Ark - Box Set #6, Part 1 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel]

by Robert Iannone

  “I . . . I thought your name was Aeri’elle?” She had been studying up on the Sisterhood so she could more easily acclimate herself to her new family.

  “It is. The name Big Bird is Egg’s way of making me feel special. Anyway, hi, Jax’x and welcome to the Sisterhood. I’ve heard some great things about you.”

  “The pleasure is mine,” then the Librarian giggled. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

  “What’s so funny?” asked Egg, very pleased to see the girl’s spirits beginning to lift.

  “A month ago, I thought dragons were mythical monsters. Now two of them are my sisters. What a strange universe we live in.”

  “You haven’t met K’ssss and Soo yet. That should prove interesting.”

  “They’re the sea serpents. Not only do I have no idea what to expect from such . . . exotic beings, but I’m not even sure what a sea is.”

  “You are going to enjoy your visit to Aerianna, I promise. Then maybe you can visit me on Zynn-Zaz’zia.”

  “That’s BreeZee’s home world. I have to tell you, I’m so excited to start this new life of mine. With all the wondrous things to see and do, it will make putting my . . . my past life behind me that much easier.”

  “Well, anything I can do to help with that, you must promise me that you’ll ask.”

  Jax’x smiled then slowly climbed out of bed.

  “Hey, what are you doing?” demand Egg.

  “I’ve been told that a welcome hug is a tradition amongst us Sisters.” She ambled over to the dragon. “May I?”

  “You most certainly can,” and Aeri’elle wrapped her enormous wings around the girl. “Now, back to bed with you.”

  “Yes, sister,” and she did as asked.

  Egg waited for the girl to get comfortable. “I wanted Aeri’elle to get an understanding of the situation here on Spell ’Bound. I thought you would do the honors if you’re up to it.”

  “Absolutely. It will feel good to start making a contribution. Where shall we begin?”

  “How about at the beginning,” suggested the Professor.

  “Always a good place to start”.

  “Before you begin, I’m leaving.”

  “Egg?”

  “Stuff to do if we’re ever to get out of here. Besides, I know the story.”

  “Egg, if you have a few minutes you might want to call Sylvia.” To Jax’x she said, “That’s Egg’s best friend from earth.”

  “And her Fem . . . Feminion. Is that how it’s pronounced?”

  “Perfect.” To the dragon she said, “Where is she? Back on Aerianna?”

  “No. She’s on Zynn-Zaz’zia. At University.”

  “Why?”

  “That’s for her to tell. Go call her.”

  “Gotta go,” said Egg as she ran out.

  *****

  “Hey, girl. Like your hair.”

  “Thanks. When you said you added red highlights, I had to do the same. Besides, this cut hides my Dumbo ears. So, how’s Little Boy Blue?”

  “Shut up. How are you? Why are you on Zynn-Zaz’zia?”

  “I quit Harvard.”

  “Why? Something happen? Did they see you in your pajamas with the ducks?”

  “I’m fine and I still like ducks. I look darling in those PJ’s. The only thing that happened was I got bored.”

  “Looking to come play among the stars with you best friend?”

  “Not until I learn how everything in the universe works.”

  “What about next week?”

  “Cute. Seriously, Earth is so backward. They still argue whether there might be life on other planets. They are completely hung up on their own petty problems and could never step back to see their place in the universe. Their science is a joke. Their math is not much more advanced. So, I talked to Aeri’elle and she offered me a spot at her University. And here I am.”

  “And where exactly do your parents think you are?”

  “Meggy gave me permission to take them to Aerianna. They are now true believers.”

  “That’s awesome. I would have liked to see the look on their faces.”

  “Mom fainted . . . once when we appeared on Q’umulus. Once when she saw Aeri’elle and maybe another half dozen times for various reasons.”

  “How fun. You must have been very proud.”

  “At first I felt sorry for her. By the fifth time I was pretty unsympathetic.”

