“Yes,” Stan agreed. “I will have to be right there, though.”
“Are you feeling up to that?” Frank asked.
“I haven't felt this good in years, Frank. I don't know what your friend did to me, but I feel like I could fight them myself.”
Frank looked at Gladys, who just shrugged and smiled. “Stan and myself,” he said. “How many more working suits are there?”
“There are five in all,” Phildan answered.
“Me and Hiro,” Robert said.
“I'm sorry, Robert,” Phildan replied. “You are simply too large. I don't think I could get it to work.”
Frank looked over to Nera, who was giving him the eye. “I don't think Nera would allow us to go without her. And besides, she's a badass.”
“The material that I would have to remove from her suit could be added to yours,” Phildan said.
“I've been meaning to start that diet.”
“Stan has a slight build. Hiro is already the size of a typical Li. That leaves one suit.” Phildan looked around.
“I'll go,” Miyako said.
“It will be very dangerous,” Hiro replied.
“I'm counting on it,” Miyako answered. “Don't worry, I will leave some for you.” They both laughed.
“What about weapons, Phil?” Frank asked.
“I can dip your swords. The blade won't be cloaked, but the handle and sheath will. As long as you're holding it, it will be invisible.”
“Well, shit, we dumped all the cheap swords on Korbaal. I don't want to dip my gift swords.” Frank was rubbing his chin.
“I will dip mine,” Hiro offered.
“But it's such a nice sword,” Frank exclaimed.
“Not to worry, I have plenty more at Grandfather's” Hiro smiled. “Perhaps the ladies could use those wakizashi that are collecting dust on the rack.”
“That would suit me just fine,” Miyako said. Nera just shrugged in agreement.
“Stan and I will focus on the imposter while you guys take out any cloaked guards. That leaves Robert to assist Phildan in taking out those capital ships. Cindy, you can stay here where it is safe.”
“If that is your wish,” she replied.
Frank took a step closer to her. “I really hate that you have to see this side of us. We just met and I don't want you to think that all we do is fight and kill.”
“I caught a brief glimpse of your thoughts when I first touched you, before you retrieved my stone. I know how you really feel. And that is why I consider you a friend.”
“I should probably do the torpedo dipping with your boat detached, for safety,” Phildan interrupted.
“Let's run a test on the swords first,” Robert said. “I'll help.”
“I will tailor the suits,” Constanthos said as an automech came forward.
2.
“I suppose you can pretty much just take them out whenever,” Frank was saying to Robert and Phildan as they were ready to depart for their part of the mission.
“We'll get them all in unison,” Robert replied.
“And then we'll keep watch so compressed wreckage doesn't reach the surface,” Phildan added.
“I don't know what that means, but okay,” Frank said and then they parted ways. He turned his attention to the others. “We probably shouldn't take the armory boat.”
“We know the way,” Hiro said. “Nera, Stan, right this way.” He and Miyako led the others into the arched corridor that led to another boat. That left only Cindy, Denise, and Gladys in the garden with him.
“I wish you the best of luck. I will be lounging under the tree if anyone needs me.”
“Thank you, Cindy. I'll see you soon.” He was smiling as he turned to Gladys, but before he could speak, she was in his arms.
“Come back to us,” she said when she finished kissing him. She then smiled and gestured with her head toward Denise. Gladys released him and gently pushed him in her direction.
“Frank...” Denise started.
“I know,” he interrupted her with a kiss. He could almost feel her knees go weak as she reached one hand up to his cheek. He was pleased to find Gladys smiling afterward. He took two steps backward to take in the view. They came together and held hands as he looked them over. “I don't have the words. You are both so awesomely spectacular.”
“You're not so bad, yourself,” Denise answered.
Frank was feeling exposed in his black varitherm before he looked down. “Hey, the black doesn't accent my junk as much as the gray.”
“Well then, we'll keep your gray suit ready for your return,” Gladys replied.
* * *
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have arranged this conference in order to deliver some very disturbing news. I have been contacted by a technologically advanced race of aliens. They first claimed to have assassinated Frank Ford, the Gray Man. They have footage to back up that claim.” There were a few gasps from the audience. “They also sent footage of them laying waste to the world called Sessik Home. That is where Frank Ford's benefactor is from.” The imposter paused so the humans could process the information. “And now, unfortunately, they are threatening to do the same to the Earth unless we offer an unconditional surrender.” The room erupted in a chaotic frenzy of questions. “Now please, remain...” Before the imposter could finish his sentence, his left arm lifted slightly as his right shoulder dropped down. Something seemed to be forcing him to bend sideways at the waist. An odd sound came from behind him as black masses appeared from seemingly nowhere, spewing blood in all directions. From the opposite side of the stage, two more bloody black masses appeared, and then the blades were visible. Bloody blades were hanging in the air. Secret Service agents rushed forward just as the President's face was being pulled off of his skull. Everyone was greeted by the confused face of the reptilian underneath.
* * *
“Your mask, Stan,” Frank called out. “Now!”
