“That is very gracious of you. Like you, I have complete faith that a greater goodwill be achieved this evening.” She did understand.
*****
At the rim of the rift
Serenity had put the ship down where they had agreed. Egg, Po, Jax’x, Soo and Kr’eep (who was still sleepwalking) were transported just outside the ship. Po was back in the control room awaiting her turn and the mini MAGEK unit was safe in the hold.
Having another person to carry down to the access tunnel in the form of the avatar Soo was unavoidable. She had to keep her soon-to-be-husband quiet and focused. However, Bl’azzz was no longer directing her since she was needed in the flesh, so to speak. Hopefully Soo’s behavior directed by her artificial intelligence would not alert Kr’eep to the change.
“Serenity, send down Bl’azzz, Bree and that . . . witch.” Not quite the word she had wanted to use but at least it rhymed.
A moment later, the three materialized.
“Okay, guys, listen up. We all need to get to the access tunnel. Bl’azzz and Bree – as soon as that’s done, you two go wait under that bridge. But stay out of sight until we need you. Jax’x, the timing here is super critical. When Peak and Flash appear on the bridge, Ziz will tell them to jump. At that instant you’ll plant the seed in Green’s mind to recall Jay’gar’s Cell. Tee will join the fray and besides rescuing Jay’gar, she’ll make a lot of noise to add as much confusion to the situation and to buy us a few minutes till the key arrives.”
“Egg what about you?” asked Bree.
“I’ll help get everyone out of the cave when the off switch is thrown. We don’t really know what that machine might do. If I’m needed out on the bridge, I can get there in a heartbeat. Which reminds me – ‘ring tend to my suit.”
Xara watched the gray fog surround Egg then Flying Girl emerge. “How fun,” she said. “What’s with that stupid costume?”
“It’s my flying suit obviously.”
“Very girly . . . in a princessy sort of way.”
“Anyone ever tell you that your act gets very old, very fast?”
“Act? It’s just the real me without the phony makeup.”
Egg ignored the snide remark. “Bl’azzz, you take Kr’eep and Soo.”
“Can do.”
“Bree, you can take Jax’x.”
“My pleasure,” and of course the girl meant it.
“Po and Xara, you’re with me.”
“If you think I’m climbing on your back, you be thinking wrong.”
“Stop your whining,” demanded Egg. “All you do is grab my hand.”
“Less offensive but still unpleasant,” was Xara’s snarky reply.
“Just remember, if I let you go, you best start flapping your arms less you crash to the bottom of the rift.”
Xara chose to accept that statement as a joke. “You’re such a fun playmate. I can see why everyone loves you so much.”
“Shut up.” To Jax’x, she said, “You have the crystal with the program?”
“Yes.”
“Give it to Po. She can upload it to the key.”
“You don’t trust me?” came the hurt response.
Egg exhaled. Sometimes being the leader of a bunch of women was like babysitting. “You’re going to do your thing before we actually get the key. Who knows what state of mind you’ll be in after the machine puts a big drain on your brain?”
“Oh. Right. Sorry.”
“And stop apologizing. That drives me crazy.”
“Sor . . .” began the Librarian before she caught herself. Changing the subject she said, “Po, here’s the crystal.”
“Thanks, Jax’x” and she took the device. Then she hugged her friend.
“What’s that for?”
“For good luck and because you’re about to get Jay’gar back and I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“It’s going to be a brave new world for the three of us, isn’t it?”
“No. Not for me. I’m leaving Spell ‘Bound with Egg.”
“You’re joining the Sisterhood? That makes me both incredibly happy and terribly sad. I don’t want to lose your friendship. On the other hand, you’ll make a great sister.”
“They haven’t asked me to join. I’m just going to Aerianna and try to start my life over.”
“I don’t understand?”
“Yes you do,” and she kissed her friend on the cheek.
“Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time to go,” said Egg gently.
To break the solemn mood, Jax’x responded with “I do wish you wouldn’t apologize so much. It drives all of us crazy.”
“Touché.”
*****
Xara directed Egg to the tunnel opening she had last visited some three hundred years before. They all landed without incident.
“Okay you two, off you go. Good luck.”
“Same to you guys,” replied the dragon. She and the butterfly girl dove back into the rift and quickly disappeared from sight.
“Lead the way, Xara.”
“It’s a tunnel. There is only one way.”
“Shut up.”
They walked for almost a half a mile – the tunnel sloping gently uphill. “Okay, it’s just around the bend. Try not to wet yourselves when you see it.”
They turned the corner and everyone (except Xara) loudly sucked in their breath at the sight before them . . .
They simply stared at the humongous, glowing, pulsating sphere hanging in midair. No matter what they had imagined, MAGEK was so much more.
Egg broke the spell with as dumb a statement as she had ever made. “That’s a big machine.”
“Can’t get anything past you, princess.”
“Shut up.”
“How long did it take to build that thing?” asked Po.
“It took about twenty years. But the design and science took more than fifty years to perfect.”
“That’s an incredible piece of technology. I’m glad we have the mini unit.”
Jax’x said, “I don’t understand.”
