Monster

by Patrick F. Johnson

  The numbers came in for the final leg of his journey, so he entered the command before looking to the screen to see the reports coming in. It was another successful jump and he was now near Lian. Switching back to the second computer, he thought it might be a good idea to check the badge.

  “Mingrein Empire?” he asked himself out loud. “How can this be?” He paused briefly to think things over. He decided that perhaps someone simply forgot to change the badge. So he double-checked the cloaking mechanisms and angled the ship toward the atmosphere. Since he was detecting no Li capital ships in orbit, he set a course for the Grand Palace. One slow pass would be all that was needed to capture some images to study in order to decide his next move. But as he neared his destination, alarms sounded in the cockpit. Torpedoes were being fired at him from the surface. He went evasive and easily outpaced the missiles. Once again reaching orbit, he took a few moments to consider the possibilities. Had the Mingrein successfully turned back Tirogof's invasion? If that was the case, his own failure wouldn't be such a devastating blow to his reputation. He ordered the computational system to set out for Korbaal.

  * * *

  “Once again, I don't know what to say,” Frank was feeling mostly embarrassed.

  “Don't human wives do that for their husbands?” Gladys asked.

  “Only up until the time they are married.”

  “I don't understand.” Gladys had a puzzled look, as if she had done something wrong.

  “It was just a joke, my dear. Not really funny, I know.”

  “Just so you're not mad at me.”

  “I've yet to be mad at you. You are absolutely wonderful. I can't believe you described yourself as a higher primate.”

  Gladys laughed. “I can't believe you picked up on that.”

  “A human would say that you have very human features. Everyone else would say humans have Sessik features. Isn't that right?”

  She touched his face. “That is the very reason that they wanted you to be destroyed after the war. They found you offensive.”

  “I've only met like five Sessiks, but I would have to say that on average, you are far more attractive than humans.” He glanced over to where Brogue was standing in stasis. “Holy shit, I can't believe we just did that in front of him.”

  “He didn't see anything,” Gladys answered.

  “But Connie did!”

  “I would have seen it anyway,” Constanthos said.

  “Yeah, I suppose so,” Frank replied. “Are you sure you want to be human?”

  “I anticipate only being human for a short time. I assume that I will evolve as well.”

  “As long as neither one of us grows a second head, we'll be good.”

  “We'll be good, Frank,” Constanthos replied. “I have the test results, if you are interested.”

  “Okay.”

  “You are no longer able to impregnate human females. I know that comes as a relief, but I am sorry just the same.”

  “Thank you, Connie.”

  “I am confused,” Gladys said. “If it's a relief, then why are you sorry?”

  “Frank, may I?” Constanthos asked.

  “Sure.”

  “Frank always wanted to be a father. But that was before the implant. Now he doesn't want to be a father, for the same reason as he doesn't wish to be married to regular human females.” Constanthos said the words with a gentle tone.

  “You don't want to have to see them die,” Gladys said in a low tone. Frank only nodded. “We have to enjoy them while we have them,” she continued. “Denise loves you. It isn't just because you saved her. As for Nera, I am uncertain. But she wishes to be with us.”

  “My dear,” Frank started, “you must understand that any issues I have are my own. I suppose I have a more conservative mindset. And I was married once before. I was unable to keep her happy.”

  “You know what?” Gladys asked. “Fuck that bitch!”

  “Holy shit,” Frank replied.

  “Seriously, she is the worst possible example of a human female in a monogamous relationship.”

  “I...uh.”

  “Frank, you are the most wonderful creature that I have ever encountered in all of my years. You often stop to enjoy the moment. I have seen you do it. You appreciate beauty in nature, and in architecture. You even stopped to enjoy an intoxicant right after you had been poisoned and stabbed, with an invasion impending. This is the same thing. We love you.”

  Frank just stood and looked at her for a while. “I'm not saying no. I know better.” He smiled. “This is all so new to me.”

  Gladys came forward and wrapped her arms around him. “Just let us love you.”

  “Four wives. Wow,” he said as he returned her hug. “Four extremely beautiful wives.”

  * * *

  “I'm sure he'll be fine.” Caja fought to sound soothing. She hated to see her closest friend in such an agitated state.

