“You're welcome, sir,” Sean replied.
“Please, just call me Frank.”
“I'm Sean. I'm Michelle's cousin.”
“I'm very pleased to meet you.” Frank extended his hand and was pleased to find that someone had taught Sean the importance of a firm handshake.
“So, you talk to Terrelle?” Robert asked.
“Yes, he was finally able to talk to Stan. I guess Stan is about to issue some executive order to make suing me illegal or something.”
“As well it should be,” Michelle started. “From what Robert tells me, you saved everyone's lives. It should be illegal to sue you.”
“What does sue you mean?” Nera asked.
“You can ask Terrelle when you meet him,” Frank answered. “I wouldn't know where to begin.” Nera just shrugged and continued petting the dog.
“Gladys has requested Nera's presence on the Main Ship,” Constanthos interrupted. “But at your convenience, of course.”
Nera stood up, wide eyed. “We better get going then.”
“She said at our convenience,” Frank countered.
“Gladys asked for me, Frank. Me.” Her tone made it clear to Frank that Nera held Gladys in the highest regard.
“Who is Gladys?” Michelle asked.
“I'll explain everything. Hey, Frank? Is it cool if I stay here for a while?” Robert asked.
“Of course,” Frank answered. “I'd say we've all earned some time off.”
“I should swing by and see my folks since I'm here. I need to try to patch things up with my dad.”
“That's thoughtful. Give me a call if you need me.” Frank slapped the big man on his shoulder. “Michelle, I'm trusting you to look after this guy. He's my apprentice, after all. Sean, it was very nice meeting you.” Frank turned toward the main group with Nera at his side. He found John Lewis easily and offered his farewells.
5.
“Your Majesty,” Raymond Stewart knelt to one knee as he offered his greeting.
Ondex sighed heavily. “Raymond, you know I tire of the charade. We both know that I am the king of nothing.”
“These formalities are important to your subjects, sir.”
“I suppose so. We have a problem.”
“What is it?” Raymond asked.
“This pains me to say, as I have come to value our friendship, but Korick has taken an interest in you for some reason.”
Raymond stood frozen.
“He stressed that his interest in you doesn't involve the coliseum,” King Ondex added.
“I must say that is a relief.”
“Have you seen the broadcasts regarding the Monster, of Earth?”
“Yes,” Raymond replied. “What does that have to do with me?”
“I can only assume that Korick has some design. Since that is where you and your daughter were taken from, it only makes sense.”
“Chloe. If something happens to me...”
“My friend, Caja loves her above all others. I will do everything in whatever power I have to protect her.”
“Thank you, Ondex. I owe you our lives.”
* * *
Phildan was still stretching as he entered the living room. “I must have really been tired. What did I miss?”
“I met a dog!” Nera replied.
“That sounds delightful.” Phildan picked up his data pad and, in a few moments, he knew what a dog was. “May I ask where we are?”
“We're en route to the Main Ship,” Frank answered. “We just left a cookout.”
Phildan looked at his data pad again before replying. “Cooking meat on a grill. I suppose I didn't miss anything there.”
“Everything besides the meat was very good, Phildan,” Nera said.
“It certainly was,” Frank agreed. “But attending the cookout was never our main objective. We took Robert to meet with his potential mate.”
“I see. I had no idea that he wished to procreate.”
“Phil, there's more to it than just that.”
“Yes, Frank. Love, right?”
“Yup.”
“I'm afraid I will never truly understand the concept.”
“I think you do and you just don't realize it.” Frank smiled.
“What do you mean?” Phildan asked.
“There are different kinds of love. Romantic, sexual love is just one of many. For instance, the care that you put into your work can be considered love. I've always felt the same way about my work. Do you have a favorite tool?”
“I have a finite kit that I designed and built. I am quite fond of it.”
“I have no idea what that is but it sounds awesome. I had a hammer that I loved. It got blown up with my van. I miss it.”
“I see where you are going with this,” Phildan gave his version of a smile.
“But there's more! I'm pretty sure that most species would agree that there is love shared among one's family. Now I know you are one of a kind and all, but I want you to know that I love you like a brother.”
Phildan blushed. “I don't know what to say, Frank.”
“You don't gotta say anything, buddy.”
“Do you love me too, Frank?” Nera asked with a playful tone.
“You're getting there, Kiddo.”
“That right there,” Phildan interrupted. “I will never understand that.”
“Nera is just trying to get a reaction out of me.”
Nera was about to say something, but changed her mind. They rode in silence for a few minutes until Phildan finally said, “Docking now.” The door panel to the right of the television opened and standing in wait were Gladys, Denise and Cindy. Frank walked forward and suddenly felt awkward. He didn't know if he was supposed to embrace them both at the same time or if they had some kind of protocol worked out between them. Luckily, Nera sprang forward and grasped Denise's arms.
“I met a dog!”
“Oh! What did you think?” Denise asked, thoroughly enjoying Nera's enthusiasm. Gladys eased over to Frank's side and took his hand.
“It was amazing!” Nera answered. “He was so friendly.”