Stan let go from where he was helping Frank to subdue Ottwan. But before he could unmask himself, Ottwan activated his defense mechanism. Several thousand volts of electricity were sent into Frank, leaving him flat on his back, with his cloak deactivated. Ottwan turned to flee, and the sight of him alone was enough to cause a panic. Stan ripped his own mask off, deactivating his own cloak and called out for someone to stop Ottwan. But most everyone was frozen in terror.
“Don't move!” a Secret Service agent cried out.
“Phillip! It's me!” Stan was holding his hands up, just in case.
Phillip reached up an removed his sunglasses. “It's President Porter!”
“Yes, it's me,” Stan said as he took to the podium. “I can explain everything. Please reach down there and pull that mask off of him.” Phillip pulled off the faceplate, revealing Frank's face.
After a moment, Frank's eyes opened. “What did I miss?” He sat up and looked around. “Oh, hiya Phil!”
“Hello again, Frank,” Phillip replied as he helped Frank up to his feet.
“It's the Gray Man!” a member of the press shouted from the back.
“Yes, Frank is alive,” Stan said into the microphone. “I was kidnapped and taken to a planet clear across the galaxy. Frank and his friends rescued me. We didn't know right away about the imposter.” Stan bent the facts to suit their needs.
“How much of what the imposter said was true?” another reporter called out.
“I was just getting to that,” Stan answered, “and please hold your questions until the end. They did indeed think that they had killed Frank. Seven of their warships were in orbit, but they have been destroyed. This is all very complicated, but there is one thing certain. Frank Ford has saved the Earth. Again.”
The room erupted into chaos once again, but one question came through the loudest. “Who are your friends, Frank?”
Stan stepped aside and gestured for Frank to take a place at the podium. Frank sighed and faced the inevitable. Pulling the varitherm down from his head, he bent down to the microphone to an
swer. “Hi, I'm Frank. I'm going to have three of my friends uncloak, so don't be alarmed. They need to keep their faceplates on so they can detect any stragglers. We were able to steal these suits from the compound where they were holding Sta...President Porter. This is Hiroya Nakamura and his wife, Miyako. And this is Nera Bunto.”
“Where are the aliens?”
“In outer space, of course. Thank you all.” Frank stepped away from the podium. He leaned down to whisper to Nera, “Nice work, kiddo.” She responded by patting him on his rear. “Did you see which way the imposter went?” She shook her head. He turned to Phillip who was standing nearby, scanning the room for trouble. “Any word on the imposter?” Phillip put his finger to his earpiece and shook his head. Stan was wrapping up with the press, promising them a full report later after he was rested from his ordeal. He left the podium and led them all through the various corridors that led to the residence area in the other wing of the building.
“That was perfect!” Stan felt free to express his enthusiasm when they were out of earshot of any of the press. Phillip was standing with his mouth open.
“Is something wrong, Phil?” Frank asked.
“How can you all remain so calm? That was the craziest shit I have ever seen in my life!”
“I don't know. I'd have to say that shit from last time I was here was a lot crazier.”
Phillip closed his mouth. And then he opened it again. “You know, Frank, you might be right.”
As he laughed, Frank held out his hand. An orb landed in his palm and uncloaked. Everyone except for Phillip was unfazed. Frank asked, “Connie, any sign of the imposter?”
“No, Frank,” her smooth contralto replied. “I have the whole place pretty well covered.”
“I should have known he'd have a plan in place. That was quite a jolt he gave me.”
“I am certain it would have been fatal for anyone else,” Constanthos replied.
“What's our status up in orbit?”
“We had to tow one imploded ship that started to fall. Pock still hasn't answered our hails.”
“Do a fly-by whenever you get a chance. I hope the Li didn't do anything stupid.”
“Anything else stupid, you mean?” Constanthos joked.
“Yeah, that.” And then to Stan he said, “We're going to get out of here. Where can we lift from that won't cause a ruckus?”
“I'll have Phillip lead you to the roof. Would that work?”
“Yes, certainly.”
“Is there anything else we need to do before you go?” Stan asked.
“Two things, Stan. First, Terrelle Williams has been trying to reach you regarding some lawsuits against me.”
“Lawsuits?”
“I'll let him explain it.”
“What is the second thing?”
“I'm going to need that suit back.”
* * *
Frank paused to take in the view from atop the White House before raising into the ship. He marveled at how quickly most of the mess had been cleaned up. Construction crews were busily working away at repairing damage from Groll's attack a few weeks prior. He chuckled to himself, thinking of the ramifications from the government having been led by an imposter for a short time. But if anyone could fix the mess, Stan Porter was that man.
“Frank, I just want to say thanks,” Phillip said, interrupting his thoughts.
“You're welcome. What did I do?”
“You remembered my name. That means a lot to me.”
“You blew up a fog dome generator. So yeah, you made quite the impression.” Frank smiled and extended his hand.
“So what's next for Frank Ford?”
“Let's see. I have to locate some friends that were supposed to be on the moon. I have to teach a race of giant alien insects how to make corn syrup. And I have to help a very nice alien find her home.”