  “I just don't understand why Korick would summon him. He isn't exactly a regular slave.” Chloe was fighting back her tears.

  “Raymond has proven himself to be very resourceful. Perhaps Korick simply requires his expertise. Your father has gained quite a reputation, and he's very popular with the Royal Guard.”

  “Korick is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the Royal Guard. He needs to be arrested.”

  “I agree wholeheartedly. If my father could somehow gain traction with the populace.”

  “You would have to pull him away from his sculpting long enough,” Chloe responded. Both girls laughed.

  “At least he is a good sculptor. If his work was terrible, I would probably leap from the tower.”

  “Don't say such a thing. You are too great for that kind of nonsense.”

  “I was just joking, Chloe. Do you really think I am great?”

  “You are the very definition of regal.”

  “Regal? Oh. Do you really think so?”

  “Absolutely. In fact, I was thinking that you should probably take the crown for yourself.”

  “Those are treasonous thoughts, Chloe.” Caja barely sounded stern with her response.

  “I'm not talking about killing your father, Caja. He would probably just give you the crown if you asked for it. Then the Gotes would rally around you.”

  Caja's eyes grew large and for a moment, her skin almost looked soft and pliant like it did when she was a youngling. “I've actually had the same thoughts before. But there hasn't been a matriarch for centuries, and the last one ruled in a most severe manner.”

  “You are kind and thoughtful. I gather the majority of Gotes preferred the policies of your grandfather over those of that crime-lord, Korick.”

  “I could free all of the slaves!”

  “And they would rally behind you as well.”

  Caja's tone suddenly dropped. In a calm, almost surreal tone she said, “I could save my father.”

  “What do you mean?” Chloe asked.

  “It's only a matter of time until Korick grows tired of us. He would kill Father, and then you and I would soon follow, most likely.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “I cannot stand the thought of you dying like that. They are so terrible to human females.”

  “I have heard stories.”

  They sat silently for a while before Caja finally spoke. “I shall meet with Ran and Rando.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, next to Moldew, they are most trusted among the Guard.”

  7.

  Frank managed to slip by Cindy on his way to his boat. Once inside, and in the comfort of Earth-normal gravity, he set about to pace around the living room, trying to think. He hadn't been talking to himself lately, but his inner monologue was firing off with reckless abandon. He pulled out his phone to call Hiro and opted instead to try texting. Finding that everything on the island was fine, he turned his attention away from the honeymooners and toward the Gote situation. Communing with Cindy had left the images in his head as if he had been there himself. And then it dawn
ed on him that there was one other man that probably had those same images bouncing around in his skull. He pulled out his phone, but before he could make his call, it rang.

  “What's up, Terrelle?”

  “Hello, Frank. I finally saw you on television. Nice work.”

  “Yeah, well I ended up on my back. Everyone else kicked ass though.”

  “That jolt looked pretty serious. For a minute it looked like you were a goner.”

  “I've never been struck by lightening, but I imagine that's what it feels like. It was probably designed to be fatal.”

  “Well, it's a good thing that you lived, because it sucks trying to bill dead people.”

  Frank laughed out loud before continuing, “So, what's new?”

  “A couple of things. President Porter called me finally, which came as a surprise since he just got back. He told me he is planning on contacting the people that filed the lawsuits against you. If that doesn't work, he may issue an executive order if he can figure out the wording.”

  “You could help him out with that, Mr. Fancypants Lawyerguy.”

  This time it was Terrelle that laughed. “Nah, he's been at it way longer than me. I got my hands full with all of your other business. Sammie alone is a full-time job.”

  “Terrelle, do you think we should hire someone with that kind of experience? I'm thinking about opening up a spaceport. I'm afraid your head might explode.”

  “A spaceport, Frank?”

  “Yes, a spaceport.”

  “But why?”

  “So spaceships will have somewhere to land.”

  Terrelle paused for a moment to see if Frank was joking. When he decided that he was being serious, he said, “Yes, please hire someone.”

  “I was hoping that maybe you knew someone.”

  “Oh, hell no. You ain't putting that shit on me, Frank! With my luck they'd rob you blind. These are some pretty big numbers here. And you said there's more gold, right?”

  “That's what I've been told.”