Before Egg could explain, Serenity’s voice came over the communicator. “It’s pretty obvious if you had half a brain. Egg would be hard pressed to do anything that might damage such a technological marvel. But, since we have the prototype, the science will be preserved for future study.”
“Why are you always so nasty?” Jax’x demanded.
“You bring out the best in me.”
“Come on you two, now’s not the best time to continue your little cat fight.” To Xara she asked, “Where is this control booth?”
“Follow me. It’s not far.”
They reached it in just a few minutes. Xara showed Jax’x how to do what she needed to do. “Any questions?”
“No. Thank you.”
“Sure. Hey, tell me something. Is your hooded friend in love with your man?”
“That’s a long story.”
“Must be. Heck, if she’s willing to move a trillion miles away, she must really, really want him.”
“It’s not like that. Po would never do anything to hurt me.”
“Well, isn’t that sweet.”
“Just shut up.”
*****
Inside the Crypt
Unlike Forest Green who lacked any personal connection to her underlings – including Jagged Peak, Grassy Knoll cared for Lightning Flash. Certainly not as the love of a mother for her daughter – more like the affection of a master for her beloved pet.
“Once you deliver this,” and she handed the girl her own parchment, “you will be fair game to whatever Green has in mind.”
“I . . . I understand.” The girl was already nervous; this reminder didn’t do anything to help ease her fears.
“She will probably have Peak attack you . . . and he’s probably been instructed to make a show of it. Be ready to eliminate his threat.”
“What do you suggest?”
“As soon as you hand him the parchment at the midpoint of the bridge, he
will open it. That will allow Green to read it from afar. When he begins to roll it back up, that will be your signal to attack. A Pulse Punch that knocks him off the bridge and into the Rift should work well. Then cast a spell of dispersion about yourself and hurry back. Understand?”
“Yes, Mistress.”
“Then go. This whole charade will be over rather quickly. And Flash . . .”
“Yes?”
“Do not fail me. I would hate to have to punish you.”
Lightning Flash’s nervousness immediately evaporated to be replaced with a renewed sense of purpose. “As you say, Mistress.”
Chapter 10 – Night of the Living Dead
“Egg, everyone’s in place.”
“Great. Any sign of Flash or Peak?”
“Not yet.”
“Let me know the minute . . .” but she was cutoff.
“Wait a second . . . I see someone leaving the Crypt. And, here comes a second person. It’s them.”
“Okay, everyone. Get ready. Serenity, get Ziz in there as close as you can. I’ll do the talking. Can you relay my transmission to the bird?”
“Just did. Ziz is in place, just off the bridge and out of sight . . . I think.”
“Peak, it’s me, Egg,” spoke the bird.
Like a wannabe ventriloquist, he mumbled thru a nearly closed mouth, “We need help.”
“I have two of my sisters waiting in the rift under the bridge. As soon as you’re ready . . . jump.”
Upon hearing those words, Flash stumbled from a bad case of weak knees. “If they miss us, we’re dead.”
“Unless you have a better idea, you need to jump.”
“Peak, I can’t,” pleaded his lover.
Thinking quickly he asked “Egg, can your two sisters create a diversion long enough for you to reprogram MAGEK?”
“I already have a diversion planned. Tee’ka will be there shortly.”
“One is not enough.”
“Yeah, yeah . . . one is the loneliest number,” which was an obscure reference to a song her sister used to play every time she and Brad broke up.
“I don’t understand.”
“Never mind. I’m going to give my guys some instructions, so give me a minute. Bl’azzz, can you do a Bl’uddd impersonation?”
“Just watch me.”
“Needless to say, be careful. They’ll throw all sorts of magical nasties at you.”
“Dragons are pretty thick skinned. I’ll be mostly fine.”
“Bree, as soon as Peak tosses you the key, get back here as quickly as you can. I’ll have Jax’x waiting at the entrance. Take her back to the ship.”
“Will do, Egg. Then should I go back?”
“Um . . . why not. Go back to your current positon under the bridge just in case but stay out of sight until you’re needed. Don’t be a hero.”
“Okay.”
“Peak, satisfied now?”
He hesitated but Flash said, “Please. I don’t want to jump.”
“Very well, Egg. In about two minutes we will reach the center of the bridge. At that point I will open the scroll in my hand for Green to read using her gift. When she’s finished, I will roll it back up. That is the instant you must act.”
“Got it. Bree, as I said, get here as fast as you can. I’ll also be waiting at the entrance to get the key.”
“Ready. Peak, toss the key,” BreeZee told the young man.
“Flash, trip and fall into me.”
She didn’t ask why; she just did as asked.
As Peak bent down to help the girl, he tossed the key over the side of the bridge in one smooth motion. It instantly disappeared in the black abyss.
BreeZee never saw it.
*****
“I DON’T HAVE IT,” she screamed into the communicator.
“Look behind you,” came the very calm voice of Serenity.
Bree did . . . and there was Ziz with the key in her mouth. With a burst of speed, the bird reached the outstretched arms of the butterfly girl and placed the device in it.
“Ohhh . . . thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“Yeah, enough. Three’s the limit; everybody knows that.”
