Egg ran over and offered her a hand. “You okay?”
The woman smiled and accepted the help. “Thank you.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I am fine. In fact, I am more than I should be.”
That answer required a face scrunch. “What does that mean exactly?”
Over the comm link Jax’x answered for the alien. “She absorbed more energy than normal. She’s fully recharged . . . probably a state that she seldom if ever achieves.”
I’za smiled. “Another member of your sisterhood?”
“That was Jax’x. She’s been a sister for about three weeks.”
Jax’x assumed that statement was a reprimand. “Sorry Egg.”
“For what?”
“Speaking out of turn.”
Egg laughed. “Don’t apologize to me. It’s Serenity who’s probably upset for being upstaged.”
The girl in the chair added, “Always remember that when it comes to being a know-it-all show-off, I’m number one. Step on my toes at your own peril.”
The comm link giggled.
And I’za smiled. “I sense great love. You all are very fortunate to be members of such a family as this.”
“We are. If you’re feeling up to it, we have a lot to talk about. Would you like more water or food before we start?”
“I have a great need for both. However, I should give my body time to absorb what it has just received. Thank you again.”
“No problem. Just tell us when you’re ready. So, I guess the most pressing question is where is that other PhoG? Are we in imminent danger?”
“I have incapacitated it for the time being. We are safe for a revolution.”
“What about the one in the ship?”
“My reserve power is failing. It, too, should last for a revolution.”
“Then what? Why kind of danger does the PhoG represent?”
“They are the constructs of evil and do their bidding.”
“Yeah, sorry. No idea what that means. What do you mean by constructs of evil?”
“Someone aboard the Ark created them. We have not been able to find out who it was.”
“Okay. What about ‘do their bidding’?”
“They are endowed with the power to subjugate the victims mind and force them into submission to do as commanded. But that is only part of it.”
“Tell us the rest.”
“They live off of the negative energy of other beings. Pain and suffering generate such energy.”
“If we can get off this planetoid without them, they will be destroyed when it explodes. So why can’t we just beam up now while it’s safe?”
“If we leave, they will follow. Once they have your . . . scent . . . they will track you down eventually.”
“But if the planet explodes?”
“There is no guarantee they will still be on it. If we can repair my ship’s energy source, then at least that one will be caught in the planet’s explosion.”
Egg glanced at her two sisters whose eyes were as wide as her own. She turned back to I’za. “While we repair your ship, you and I need to track down and capture the other one.”
“I’za, how did you capture the two initially?”
“There is technology on my ship that attracts them. The force field then holds them prisoner.”
“So why did your body jolt stop the other one?”
“It seems to overload their internal ability to absorb the energy. In essence, it short circuits them for a short time.”
“In that case, can’t we just zap them with the weapon we used on you anytime they get close?”
“It will only postpone the inevitable. Once they register your electromagnetic signature, they can track you to the ends of time.”
“Well, a delay is better than nothing. So, next question is what were you doing on a prison ship?”
“I was a Keeper. I helped maintain order.”
“That’s why you had these two PhoG things I presume?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of prisoners were on the Ark?”
“Every kind you might imagine. Political prisoners, hardened criminals, societal outcasts, enemies of powerful people, species that were considered inferior, species that were considered too superior.”
“Why were they sent to this galaxy?”
“As far as I know, they just loaded the ship, fired the engines and didn’t care where it went as long as it didn’t come back.”
“And what is your species called?”
“I’m a Gek’a.”
“So you can become invisible by assuming the pattern of whatever background you’re in . . . without limitation?”
“Yes.”
“Is that the reason you are a Keeper? You can go into any of the habitats to observe without being noticed,” asked Serenity.
“Yes. But some species can detect my presence even though I am, for all intent, invisible.”
“How many habitats are there?”
“There were one hundred.”
“And they are all functional?” asked Jax’x.
“No. Over the millennium, sixty-seven have failed.”
“And everyone inside?”
“Lost.”
“That’s horrible.”
“Criminal,” corrected I’za.
“So of the thirty-three left, how many would you consider to be dangerous to our galaxy?”
I’za hesitated as she considered her answer. “Five definitely. Perhaps as many as twenty.”
“And the chance that they survived the shipwreck?”
“Unknown but I would guess fairly high. The ship was modular in nature. Each habitat can – could – survive without the others.”
The conversation died as everyone digested the information. Into the silence, Bree asked, “I’za, may I ask how old you are?”
“I do not understand the question.”
“How many years since you were born?”
“Sorry,” she answered apologetically.
“The problem is I’za doesn’t measure time like we do. Living on an ark ship is not like living on a planet that revolves around a sun,” explained Serenity. To the alien she asked, “How do you measure the passage of time?”
“Time is not relevant when you are on an endless voyage.”
“Ah” said the other three in unison.
