“I’m sorry too. We will move your vehicle. If you try to escape or to stop us, my men are instructed to open fire. I hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Spirit shook her head again. “How very civilized of you.” Then she backed away from the window and sat down.
*****
Kathmandu, Nepal
The young monk had run back to his monastery to fetch the Master. He ran up to the very ancient, incredibly holy, wizened old man and fell to his knees . . . his head touching the floor. He said nothing . . . waiting for permission to speak.
“My son, why such a hurry? I do hope it is not some impending disaster . . . perhaps the sky falling?” He was teasing.
“A thousand apologies, Master. But . . . but in one of our nets. . . there is such a thing as I have never seen.”
“Did it frighten you?” asked the old man not unkindly.
“No. Yes. No . . . not frightened but surprised. She is extraordinary . . . such beauty as I have never seen.”
“Ah, you captured a woman. I do hope you released her.”
“Oh, no your Holiness. I would never do such a thing.”
“I see. So you plan to keep this woman as your own? Have you decided to break your vows and marry?”
“Marry? I . . . I don’t understand.”
“You say there is a beautiful woman in our nets and that you have no intention of releasing her. If you are not intending to marry her, I am uncertain as to your motivation.”
“Master . . . she has wings. Beautiful wings like a butterfly.”
Now that was unexpected and the old man simply stared at the young acolyte for a few seconds. “Are you ill?”
“No, Master. I am well. Thank you for asking.”
“How far is this net?”
“About a half a league . . . along the stream.”
“Please return to this creature as quickly as you left and insure that she is not harmed. Take her water and food . . . but do not release her. I will be along as quickly as these old legs can carry me.”
*****
It took the Master almost an hour to make it to the net. Though it was a strenuous journey for someone of his years, he was not disappointed. He approached the creature without fear. When he was within a few feet, he asked it “Who are you, my child?”
“My name is BreeZee. It is very uncomfortable hanging up here. Please let me down.”
“A thousand apologies” and he nodded to the acolyte who lowered the net. Once on the ground, he released the Wind’dancer.
Bree stretched her muscles then her wings. Both men, and the four that had accompanied the Master, ‘oohed’ at the sight.
“Are you well?” asked the old man.
“Yes, thank you. He was kind enough to bring me water and food,” and she pointed at the young man who blushed scarlet. He was not used to beautiful women complimenting him.
“May I ask how you happened to be in these woods? We seldom get visitors such as you.”
Not understanding the old man’s facetious phrasing, BreeZee asked, “You’ve seen others like me?”
“Only in dreams. Are you an angel?”
“I don’t know what they are . . . so probably not.”
“It is beginning to get late in the day. Would you accept our hospitality and share our humble abode? As to food, we eat sparingly but we can prepare whatever it is that you may require. Within reason, of course.”
Bree was lost and had no idea what her next move should be. However, taking refuge with these obviously kindly people seemed like a good move. “Thank you. I would be honored.”
“Can you walk? Or must you fly?”
“Actually I sail not fly . . . but I can also walk.”
“Would you consent to answering a few questions from this silly old man as we return to the monastery?”
The Wind’dancer put her arm through his and smiled. “Absolutely. But, I don’t think you’ll understand most of my answers.”
“Why is that, child?”
“Because I come from another world. I’m an alien from outer space.”
“Indeed? And have you come to do us harm?”
“Harm? Why would I do that? In fact, my friends and I destroyed our spaceship to save Earth.”
“That was very noble of you . . . on behalf of all living things, I thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“May I ask . . . what were you saving us from?”
“The Shadows.”
The old man stumbled as he heard Bree’s words. It took all her strength to keep him upright.
“Are you okay?”
He didn’t answer for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. “Our most ancient writings speak of the Shadows . . . bringers of suffering and living death. In my heart of hearts, I have never truly believed that such a thing was real. I will pray tonight and ask forgiveness for my doubts.” He went quiet for a minute or two then asked, “These texts foretold that if we learn to love one another and to live in harmony with our world . . . angels would be sent to destroy this evil. Are you certain you are not an angel? I would keep your secret.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you. I’m just a Wind’dancer.”
“Of course. My apologies.” He wasn’t sure what a Wind’dancer was . . . but he certainly knew what an angel should look like.
*****
Grammy’s House, That Evening
Egg reappeared in the living room. “Soo’s fine. She isn’t thrilled with the fish in the lake. She says they’re too crunchy . . . whatever that means.”
“Can we bring her something else to eat?” asked Grammy.
“No. She was just being cranky.”
“Well, sit down and I’ll get our dinner. Ezra, dear, I could use two more hands.”
“Grammy, I can help.”
“Nonsense, Tee’ka . . . you’re my guest. Sit, please.”
Dinner was served . . . and as they ate, they talked about the Florida rescue. After much arguing, they finally decided on a course of action that seemed to have a reasonable chance of success. They would definitely need Soo’s help and would have to wait for morning to ask her.
With nothing to do till they turned in, they decided to watch a little television. Needless to say, Tee’ka was wide eyed with fascination. However, it took more than a little effort to explain what she was watching.