Egg added her compliment. “Nice going Serenity”.
“Well, you know that Earth saying – a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?”
“Yes? And?”
“I still have no idea what it means.”
“You’re just weird.”
*****
Cave of MAGEK
“Okay, Jax’x, you’re up.”
The girl took a deep breath then stepped into the booth with the heart-shaped insignia over the door. “I’m ready . . . I think.”
“Like we talked about – just search for Green’s mind and implant the thought that the Cell needs to return. Make sure you impart the urgency of it.”
“I understand. Thank you, Xara”.
“Jax’x, do it now please. We only have a minute or so before you know what hits the fan.”
The Librarian had no idea what that phrase meant, but she understood the message. She closed her eyes and felt the power of MAGEK – something Po and the other Divine Ones experienced every day. It was electrifying . . . the unlimited energy of the great machine was there to do her bidding. She forced herself to search for Forest Green and was surprised at how easy it was to locate her. The woman had a potent connection to MAGEK which explained how she could maintain her dominance over the Assembly. Jax’x’s mind whispered into the subconscious of the Absolute, “The Cell in which Jay’gar is imprisoned must be returned immediately. Your success this night is dependent upon it.”
She knew she had succeeded in planting the thought and a wave of relief washed over her. Then a wave of dizziness followed. She stumbled out of the control booth and fell down.
Egg rushed over to help the girl. “Jax’x, can you stand?”
“Maybe with a little help,” and Egg offered her a hand. “Mind if I hold on for a minute?”
“Of course. Did you do it? Did you get Green to recall Jay’gar?”
“Yes,” and she smiled from ear to ear.
“That’s wonderful. Timing now is really important. We have to meet Bree at the mouth of the cave.”
“I don’t think I can walk that far.”
“That’s why we’re going to fly. Here we go.”
“Hey, wait,” yelled Xara.
“What?”
“I need the Amber Heart otherwise I can’t do the shutdown.”
Egg didn’t trust the girl . . . at all. “I’ll bring it back with me.” She turned and flew down the tunnel with the Librarian in tow.
*****
Obviously, Jay’gar’s return had nothing to do with Chaos ‘mas, but the mind works in mysterious ways. To Green, it was like a revelation. Without questioning the logic of it, she summoned the Cell of Transitional Non-Being back from the void between universes.
A moment later, it materialized a hundred feet or so from the Absolute. The door automatically opened . . . and the lone occupant fell out. Jay’gar’s eyes were wide as he tried to understand what had just happened. He was free of his prison but he couldn’t bring himself to believe such a thing. It was madness . . . his madness . . . and he cowered on the ground, hugging his knees crying.
*****
“He’s back,” announced Serenity.
“What’s happening on the bridge?”
“Peak looks to be unfolding a document.”
“What about Jay’gar?”
“He’s curled up on the ground. Looks a bit shell-shocked.”
“And Green? Is she threatening him?”
“No, just staring. If I were to guess, she seems confused.”
“I should thing so. It won’t take her long to figure out bringing him back wasn’t her idea. Let’s get Tee into position.”
“I’ll teleport her behind some boulders on the opposite side of where the Cell is.”
“Perfect. Tell her not to do anything u
nless Jay’gar’s threatened.”
“Why don’t you just beam him aboard the ship?” asked Jax’x.
“Don’t be insane,” came the belligerent response.
“Serenity, just tell her why,” demanded Egg who was very tired of this personal feud.
“Yeah, sorry. First, it will tip our hand . . . she’ll know that we’re here. Worse, our transport device leaves an ionized trail that she can follow using her gift. It will lead her right back to the ship . . . then our goose will be cooked.” A second later she asked, “Did I say that goose thing right?”
“Perfect. Bree, over here. Thanks. Now take Jax’x to the ship then get to the bridge.”
“I take it you have the key?” asked Serenity.
“Yeah and Jax’x’s Amber Heart necklace. I’ve got to get back. Keep watching.”
“Good luck.”
“Rats . . . goosebumps.”
“Please tell me you’re kidding?”
“Wish I could.”
*****
Bridge of Infinite Possibilities
Grassy Knoll exited the Crypt and made her way onto the bridge. She was feeling supremely confident. Though Forest Green had superior command of the Gift, she had something better. The other four members of the Absolute Assembly, unbeknownst to Forest Green, had cast their lot with her. She now had the power of their Gift to supplement her own.
As she had told Lightning Flash, this little drama was about to play out very quickly. Green would be suitably punished and the Assembly would be hers to control.
She took a deep breath – not to steady her rock solid nerves, but to enjoy the sweet taste of the night air.
*****
Cave of MAGEK
“Po, please upload the program into the key then wake Kr’eep.”
“Of course Egg,” and the girl did as she was asked.
Kr’eep woke up, looked around and screamed. Soo quickly put her arms around the man. “Easy there, big guy. It’s okay. You’re safe, I promise.”
“Where are we?”
“Listen to me. We don’t have much time. I’ll answer your questions later. For now, step into that booth, close your eyes and keep thinking that you want the machine to shut down. That’s it.”
Box Set #5: Nemesis: [The 4 book 5th adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood] Page 37