“However, the ship rotates to create gravity (actually that’s centripetal force that feels like gravity). We use the rotation duration as our standard interval.”
“I’za, how many generations have gone by since the voyage started?” asked Bree.
“Just one. My parents volunteered for this journey. I am the first generation of my kind born on the Ark. Other species are up to their third or fourth.”
“Do you know how far the Ark has traveled?”
“Many hundreds of light years.”
“I know I’m going to regret this,” said Egg, “but how is it possible to travel so far and only go through two generations?”
Jax’x quickly responded, “Maybe they live a very long time.”
“That makes sense, I guess.”
“Can’t imagine that all these species are so long-lived,” interjected Serenity. “I think the answer is to be found in your Theory of Relativity.”
“Knew it,” cried Egg. “I just knew it was going to get technical.”
“Calm down, you simpering simpleton. All I’m saying is that as the speed you travel at gets close to the speed of light, time slows down for you. Back on her home world, maybe tens of thousands of years have passed while I’za has only aged a couple of decades.”
“And?”
“That’s it.”
“Well, okay then.”
“Egg”.
“Yeah, Jax’x?”
“That ship just scanned us and you guys down there.”
“Thanks. Keep monitoring them.” To the others she said, “We have to go. I’za, assuming that I hav
e no intention of leaving you behind, can you suggest a course of action?”
“Me staying is your best course. Thank you for the food and drink.”
“I . . .” but Egg didn’t finish. “What happened?”
“She’s gone invisible.”
“Yeah, I got that. I’za . . . don’t do this otherwise you’re condemning this whole section of the galaxy to suffer the PhoG.”
The alien girl rematerialized.
“We need you to help us track down these things. We also need you to help us track down all the occupants that might have survived the destruction of the Ark. We have no idea how to interact with them. Plus, your ship has the only technology needed to capture the PhoG. For the sake of literally billions of people, I can’t let you sacrifice yourself.”
I’za considered Egg’s arguments. “Of course, you are right. I was just trying to save you – to repay the kindness that you’ve shown me. However, as you say, there is a much graver danger than just two of these creatures. I will help you.”
“Great. We’re going to have to take your ship with us so we can study the technology. That means we’re going to have to evict that thing in there and neutralize it. But you zapping it with your bodily energy isn’t the way to go. It means that we lose you for whatever time it takes to recharge. So . . .”
Just then another quake hit . . . much more violent than the last one. Egg and Bree were knocked to the ground. Rocks came showering down from the surrounding cliff. A couple of very large boulders smashed into I’za’s craft causing the front half to flatten into something unrecognizable.
A baseball size rock hit the ship and ricocheted at the girls . . . hitting I’za a glancing blow. It was more than enough to render her unconscious.
Chapter 10 – Heartless Heart
“Egg.”
“Egg.”
The first cry was from Jax’x over the comm link. The second from Serenity who had rushed forward in her chair to help I’za who was bleeding profusely.
Egg staggered to her feet and did a quick survey of the area. She reached out and helped Bree to stand. “You okay?”
“Fine.”
“Over here,” called Serenity.
The other two rushed to the fallen girl. “Bree, get me something to put over this cut. Serenity - check out the craft . . . see if that thing is still imprisoned.”
“Egg,” repeated Jax’x.
“Jax’x, we’re going to need to transport I’za to the infirmary. Get Tee or Bl’azzz on it.”
“Egg, that ship is accelerating. It’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“Perfect,” came the sarcastic reply. “Give me a second to stem the bleeding on I’za” and she took a cloth offered by Bree and pressed it to the injured girls gash. A moment later she removed it but the flow of blood hadn’t stopped. “Bree, come here and hold this in place.”
The winged girl did as she was asked.
“Jax’x, beam them both to the infirmary.”
“What are you two going to do?”
“No idea. Go ahead and energize,” and the injured alien and her nurse disappeared.
Egg got up and brushed herself off. “Serenity, you okay?”
“Uninjured.”
“What about that ship . . . or what’s left of it?”
“According to my readings, the creature must be in the rear portion since that’s where I’m still getting an energy reading. But, the power levels are dropping.”
The ground began to rumble and another huge quake started. Egg grabbed Serenity’s chair and leapt skyward . . . trying to get out of the range of falling rocks. Her quick thinking probably saved her sister’s life as a rain of debris peppered the area they had just vacated. It stopped as suddenly as it had started and Egg returned them both to what was left of their camp.
“Is this thing going to explode sooner than you thought?”
“I’d have to rerun the calculations to be sure. However, this magnitude of quaking probably indicates that the end will be very soon.”
“Egg,” came the call from above.
“Yes, Jax’x.”
“We’re being hailed by that ship.”
“Patch it through to me.”
“Done. Go ahead.”
“Approaching vessel, identify yourself.”
“Well bless my black soul, is that you Princess?”
“Good grief.”