  “And what about Zack?”

  “We had already broken up. It just wasn’t working well for either of us.”

  “Sorry about that.”

  “I’m over it. Besides, it’s just so exciting here at school. If I told you the subjects I was taking, I’d put you to sleep.”

  “Wow, that boring, huh?”

  “How about ‘Quantum singularities in a multi-verse of twenty-five non-linear dimensions’?”

  “I’m sorry. Did you say something? I must have dozed off.”

  Syl laughed. “I hear you’re about to head home. Will you have a chance to visit me?”

  “I want Bree to show Jax’x Zynn-Zaz’zia. I’ll be sure to come along.”

  “How is our new sister?”

  Egg told her a summary of what had transpired . . . ending with the whole Jay’gar mess.

  “Poor kid. Well, I look forward to meeting her. She brings your little group of gallivanting geishas to six. Still need one more.”

  “It’ll happen. It always does.”

  “Why is that?”

  “That sounds like a topic for one of your mind-numbing philosophy classes.”

  “Hey, yeah. Well, not philosophy. Probably differential statistics.”

  “Boring.”

  “On that note, say goodnight, Gracie.”

  “Goodnight Gracie.”

  *****

  The next call was going to be just as pleasurable.

  “Hi, guys.”

  The smiles on Hay’gar and Taysen were all the reward that the Sisterhood would ever need. “Egg, are you and your sisters coming down to say goodbye?”

  “Sorry, Taysen. We’re getting ready to leave. I just wanted to thank you two for your help and for your bravery. You guys were wonderful.”

  Hay’gar shook his head. “We owe you our lives and yet you thank us. Such kindness and humility is beyond understanding.”

  “Better get used to it. With the power of the Divine Ones all but gone, you guys can rebuild your lives anyway you want. I’m betting that people will do what comes naturally – being good friends and neighbors. You all have so much work to do that everyone will be forced to work together and to resolve disputes quickly and equitably.”

  “We are so glad to have lived to see this moment. But, we would like to talk about Jay’gar.”

  “I heard he’s doing great . . . a natural leader. Don’t be surprised if they elect him president or something.”

  “Our grandson is an extraordinary young man. And you kept your word and returned him to us safely. There simply aren’t the words to describe our appreciation.”

  “You just did.”

  “Egg”.

  “Yes, Taysen?”

  “What of Jax’x? We were so shocked to find that Jay’gar left her for Po.”

  “First of all, Po is a wonderful person. I hope you accept her into your hearts as my sisters and I have.”

  “But what of Jax’x? Those two were so much in love.”

  The whole episode with Xara had been explained to them but apparently they were having a difficult time comprehending. It would serve no purpose to revisit the truth of it. “Love is a funny thing. It can come so unexpectedly for the most absurd reason. I know because it just happened to me. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Perhaps the time Jay’gar spent in that Cell caused his feeling to change. Jax’x is hurt, as you would expect, but she understands. More importantly, she forgives Jay’gar and Po and wishes them all the best.”

  “She is like a daughter to us.”

  “And you are the parents she lost. Her lov
e for you remains as strong. She asked me to tell you that she’ll send you messages when she can from whatever planets she visits. She wants to share this adventure with the both of you.”

  Husband and wife looked at each other . . . the relief on their faces evident. “That’s something we’ll be looking forward to. Please wish her a speedy recovery and give her our love.”

  “Of course, I will.”

  *****

  Finally, a call she both looked forward to and dreaded.

  “Hi, Benny.”

  “Why did you leave without saying goodbye?” The hurt in his eyes felt like daggers to her heart.

  “I’m saying goodbye now.”

  “Could you not have done this in person?”

  “No. That would have been impossible.”

  “I do not understand? Are you still upset from dinner?”

  “Listen, your Princely-ness, I’m only go to say this once. And when I do, you don’t get to ask any questions. Understand?”

  “Not in the least.”

  “You’ll figure it out.”

  “I will try.”

