard Egg talk quite like that. In fact, ever since this mission began, Egg seemed to be different. A few weren’t sure how, but Bree and Serenity realized it was a new level of maturity in her leadership quality. That was a bit amazing to them – that Egg could find a way to improve on what they considered near perfection.

  Chapter 7 – Final Preparations

  “Can we move on now?” Egg asked the room – though it was really directed at the two combatants.

  “All good,” responded Serenity.

  “Fine. So we have the crystal with the program. When we get to Hay’gar’s house, Po can transfer it to the key while Jax’x will use the mini MAGEK unit to confirm it’s what it is supposed
to be.” Xara was about to interrupt but Egg raised her hand to stop her. “No, I don’t trust you and please don’t pretend to be offended.”

  “Nemesis . . . I do like the sound of that,” responded the woman somewhat incongruously and with too much delight.

  “Unless I declare this mission a success, you don’t get a ride out of here. So keep that in mind and focus on the task at hand.”

  Xara would beg to disagree since she had other plans. But, that was her little secret. “Yes, Princess,” and the nasty lady gave a parody of a bow.

  “And so to that end, does Kr’eep have to be cooperative to make this work?”

  “I presume that’s the ungifted. And the answer is yes. It wouldn’t be much of a safeguard if all you had to do was threaten the guy, now would it?”

  Egg chose not to answer. “Bl’azzz, you’ll have to go down as Soo and finish the job.”

  “Can do.”

  Xara burst out laughing. “She’s going to seduce him?” She raised her eyebrows a couple of times. “A bit warped, don’t you think?”

  “You’re disgusting and no, it’s not what you think.” Without explaining, Egg asked, “So who do we need down on the planet and which of us needs to access MAGEK?”

  Not unexpectedly, the other four sisters insisted they go.

  “Okay, okay – quiet down. I’m going because I can fly down there and carry one or two of you with me.”

  “I believe these lovely wings qualify me, also,” said BreeZee as she unfurled them to their fullest, most beautiful extent.

  “Okay . . . that makes you a maybe.”

  “Hey, I can carry two or three of you and the little magic gizmo,” advised the dragon.

  “Wow those must be powerful wings to be able to lift that body,” teased Xara semi-maliciously.

  “Watch it, puny person,” growled Bl’azzz. “You don’t want to make a dragon angry.”

  “You things really are grumpy.”

  “Xara, do we actually need the mini MAGEK unit when we connect to the main unit?”

  “No. But I don’t think you want it lying around unguarded.” What she didn’t say was she wanted the unit very badly.