And those explanations caused the four earthlings to be totally embarrassed
“This is called a news show. They tell us what’s going on in the world.”
Tee watched for a few minutes then asked, “Why is there so much fighting? And why is there so much disagreement on everything?”
They turned the channel. “These are called music videos.”
Tee watched. “Why do they shake their bodies like that? And I know dragons and sea serpents don’t wear clothes . . . but I thought earthlings did.”
They turned the channel. “This is called a crime drama. The bad guys commit the crime; the good guys try to figure out who the bad guys are.”
Tee watched. “Why would someone wish to watch such violence? Doesn’t this make you sad?”
They turned the channel. “These are called cartoons. The characters are computer generated and the stories are mostly for children.”
Tee watched. “Why do they hit each other? Is that funny to children?”
They turned the channel. “This is called a movie. It tells a story that usually comes from a book . . . our literature.”
Tee watched. “It’s just like the news . . . lots of fighting and violence?”
They turned the channel. “This is called a comedy. It’s meant to be funny.”
Tee watched. “Why is it funny?”
“Okay, that’s enough,” cried Ezra. “Tee’ka, on behalf of all the people of Earth, I apologize. Please try not to judge us from what you just watched.”
“It’s not my place to judge anyone. But if I did . . .” and she left the thought unfinished.
“We do have many good qualities . . . hopefully a few more than the bad ones. We’re charitable to the poor and needy, we’re hard working and imaginative, we are learning to take better care of our world, we rescue dogs in need, we try to protect animals that can’t protect themselves, we have the ability to write great literature, songs, plays and poems. We have artists that can paint what only the mind's eye can see; we’re capable of great love and forgiveness. We’re still evolving . . . hopefully to a better end.”
“I really only know Egg and Sylvia and you and Grammy. If I were asked to describe Earthlings, I would say they are wonderful friends full of love. But, to be honest, their television is disturbing.”
“Amen to that, child,” intoned Grammy. “Anyway, it’s late and there’s a lot to do tomorrow. So, the three of you should get some sleep. If anyone needs more towels, blankets or pillows . . . well, Egg, you know where I keep them.”
So they kissed and hugged and went upstairs. After getting ready, the three girls climbed into the big bed . . . and – surprise, surprise – talked.
But it was just goofy girl talk and had nothing to do with anything.
*****
“Are you sure you can do this?”
“Egg, I’m fine . . . really. Besides, all you’re asking is for me to go for a nice swim. I kinda do that all the time.”
“But you’ll be carrying me,” interjected Sylvia.
“Good grief. You weigh less than the fish I had for dinner last night. By the way, they were way too crunchy.”
“Would you stop with the crunchy? They’re called trout and we earthlings think they’re tasty.”
Sylvia just had to add, “I hear sautéed sea serpent served with pickled sea cucumber is a real delicacy.”
“Savage,” cried Soo.
Tee’ka laughed. “See, that’s funny. You should put Syl on the television.”
“Okay ladies, time to concentrate,” said Ezra. As an ex-military man – heck, as a man – he found it a little difficult to mix frivolity with the seriousness of the rescue mission.
“Sweetheart, the Hameggattic Sisterhood has its own unique method of approaching a challenge. Teenage giggly-ness, I’m told, is one of their favorites.”
Ezra shook his head. “Giggly-ness? Is that even a real word?”
Egg answered for her grandmother. “Of course . . . on Laff’Alott.”
“I should have guessed. Anyway, if you’re ready, I suggest now would be a good time to go. Egg and Sylvia, be sure you have your cell phones. Syl, put yours in a waterproof bag. Okay?”
“You guys ready?” asked Egg.
“To infinity and beyond,” responded Tee’ka.
“What?”
“I watched a movie this morning while you guys were sleeping. This toy space man kept saying ‘to infinity and beyond’. Did I say the wrong thing?”
“Nope. That’s absolutely perfect. To infinity and beyond,” and she nodded at Syl and they both tapped their rings . . . and the four girls disappeared.
Ezra and Grammy stood there in the now empty house. “They are just amazing,” he said to his wife.
She squeezed his hand. “They’re still just teenagers. I can’t even imagine the adventures they’ll have as they grow older. The mind reels at the possibilities.”
Chapter 7 – Three Down, Two To Go
The Everglades, Last Night
Serenity found a little knob of land that was mostly dry. She and Jynx set about the task of clearing away as much foliage and fallen branches as they could. The Shamie was particularly helpful since she could shape shift into all kinds of useful animals.
Once this was finished, they emptied the backpack of emergency supplies. There was no tent . . . just a ten foot square of waterproof material meant to provide some shelter from rain (or sun). Serenity made a mental note to upgrade this to a full tent in future pods.
After the canopy was set, they piled some of the fallen branches and set it afire. The light and heat were both very welcomed additions to their temporary home.
Serenity split the food and water into two halves and gave one to Jynx . . . but the Shamie refused and gave it back with a “Grrrrrrr.” Even though she was Spirit’s companion and an honorary Hameggattic Sister . . . she was first, and foremost, a wild animal who was quite capable of fending for herself.