“Now, now. It’s been three or four weeks and I’ve missed you so much,” came the totally insincere reply.
“Xara, what are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“We’re on a rescue mission. You know what that is right? When someone does something nice for another?”
“Don’t be so mean. Maybe I can help you . . . like the last time.”
“You nearly killed Jax’x.”
“That was her own fault. You all have to stop trying to be heroes . . . it’s so nauseating.”
“If she hadn’t told me it was an accident, I would have come after you myself.”
“Oh, please. Empty words from an empty-headed little girl.”
Egg gnashed her teeth but kept her cool. “I’ll ask you again – what are you doing here?”
“Rumor has it that there’s some alien technology on that little planetoid. I thought I’d have a look – maybe acquire it for myself.”
“Well, this isn’t your lucky day. First, this little planet is about to explode. Check your own readings if you don’t believe me.”
The comm went silent for about twenty seconds. “Apparently you’re correct. Thanks for the warning.”
“That’s only half of it. There are two alien entities down here called the PhoG. Very nasty . . .” and she explained what I’za had said.
“I scanned that wreck you’re standing next to. The power readings are dropping fast. Whatever is caged in there won’t be for long.”
“We know. We’re trying to figure a way to leave without them following.”
“Sure would like to get my hands of what remains of that craft. Might be some interesting doodads in there.”
“Don’t be a complete idiot. That PhoG will kill you – or worse.”
“Does seem like a big price to pay.”
“Why did you do it?” That was Serenity and she was more than miffed that her ship was stolen then stripped.
“Is that the girl in the chair? I forget your name.” No she didn’t.
“Why did you strip my ship?”
“We both know why. That AI that you had was loyal to you. My guess is that if you got anywhere near it, you could retake control. Couldn’t have that now, could I?” She was right, of course.
Serenity was about to argue but Egg put her hand on the girl’s shoulder and shook her head no. “Why don’t you leave while you can?”
“I intend to. However, I think I deserve a parting gift.”
“EGG,” came a scream over the comm.
“Jax’x?”
“She took the power generator and the coupling.” She now had everything she needed to fire-up the mini-MAGEK unit she had stolen.
“Xara, put that back.” That sounded as lame to Egg as it did to the other woman.
“I would love to – except that’s not in my nature. Well, it is time to go. Good luck with all that stuff down there. And Egg.”
“What?”
“I do hope you survive. If you didn’t, then I’d be a Nemesis without anyone to nemiss.
“There’s no such word as nemiss.”
“That’s my bad. Anyway, love and kisses. Hope to see you soon. Bye girls,” and the ship sped off into the blackness of space.
“Isn’t that just dandy,” sighed Egg.
“Not turning out to be a good day, is it?”
“Well, at least my hair still looks good.”
“Um, I hate to be the one to tell you, but . . .”
*****
“Egg.”
“Yes, Jax’x?”
/> “I’za’s wound doesn’t appear to be serious. Bree says they stopped the bleeding. She’s now stitching it up.”
“Finally some good news.”
“Did you want the bad news?”
Egg’s head dropped to her chest in resignation. “Go ahead.”
“Xara is coming back.”
“Now what?”
“I don’t know.”
“Sorry, that was a rhetorical question. Try hailing the wicked witch.”
“Got her. Patching it through to you now.”
“What now Xara?”
“Princess, I was so excited by the unexpected gift of the power unit that I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that this PhoG thing is going to cause quite the stir amongst the population in this sector of the galaxy. And, that ship – or what remains of it – has the only known technology that can contain the little critters. That makes it a very, very, very valuable commodity. So, I believe I’ll take it.”
“You can’t. I told you that there still one of them in there.”
“I’ll figure a way to jettison it once I get the ship on board.”
“XARA,” screamed Egg. “Don’t do that.”
“Too late,” and the girls watched in horror as the remains of I’za’s ship dissolved.
“Thanks again for everything,” came a voice dripping with sarcasm.
“That thing – it will get your scent and follow you. Don’t do this.”
No response.
“XARA”.
No response.
“SHAZBOT,” screamed Egg.
“Why do you care so much what happens to her?” asked Serenity.
“She’s evil. But once that thing gets inside her, she’ll be a zillion times worse. What little humanity she has will be gone.”
“Oh. Hadn’t thought of that.”
“Well, now we are really and truly . . .” but another quake interrupted what was about to be a fairly profane exclamation.
“On the bright side,” said Serenity once the shaking had stopped, “we only have one PhoG to worry about.”
“I guess. Listen, go back to the ship and recalculate when this planet is going to explode. Give me the weapon.”
“What are you planning to do?”
“I’m going to stay here until the explosion. Then I’m going to fly my butt off-world and catch up to you in the ship. If that other PhoG comes looking for us, I’ll zap it with this thing (the weapon she was now holding).”
Ark - Box Set #6, Part 1 of Ever After [an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Page 9