“What kind of dog was it?” Denise asked.
Nera shot a look of confusion toward Frank so he answered for her. “It was a pit bull.”
“Really?” Denise asked. “Well, I'm glad it was one of the good ones. They can go either way, depending on their owners.”
“There are other kinds of dogs?” Nera asked. “How many?”
Frank and Denise looked at each other and shrugged in unison. “We'd probably have to look that up,” Denise answered.
“Yes,” Frank agreed. “There are probably hundreds, if not thousands. Maybe even dozens.”
“You're silly,” Gladys said with that same smile. “We need Nera for a short time. I know she hates to leave your side.”
“What's up?” Frank asked.
“Girl stuff,” Denise said.
“Oh. Well I...” Before he could continue, Gladys interrupted him with a kiss that left him speechless. She glided away and before he could catch his breath, Denise planted another kiss on him that left him reeling. He didn't fight it when Nera pulled him down to give him a more abbreviated kiss of her own. The three of them walked off together and Frank thought he could hear giggles as they entered the corridor that led to Gladys' personal chamber. He also noticed an orb in tow. He turned to find Phildan regarding him with a curious stare. “What?” Frank asked.
Phildan just shrugged. “I'm going to run a systems check.” The small reptilian scurried away.
Frank then looked to Cindy. He could tell that she was smiling. “You're looking well. This place is agreeing with you.”
“I would have to agree, Frank. You are looking confused.”
“That is an understatement. How would you feel about telling me what you know about your home? I'd like to get you there.”
“It would be easier if I just show you. May I?”
“Certainly.” He extended his elbow just as he had
on Korbaal.
“Brace yourself,” she said as her cheerful expression faded. She reached out and clutched his arm.
* * *
Frank closed his eyes as the images rushed into his head. He saw several Ezilaks gathered around a fire, nodding in agreement to Cindy's proposal to go off in search for help. He saw the Gurdik junker as she had seen it, as well as its shady crew. And then he saw the Gotes. They looked almost human in shape, but their size rivaled the largest of the Mingrein. Their grayish, dark blue skin almost looked like stone. Frank could feel the pain of the shock collar they placed on her neck, and almost lost consciousness as she had so many times. Her rage became a tightness in his chest as he witnessed her ordeals in the brothels. Finally, he watched from her eyes the journey in yet another ship, and he felt the heat of Korbaal as the door of the vessel opened. Frank stumbled when she released him from the vision. He regained his balance and then looked up at her.
“I had no idea.”
“Words weren't enough, I'm afraid.”
“You are among friends here,” he said as he went to embrace her. He wrapped his arms around her and held tight. He wanted nothing more at that moment than to take all of her pain away. But then he felt himself being read and he didn't fight it. She returned his embrace and they stood like that for a while, forming a bond that few humans could ever comprehend.
Finally she released him from her powerful arms. “Stanley was right to place so much trust in you,” she said. “But you are exhausted. You need to rest.”
Frank realized then that she had read Stan too. “I don't sleep so well,” he said.
“I know. Perhaps Constanthos could help you again.” She looked off over his shoulder and nodded.
Frank spun around to see an orb hovering nearby. “You know, that is a fine idea.”
* * *
Frank had politely taken his leave of Cindy and followed the orb into the laboratory. He paused to respect Brogue, who was standing in stasis to his left. A faint taste, not unlike chocolate, entered Frank's mouth as he sensed the Reverence that was scaled back considerably, emanating from the slumbering Sessik.
“He seems content,” Frank noted.
“That would be an accurate description,” Constanthos replied.
Frank sat down in the high backed chair and made himself comfortable. “I don't know if anything has changed too much. But feel free to rummage around in my head all you want.”
“Thank you. But I would like to take this opportunity to finally run some tests on you. That is, if you agree.”
“That's cool. Cindy is right. I'm tired.” He picked the halo up off of its cradle and put it on his head.
* * *
“I will be with you every step of the way.”
“You know I appreciate that, Moldew, but I don't want them killing you too.”
“We've been on worse assignments together, Raymond.”
“That is yet to be determined.” Raymond walked with his gigantic Gote friend through the royal hangar. “Which one are we taking this time?”
“You told me once that anything worth doing is worth overdoing, so we'll just take the lead scout ship.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Raymond. We were told to take our pick. I pick this one.”
“Sweet. I was afraid this trip would take weeks.”
“I figured we might as well get it done. I took the liberty of having Korick's tracking devices reactivated.”
“Good thinking. I hope this isn't getting you in too much trouble at home.”
“Mildy loves you, and Chloe too. She was most agreeable.”
“You got yourself a good one there. Has there been any improvement at all with the computer?”
“We are still at a considerably small fraction of the threshold. But it sure beats stasis.”
“In Gote space, there is no one that can tweak a computer?”
“These newer engines were acquired from the Li. Their computational systems are totally different from what we are accustomed to.”
“Oh well. I'm sure it will all get worked out. Probably after I am long dead. Let's get all loaded up.”
* * *
Frank woke up to find Gladys standing over him with a puzzled expression. “Is something wrong, my dear,” he asked as he was placing the halo back onto its cradle.