“Oh.”
3.
“There is no sign of the bugs,” Gladys said soon after their greetings.
“The Li must have run them off. I see a trip to Rhoshe One in our future.”
“Frank, everyone needs some time off.”
“You're probably right. As usual.” He smiled and kissed her.
Denise had been standing silently. “Do you think I could visit Rhoshe One with you?”
Frank took her hand. “Want to hear something funny? I was thinking of you the whole time I was there. I thought you would love the place. Bugs everywhere.”
“That sounds wonderful!” Denise exclaimed. “Are they all as sweet as Pock?”
“Uh, Gladys?”
“Sweetness is a matter of opinion, I would say.” She could tell that Frank was feeling a bit overwhelmed with his current situation. “You know, Frank, I was thinking that the roof should be finished on the dormitory before too long. I would hate to see all of the hard work wasted due to damage from rain.”
“Holy shit! With everything that has happened, I totally forgot about the roof.”
“Everyone is anxious to get to the surface. Go now. Denise and I will be down later.”
“Wait. You're coming down?” he asked.
“Yes. I can finally be among my friends. This is a good thing.” She latched onto Denise's hand as she spoke.
Frank thought it through. “Yes. It is a very good thing.”
“We'll bring Cindy with us. I'm sure she would enjoy the gravity.”
* * *
“Like I told you before,” Robert started, “this is actually something I have done before.”
“Then I'll let you take the lead. Roofing hurts my feet.” Frank was fine with letting Robert take charge. The younger man was a natural leader and valued the concept of having pride in one's work.
After the tar paper was rolled out and all the lines were popped, Robert said, “Now that we're done with prep, we go into robot mode.”
“I could probably have some robots do this for us.”
Robert laughed out loud. “You really don't like roofing, do you?”
“It's not so bad now. It used to be really hard.”
“I can tell that you know what you're doing, so I'll leave it alone.” Robert moved down farther so they could step it out more efficiently. “So what are you going to do about all these females?” he asked, jokingly.
“Do you have any ideas?” Frank joked back.
“Just live in the now.”
“What's that supposed to mean?”
“This is a new reality. There are no precedents. Just keep doing what you're doing.”
“Dammit, Robert. Don't be so cryptic.”
Robert stopped. “Since I first met you, you've been going out of your way to not be a dick. Just keep doing that and you'll be cool.”
“So you really have nothing to offer then?”
“Nothing at all.”
Frank shook his head and went back to work. The one good thing about roofing is that it doesn't require killing anything. He was working at getting lost in his work when Robert's phone rang. The big man stopped to answer and as he did, he pointed out at Nera, who was sitting in the sand at a far distance from the water. He motioned to Frank as if to say, 'I gotta take this call so go see what's bothering the little orange girl.' Frank resigned himself to his fate and descended the ladder and walked across the sand to where Nera was sitting.
“Is something wrong, Nera?”
“Oh! No, everything is fine.”
“You know there are no kyles here on Earth, right?”
“Yes, I know.”
Frank paused and waited before asking, “Would you like me to go out there with you?”
She shot him a serious look. “Yes, please. I don't like being afraid.”
Kicking off his shoes, he offered his hand and led her to the edge of the beach. The waves were lapping at the sand and their odd rhythm made Nera even more uneasy. “Bett found these waters to be boring. Sure there are waves, but he had to work to find food.”
“In my entire life, I have never felt so s
mall,” she replied.
“But your spirit is immeasurable. Come closer.” He put his arm around her as they waded out into the surf. He stopped when the water between the waves met her waist.
“This is amazing. We were taught from a very young age to stay away from water.”
“We are encouraged to learn how to swim at a young age.”
“What is swim?” Nera asked.
“Well it's...” Frank realized he had no easy way to explain it. “Well, you kinda float in the water and kick your feet a little to propel yourself.” She just gave him her blank look. “I'd show you but you probably don't want to let go of me just yet.”
“You can show me some other time.”
* * *
He let her keep hold of his arm as they made their way back up to the tiki bar. They found Robert there, sitting across from Miyako and staring at his beer. “Is something wrong?” Frank asked as he pushed Nera's chair in before sitting down himself.
“Robert is having a bit of a romantic dilemma,” Miyako answered.
“I sure as hell don't want to burden you with it, Frank. You got too much shit going on already.”
“Nonsense, Robert. What's the problem?”
“Well, when I was out here alone, I kinda started talking to this girl on social media.”
“Is this someone you already knew?” Frank asked. “I really don't know how that stuff works.”
“Yeah, we used to see each other in high school.”
“Wow. That sounds pretty cool. So what's the problem?”
“We left on that rescue mission. She thinks I'm just another player.”
Frank rubbed his chin. “Have you told her what you do now? You've probably told her that you left the Marines, right?”
“She knows that I didn't reenlist. But Frank, you gotta realize that most people wouldn't believe what we do.”
“Yeah. I hardly believe it myself.” Frank found himself distracted by Nera, whose hand was creeping up his thigh. “Not now, Sweetie,” he said as he intercepted her hand.
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