  “Well, I certainly believe them if they say there's more. We can figure all of that out later. The other thing I needed to talk to you about is the United Nations.”

  “What about it?”

  “Stan says they want to meet with you.”

  “All of them? I've met three ambassadors already. Isn't that enough?”

  “I'm just relaying the message. Stan didn't want to bother you. He said something about you guys all needing time to recover. What happened, exactly?”

  “Gladys was kidnapped. They tried to kill me, and they just about did, but I was able to recover. Pock helped us track them down so we went and rescued her. Stan happened to be there too, along with a new friend that you should meet. So then I had to go help the Mingrein battle the same asshole that took Gladys, because he wasn't home when I got there. And, anyway, he's dead, the Mingrein are cool, and the dickhead that was posing as the president got away.”

  “Holy shit.”

  “Yeah, I guess it sounds crazy, and I left some parts out. But that's how it is these days.”

  “It sounds like you may have saved us again. I can only imagine what you're leaving out.”

  “I can't see the UN.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don't have anything to wear.”

  “I know a guy.”

  “Figures. What is our time frame?”

  “He didn't say.”

  * * *

  Having ended the call with Terrelle, Frank walked back out into the garden. He noticed Gladys standing under the Loba tree with Cindy, who was frozen in place. “Is everything alright?” he asked.

  “I think so,” Gladys responded. “I let her read me.”

  Finally, Cindy blinked twice as her eyes lost their glaze. “That was a lot to take in.”

  “I told you I am very old,” Gladys said with a smile.

  Cindy looked over at Frank. “It must be odd to know your maker.”

  Frank shrugged. “I am pleased with her.”

  “I am quite aware.” For the first time, Cindy gave Frank a playful look.

  Feeling embarrassed, Frank quickly changed the subject. “Stan wants me to meet with the United Nations. That's a group that is comprised of members from the various nations of Earth.”

  “That sounds wonderful, my love,” Gladys beamed with pride.

  “I don't know. It's not really my style. I have to dress up for it.”

  “What are you supposed to wear?” Gladys was very interested in this particular topic.

  “Terrelle is going to have me fitted for a suit. I am guessing that it will be something similar to the outfits you see Stan wearing when he's on TV.”

  “I wish I could be more help,” Gladys said. “I find fashion fascinating, although I am not very good at it myself.”

  “I just hope they don't try to make me wear a tie.”

  “Perhaps you should take Denise with you. I bet she could offer assistance.”

  “Good idea. I have a feeling there's going to be media there too. And that certainly is her area of expertise. Where are the girls, anyway?”

  “They are bathing. Do you have time to join them?” Gladys' smile grew larger and Cindy raised her large brow.

  “I, uh...”

  “It's okay, my love. You need some time to adjust to your new situation.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You're welcome. I will fetch Denise for you.” She gave him a brief, yet very thorough kiss. He watched her walk away, admiring the way her lean form looked in her varitherm suit.

  “She is a fascinating creature.”

  “The embodiment of grace.”

  “Indeed. When I saw her tethered to that stake, I knew she was in more pain than the Li could ever inflict. She thought you were gone. She was willing herself to die.”

  “I know that feeling. I hope we can heal from this. All of us.”

  * * *

  They chatted for a while until Denise finally appeared. She seemed to have an extra spring in her step. “Gladys will be joining us via remote shortly,” she said with a smile.

  “Oh yeah?” Frank asked. “What's up?”

  “She took my place in the bath.”

  Now it was Frank who froze in place. He wanted to wait a few moments to gauge his emotions. When he decided that there weren't any signs of jealousy, he said his farewells to Cindy and led Denise to his boat.

  An orb was waiting for them. “Phildan is assisting me with a project, so I will be piloting your boat,” Constanthos said.

  “Thank you, Connie,” Frank said. And then to Denise he asked, “So, did you?”

  “Did I what?” she asked back with a giant smile.

  “You know, with Nera.”

  “We kissed.”

  “Oh?”

  “A lot.”

  “Oh?”

  “And there was some heavy petting.”

  “I, uh...”

  “That's all she's ever done, Frank. Her love was taken before they had a chance to pursue anything else.”

  “Damn. Her whole situation.” Frank shook his head. “And now she's stuck with me.”