“Constanthos told me she was running some tests.”
“You look like you don't have good news.”
“I don't know how to tell you this.” She paused as she searched for the right words.
“Am I dying?” he asked with a smile.
“No. It's your implant.” She paused again and he could see tears forming in her eyes.
Frank stood up and placed his hands on her narrow hips. “Just tell me what it is,” he said in a gentle voice.
“You are no longer human. Your implant has caused you to evolve.” Her tears were flowing down her cheeks.
“Oh. I see.” He smiled and reached up to wipe her tears away.
“I am so sorry, Frank. I didn't anticipate this.”
“There's really no reason to be sorry. I'm still me.”
“I feel like I have stolen your humanity.”
“I'm not the slightest bit upset. Do you think I should be?” He didn't give her time to answer. “I'm fairly certain that even after I have time to process this, I won't be upset.” He pulled her closer.
“It all makes sense now,” Constanthos added. “Due to the adaptive nature of humans, Frank is able to do things with his implant that even the Sessik can not.”
“Connie, you have a way of making me sound cooler than I really am.” He abruptly released Gladys from his grasp. “You know, I just thought of something.” He took Gladys' hand and pulled her over to the tank where the human body of Constanthos was growing. He tried to make out her features but they were distorted by the fluid. “If she has an implant, the same thing will probably happen to her.”
“Oh no!” Gladys exclaimed.
“As of right now, I share Frank's attitude toward this development.”
“Right, Connie,” Frank replied. “As long as we both still look human, no one will be none the wiser.”
“We should keep this to ourselves,” Gladys suggested.
Frank nodded. And then looking back into the tank he said, “There is one thing that has been bothering me.”
“What is it, my love?” Gladys asked.
“When Connie gets moved into her new body, won't her voice change?”
“I have scanned the vocal chords of my human body and changed my voice to match the anticipated tone of its voice. Once I learn to speak, that is.”
“Really, Connie? That sounds amazing. What did you sound like before?”
“I sounded exactly like Gladys.”
Frank nodded again. “Makes sense.”
“You find out that you are no longer human, and you are more concerned about Connie's voice?” Gladys asked with a smile.
“Well, I happen to like her voice. Priorities, babe.”
“I'm sure you will like the rest of her as well.”
Frank once again peered into the tank. “I'm sure I will. I can hardly make out her features but that doesn't really matter. Connie is Connie no matter what she looks like, and I hope we can be friends for life.”
“Frank, would you like to see a projection of what I will look like?” Constanthos asked.
“If it pleases you,” Frank answered with a smile.
“It would please me a great deal.” An orb flew into view and projected an image of a brunette young lady. Her hair fell just past her shoulders and her flawless skin had a medium tone. With her dark eyes, she possessed an ethnic ambiguity. Luckily for Frank, she thought to project herself as being clothed, although it was a gray varitherm suit. Her body looked strong, yet utterly feminine. “We decided that this configuration would allow me to blend in with Earth society. Most traits have been averaged.”
“Close your mouth,
Frank,” Gladys joked.
“Connie, there is nothing average about you. That is a beautiful body.” Frank gulped. “That may have come out wrong.”
“When did you decide to work up this projection?” Gladys asked.
“It was shortly after one of your memory uploads. It was before you and Frank professed your love for one another. You were feeling less than confident and that made me curious.”
“I see.” Gladys had a hint of lavender, out of embarrassment.
“Sister,” Constanthos said, “I believe the time has come to make the transfer. With what Frank has in mind, the chance of someone detecting me will increase exponentially.”
Gladys looked at Frank. “What do you have in mind?”
“I don't have any specifics worked out,” he answered. “I should call a strategy meeting. Or something.”
“Is this about Cindy?” Gladys asked.
“She left her home to search for someone, anyone, that can help her people. She thinks that I'm the guy. I'm starting to believe her.”
“That would involve you going above and beyond your duties as Custodian.” She smiled as she said it, and Frank could tell she was proud.
“I suppose. She's not wanting to rush me and that suits me fine. I wish to research the matter fully before we decide on a course of action.”
“I'm impressed,” Gladys said as she slipped back into his arms. “You are sounding more and more wise.”
“Question: since I'm no longer human, can I still get a woman pregnant?”
The question caught Gladys off guard so Constanthos answered, “We would have to take a sample.”
“Oh, well, I, uh...”
“I would be happy to help you produce a sample,” Gladys said with a smile.
“Connie, would you lock the door, please?”
6.
Ottwan was keeping an eye on the temperature readings for the computational system in his scout ship. Lord Tirogof had presented him with the vessel as part of his advance. After a few key modifications, he was certain it was among the fastest ships in the galaxy. His secret was redundancy. The scout ship actually had two computational systems. He had one dedicated to handling nothing except navigation. Its speed far surpassed the legal threshold, but since he only fed navigational data into it, the odds of it becoming sentient were very slim. The second computer handled everything else, so he kept it slow. Rifts operate at one speed: instantaneous. A vessel is only as fast as its computer.
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