“Thank you,” said the girl. “Unlike you, my furry friend, I sometimes must rely on the kindness of strangers.”
“Grrrrrrr”.
“Okay, then . . . there’s one more thing to do before we turn in.” She pulled out an emergency beacon from the dwindling pile of supplies. It had a much stronger signal than the communications crystals. She accessed some dials and reset the frequency to the same as the crystal. Then she recorded a message over the one that had been pre-recorded. “This is Serenity. Jynx and I require assistance. We’re located at . . .” and she added some coordinates. She finished with “We are safe for the moment but the environment is hostile. If you hear this message, please hurry.” She set the device to automatic then set it down. “If anyone is trying to find us, this should help.”
“Grrrrrrr”.
“Okay, now we try to sleep. I’ll take the first watch . . . just in case anything dangerous approaches. If I yell, that’ll be the reason why. Okay . . . find yourself a comfy spot and try to sleep.”
“Grrrrrrr. Burp.”
Jynx’s refusal startled the girl. “What’s wrong?”
“Grrrrrrr,” and the Shamie morphed into an alligator then a snake then a . . . something with a large tongue.
“Jynxie, that’s sweet but you need your rest too.”
“Grrrrrrr. Burp”.
“Really? How come you’re always falling asleep?”
“Grrrrrrr”.
“Well, okay if you’re sure. I appreciate this.”
“Grrrrrrr”.
“You are a sweetheart. Come over here so I can give you a hug,” and the Shamie did.
So with Jynx morphing into whatever animal would best protect her friend, the honorary sister stood guard all night while the other girl slept.
*****
“GRRRRR. BURP. BURP. BURP . . . GRRRRR. BURP. BURP. BURP”
Serenity woke up with a start . . . disoriented by the angry sounds of Jynx, the damp ground she was laying on, the unexpected brightness of the mid-day sun and the irritating and incessant buzzing of insects that were hovering just above her face. “What?” was the only word her brain could manage to muster.
“GRRRRR. BURP” repeated her companion.
The girl rubbed her face while her mind very quickly reassembled the data at hand and formulated a new version of reality. “Oh right,” she said to herself as she realized the why and how of the situation. “Morning Jynx, what’s the problem?”
“Grrrrrrr. Burp,” repeated the Shamie yet again.
Serenity pulled herself up and into her wheelchair, turned on the hover jets and floated over to Jynx. “Uh oh, that’s not good. Are they all around us?”
“Grrrrrrr”.
“Okay, we better fly out of here. Shape shift back into that butterfly and we’ll leave.”
“Grrrrrrr. Burp.”
“Why not?”
Jynx turned to face the girl . . . and Serenity cried out in horror. The Shamie’s front paw was bloodied and just hanging limp. “Oh, I’m so, so sorry, Jynxie. It’s my fault . . . I should have stayed awake with you. Come over here and let me look at it. We have some medical supplies.”
“Grrrrrrr. Burp.”
“Does it hurt that bad? Never mind, I’ll get the kit and come to you.”
“Grrrrrrr. Burp.”
“Why not?”
Jynx just shook her head . . . then fell over. As she lay on the ground, her hind legs twitched just once – then went still.
“NOOOOOOO.”
*****
The four girls materialized in a small stand of trees on Key West . . . the southernmost island off the Florida coast. Syl
via had been here once on a vacation. In fact, she had played in these trees with some kids she had met.
“Now what?” asked Soo.
“First, we’re going to try to communicate with whoever landed in Florida from here. If we can’t because they’re too far away, you and Syl are going to travel up the west coast. The state is about four hundred miles long . . . so we can assume two hundred miles is the farthest you need to go if one of them actually landed in southern Florida.”
“Yeah, I got that part. What then?”
“If they can’t tell us their exact location . . . which is more than likely, Syl has a device that can track the source of the signal. Once we have the coordinates, then she and I can teleport all of us there.”
“Easy peasy.”
“Rats.”
“What?”
“As soon as you said easy peasy I got these . . .” and she held up her arms to show the dreaded goose bumps.
“Sorry,” responded the serpent.
“Not your fault. Anyway, let’s give a call. I’m getting the feeling that time is running out for one of our sisters.”
*****
What Serenity didn’t know was that Jynx had fought a particularly large, and very aggressive gator just moments before the girl had awoke. The Shamie had the situation pretty well in hand until her opponent lunged unexpectedly. It’s very strong jaws caught Jynx and it began to shake its head back and forth trying to rip the piece of meat (Jynx’s paw) away from its opponent.
Reacting without thinking, the shape shifter morphed into an off-world animal that kind of resembled the Hulk. She took her big, meaty hand and whacked the gator on the head. She then kicked it back into the water sending it tumbling end over end. Dazed, it swam off to find easier prey.
But the damage had been done.
A large group of the alligator’s friends smelled the fresh blood . . . and they all moved towards the fallen Shamie. However, the sight of Serenity on her wheelchair did warrant caution. So, they lumbered forward slowly. Occasionally one would cut in front of another and the two would snap at each other until proper order was restored.
Box Set #4: Sisterhood's End: [The 3 book 4th adventure of Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood] Page 28