  “So, here it goes. I didn’t want to say goodbye in person because . . . because I LOVE YOU.” She had practiced saying that to her mirror image without getting tongue-tied. It took hours.

  Most men would see the irony in that statement and question the young woman’s sanity. But Benny wasn’t your ordinary guy. “Just to be sure that I heard you correctly, would you mind repeating those last three words?”

  “Not happening.”

  He grinned. “It was worth a try. Well, then, I wish you safe journey. I will be here for at least another month, possibly longer. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to . . . to reacquaint ourselves shortly thereafter.”

  Egg stared at the blue face on the screen – fixated as always between his eyes and his lips. “Reacquaint? Would that entail prolong periods of kissing?”

  His grin turned into a wolfish smile. “I am not sure that I am worthy of such an honor.”

  “You’re not but I’m feeling generous.”

  “I will hold you to that. If I may leave you with one thought?”

  “No. No. No. Keep that thought to yourself.”

  “Is the legendary Egg of Earth afraid?”

  “If my weak knees are any indication, I’m terrified.”

  He puffed out his chest in a pretend gesture of male dominance. “Then my work here is done.”

  “Barf,” and she turned off the viewer and the Prince’s laugh faded away.

  *****

  One more call and they could leave.

  “Hi, Po.”

  “Hi, Egg. Are you leaving?”

  “Very soon. I just wanted to hear how things are going.”

  “Well, there’s a lot to tell. Do you have the time?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Poor choice of words,” teased the girl.

  “Oh, sorry.”

  “So, first of all, when the citizens found out that Kr’eep played a key role in all this, they honored him with a big ceremony. The poor guy almost wet himself.”

  “Easy on the details.”

  “I said almost. Anyway, he and Soo are now married.”

  “Good for them.”

  “Jay’gar’s grandparents were beyond happy, of course, to get him back.”

  “I just talked to them. Po, I told them the truth – Jax’x forgives both of you and wishes you all the best.”

  “I know its Xara’s fault but I still feel guilty.”

  “Give it time. You have so much to distract you; the feeling won’t last for long.”

  “Hope you’re right.” Po went on to tell about all the progress they had already made.

  “Sounds great. They need to put up a statue in honor of you and Jax’x. You guys saved the world.”

  “Well, you deserve an honorable mention,” teased the former Divine One.

  “Just get the spelling right. It’s E.G.G.”

  “I wrote it down.” A moment’s hesitation then “Egg, thank you for everything.”

  “On behalf of my sisters, it was our pleasure.”

  “Can I tell you a secret?”

  “Sure.”

  “I’m a little jealous of Jax’x. She’s about to go on an adventure of a lifetime. I never did have a very good imagination so it’s no surprise that I can’t imagine the wonders she’ll get to see.”

  “I understand, believe me. But I think you both made out well.”

  “Of course. I have a lot to be thankful for. Oh, one more thing.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It’s raining.”

  *****

  Egg went to the control room and joined BreeZee and Tee’ka. “Where’s Serenity?”

  “Right here.”

  Egg turned to see the girl roll in. Behind her, in an identical wheel chair, was Jax’x. The girl smiled and asked, “What do you think?”

  “I think one woman driver was a hazard, two is probably a disaster waiting to happen.”

  Jax’x asked Serenity, “What is she talking about?”

  “Doesn’t matter. We hardly ever understand her. Just nod and smile and she’ll eventually leave you alone.”

  “Hey, I heard that.”

  “That’s because I said it loud enough so you could.”

  “You’re mean.”

  “And don’t you forget it.”

  Jax’x wasn’t sure if those two were serious or not. Her look of confusion was obvious. Bree saw it and explained, “This kind of silliness goes on all the time. It’s one of the reasons I love being part of this family.”

  “You’re not telling me that Serenity has a sense of humor, are you? I, for one, simply refuse to believe it.” She stared at the girl in the other chair with a look that challenged her to deny it. Serenity looked heartbroken at that assessment. “Gotcha.”