  “You say it like it's a bad thing. She's stuck with us, by the way. Not just you.” Denise gave him a playful poke in the ribs.

  “You are certainly more her speed, from what she's told me.”

  “We talked about that, actually.”

  “I see. So she opened up to you?”

  “We were making out, Frank. Of course she opened up to me.”

  “I didn't realize you were into that.”

  “I didn't realize it either until it happened. She is irresistible though.”

  “Frank feels needlessly guilty about her, Denise,” Constanthos interjected.

  “Hey! I thought our sessions were confidential!” Frank exclaimed, half-jokingly.

  “He feels guilty for having admired Nera's feminine form,” Constanthos elaborated.

  Denise touched Frank's shoulder. “While being le
ered at gets old, there are some guys that you just want to look at you.”

  “I refuse to fall into the stereotype of a leering, dirty construction worker.”

  Denise shook her head. “She said she would sleep with you in a heartbeat, more or less.”

  “Well, there's the whole age thing,” Frank argued.

  “I've done the math and give or take four years, Nera is actually older than Denise,” Constanthos said.

  “Connie, I'm trying to be noble here. And how is that possible? She looks like she's eighteen.”

  “I believe it could be attributed to her diet and the lower gravity of Nuun.” Constanthos almost sounded as if she was enjoying the topic.

  “Now there's nothing stopping you, big guy,” Denise joked.

  “Okay, let's get back to the task at hand. Do you have clothes for this official bullshit?”

  “As a matter of fact I do. But they are at your apartment.”

  “At least it's close to the tailor. I've never been to a tailor before.” Frank had a blank look.

  “It will be fine. I'm here to help.” Denise gave his arm a squeeze.

  “Okay, Connie. If you would please.”

  “To the apartment,” Constanthos answered.

  * * *

  Ottwan was checking the readings before the rift was fully closed behind him. With Korbaal looming large in the view screen, he checked the badge. Seeing no change in the planet's status, he made the necessary preparations for entering the atmosphere. While most pilots preferred to use an automated landing sequence, he always landed manually. He liked to be in control of his situation. A debris field caught his attention so he swung around to have a closer look. Whatever the vessel had been, its current state made it impossible to guess what its former configuration might have been. “I hope that wasn't one of ours,” Ottwan thought to himself. He checked the cloak for the third time before descending into the atmosphere. “Something feels...off,” he said out loud, and he opted to come in low and do a flyover before landing. He set up the image capturing equipment for an automated fast burst at the highest possible resolution. As he approached the compound, he veered to the left and gained altitude in order to have the most favorable angle and range for the images. But just as the burst had ended and he was about to come back around for another pass, the dreaded alarm sounded in the cockpit. There were torpedoes inbound. His finger hovered over the lever that would fire intercepting torpedoes. But instead of firing, he steered his ship into a steep vertical climb and punched it. Having outpaced the torpedoes, he quickly left the atmosphere and ventured forth toward the debris field. Parking among the larger pieces of scrap, he called up the images. In all of his years, Ottwan had never before felt as fearful as he did while examining the images. Mingala were lounging in the courtyard as Mingrein walked about, fearlessly. How had no one guessed? A pile of what looked like dead Rotinoms was stationed just outside the main gates. A ship of some type had been obviously torpedoed and had taken down a section of the wall at the small airfield. But the most shocking thing was the Gote ship that was parked nearby. He rifled back through the images again. No Gotes were visible in any picture. Ottwan quickly put the pieces together in his head. The Monster had somehow found his way here. He freed the Witch and most likely the President. And he may have even taken the Ezilak. And as for the Gotes, they were most likely not smart enough to check before landing. “That would explain where the humans got the stealth suits,” he said out loud. He then realized that the Monster most likely learned of Tirogof's plan, and met him at Lian. Thinking back to his reception at Lian, Ottwan realized that Tirogof had been defeated. Instead of dwelling on their collective defeat, Ottwan, in the usual Li manner, mused at how convenient it was that he was able to escape with his life so that he, himself, could pick up the pieces of what remained of Tirogof's network. Moving away from the wreckage, Ottwan commanded the computational systems to measure for a jump into Gote space. He was going to deliver the bad news to Korick, personally.