  Everyone laughed. “Well, aren’t you the quick study,” mocked Serenity.

  “I thought that’s why you people begged me to join the Sisterhood – for my brains, wit and, needless to say, my good looks.”

  Before anyone else could respond, Tee’ka said “Oh no, Jax’x. That’s not right. I’m the one with the good looks. Ask anybody.”

  As usual, the others tried not to laugh at the still loopy girl. “You’re right, Tee, what was I thinking. Obviously, I don’t have the curly hair that makes you such a beautiful woman.”

  “That’s okay. We can’t all be special.”

  “Okay, enough. We have a ship to fly. Serenity, take the controls. Jax’x and Bree, watch what she does. At some point, you’re going to have to fly this thing.”

  “What about me?”

  “Tee, I have a special job for you. Bl’azzz is all alone. Would you do me a favor and keep her company?”

  “That’s an important job, right?”

  “Very, very important.

  Chapter 5 – Almost Made it

  “What is it?” Egg had told Serenity to take them on the scenic route home for Jax’x’s sake. The girl made a proverbial beeline towards a cosmic event that was guaranteed to knock your socks off.

  “It’s the remnant of a relatively new supernova . . . maybe a few hundred years old. It’s when a star explodes.”

  “What could cause a star to explode?”

  “No. No.” Egg cried with semi-seriousness. “Write down your questions and Serenity can answer them when you two are alone.”

  “Our fearless leader is terrified of knowledge,” teased Serenity.

  “Truly?”

  “I am not terrified. On the other hand I am horrified by the amount of detail this girl will give you to any question. It always turns into a science lecture.”

  “And that’s bad because…?”

  “Because it will make you want to tear your hair out. With all her smarts, she can’t answer a question in twenty-five words or less. Go on, try it.”

  “What exactly causes a supernova?”

  “Glad you a
sked. A supernova happens where there is a change in the core, or center, of a star. A change can occur in two different ways, with both resulting in a supernova. The first type of supernova happens in binary star systems. Binary stars are two stars that orbit the same point. One of the stars, a carbon-oxygen white dwarf, steals matter from its companion star. Eventually, the white dwarf accumulates too much matter. Having too much matter causes the star to explode, resulting in a supernova. The second type of supernova occurs at the end of a single star’s lifetime. As the star runs out of nuclear fuel, some of its mass flows into its core. Eventually, the core is so heavy that it cannot withstand its own gravitational force. The core collapses, which results in the giant explosion of a supernova. The sun is a single star, but it does not have enough mass to become a supernova.

  “158”.

  “Egg?”

  “That took one hundred and fifty-eight words. I told you she couldn’t do it in twenty-five.”

  “Can I ask another question about . . .”

  “You may not. Write it down.”

  “You’re mean,” replied Jax’x good-naturedly.

  “I learned that from her,” and she pointed to Serenity.

  Jax’x exhaled contentedly. “I am so very glad that you asked me to join the sisterhood.”

  “I did it for selfish reasons,” admitted Egg. The others looked at her. “It’s obvious, isn’t it? Jax’x gets to babysit smarty-pants and I get to keep my hair.” Before anyone could make a snide comment, Egg said “uh oh.”

  “Something wrong?” asked Bree.

  “Goose bumps.”

  Serenity automatically went into action. “Computer, run a level three diagnostic immediately. All available resources.”

  “Level Three diagnostic in process.”

  “Shields to max.”

  “Increasing power to shields.”

  “What are you doing?” asked Jax’x a bit taken back by this turn from levity to seriousness.

  “Goose bumps.”

  Before the girl could ask another question, the communicator buzzed. “On screen” commanded Serenity.

  “Greetings, Hameggattic Sister. I am Soar’elle. If it’s convenient, may I speak with Egg?” Aeri’elle’s father hadn’t met Serenity, whose face he was seeing on his monitor.