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

by Robert Iannone

  “And why would he do that?” asked Benny.

  “They were having trouble with ghosts, of course.”

  “Egg”. That was Meggy gently warning her sister to keep the jokes to a minimum. Quirky had its place, but this wasn’t it.

  “Sorry. Some unseen force was causing havoc with his people. He and Dr. Hoo both thought it could be ghosts. She, by the way, is the head of the expedition. We agreed to take a look. The Doctor sent her findings to us then left for the time being until we could figure out what was going on.”

  “I assume there were no ghosts,” intoned Rose.

  “Well, judge for yourself.” She turned to I’za and nodded. The girl understood and a split second later ‘disappeared’. “Okay, I’za. Thanks,” and the girl ‘rematerialized’. “Neat trick. She can blend in with her background rendering her invisible. It was she that was causing the trouble.”

  “As you say – a neat trick,” repeated Meggy. “I’za, do you possess some technology that allows you such ability?”

  “No, Your Highness. It is my nature.”

  “I see. May I ask what species you are?”

  “We are called Gek’a.”

  “And you felt you had the right to interfere with citizens of this galaxy?”

  “I’za, let me,” interrupted Egg, a little irritated with her sister’s tone. “Meggy, she saved their lives. Oh, and mine, by the way.”

  “Could you elaborate,” asked the Prince as casually as he could?

  “I’za is called a Guardian – basically an enforcer of the peace aboard the Ark. She was transporting two . . . creatures . . . when the Ark blew up.”

  “As you said Egg, this is getting complicated. I’za, are you the only survivor of the destruction of your ship?”

  “I have no way of knowing for certain. However, based on the ship’s design, it is very likely others survived.”

  “May I assume that is why you have brought this to our attention?” asked Rose.

  “Part of it. First, of the hundred species on board the Ark at the beginning, about two thirds were lost to accidents or whatever. Of the remaining, I’za feels that at least five could be dangerous to us.”

  “Why would they be dangerous?” asked the Prince. “Surely, a civilization that could build such a ship to explore distant galaxies would not seek out those they came to find and destroy them.”

  “Benny, the Ark of Forever was a prison ship.”

  “Good grief. Could this get any more complicated?” It was a rhetorical question – at least he thought it was.

  “Oh yeah. The creatures I’za was transporting are called the PhoG. Someone aboard the Ark created them. They inhabit the minds of their victims and basically take over.”

  I’za added, “Once infected by the PhoG, there is no evil that they won’t indulge in to accomplish their task.”

  “Which is?”

  “The destruction of their enemies. We were still investigating this development when the ship was destroyed. We had not discovered who created them or what the ultimate goal was. On the positive side, we did create technology that could capture and imprison them.”

  “Well, that is certainly a positive,” agreed the Queen. Then she saw Egg shake her head. “Is there a problem, sister?”

  “Oh yeah. Xara stole it.”

  “I must repeat myself. Good grief. Could this get any more complicated?”

  “Um, yes. When she took the remains of I’za’s ship with the technology, one of the PhoG was still in it. Even though I warned her, she didn’t listen. The thing is probably following her despite whatever she thought she did to get rid of it.”

  “And?”

  “And if it gets her, then Xara becomes an even bigger evil pain in our collective butts. Pardon my French.”

  Chapter 3 – Even more complicated

  “If I may, daughter?” Rose asked the Queen.

  “As you wish mother.”

  “Thank you.” To Egg she said, “First, I am so pleased that you realized this situation was too complex for the Sisterhood to resolve on their own. Calling for assistance must have been difficult but it is most certainly a sign of great maturity.”

  “Dazzle, we never had any intention of going it alone. We think of ourselves as brave, not foolhardy. Besides, we have a right to risk our lives as we see fit. We most certainly don’t have the right to risk the lives of others.”

  No one notice Benny’s chest expanding in pride.

  “Well said, my sister. Be that as it may, I believe the three of us would like to hear your plans on the matter. You have more than earned the right to suggest a course of action for our consideration.” This was actually directed at her children, not Egg. But mothers everywhere know when an indirect approach would better yield the desired outcome than direct confrontation.

  “Thanks. My sisters and I will go looking for Xara. We need to get that technology back. Moreover, and this is galling, we need to protect that woman from the PhoG.”

  “I concur,” said Meggy trying to reassert her position.

  “Then, I think Benny and his fleet need to go track down what’s left – and who’s left – of the Ark. However, at this point, he should not make contact.”

  “Why is that?” asked the Prince.

  “I think I’za needs to be part of that process. After all, she knows these people the best.”

  “Again, I concur.”

  “Next, I think you, Meggy, need to commission your mom to visit the Federation and warn them about what is going on. After all, she was President at one point.”

  “But?” asked Rose who knew Egg better than anyone (except Grammy and Sylvia).

  “But, you have to insure that they take no action. Until we deal with the PhoG, anyone getting involved might end up being turned into enemies.”

  “Your reasoning is impeccable,” commented the Prince who was absolutely bursting with pride.

  “Nice to hear,” came the teasing response. “Couple of more things. First, we should get K’ssss and her dad working on the technology to capture and destroy the PhoG in case we can’t get I’za’s ship back. Second, we need to get the brains at the university working on the alternate universe thing we discovered on Spell ‘Bound.”

  That was a bit surprising. “Why, sister?”

  Egg hesitated as she gathered her thoughts. “What I’m about to say, I do on behalf of the Hameggattic Sisters even though I haven’t asked for a vote. It is something that is non-negotiable.” She looked at the three images on the screen, one at a time.

  “Please continue,” said Meggy who, like her brother and mother, was confused.

  “If some of these aliens are a threat and that threat cannot be peacefully resolved, I will not stand for any violence.”

  “Are you saying that if they mean to harm any member of the Federation, we do not have a right to defend ourselves?” Benny didn’t like this turn of events.

  “I will not be party to the deaths of anyone, for any reason. If there is no other way, then we will send any would-be aggressor into the alternate universe. Have I made myself perfectly clear?” Egg was pushing her relationship with the House of M’earth to its very limits.

  “We will consider your suggestion,” responded Meggy after a bit.

  “No. That doesn’t work for me. I want your word . . . all three of you.”

  “Or what, Sister,” came the testy reply.

  “The Sisterhood will defend anyone that the Federation means to wage war against. Their fight will become our fight.”

  The statement was so shocking that no one – neither the images on the screen, nor the girls on the ship – could respond.

  Finally Meggy said, “I see. As a member of the Sisterhood, I believe I have a right to call for a vote – and I do so now. Bl’azzz, how say you?”

  “Egg is way smarter than I’ll ever be. If she says this is the right thing to do, then she has my vote.”

  “Serenity?”

  “Even thoug
h she stuck me with ‘Sparky’, I would never vote against Egg.”

  “Tee’ka?”

  “Egg was the first person to ever become my friend.” Apparently she felt that was all that was needed to explain her position.

  “BreeZee?”

  “Your Highness,” she said – not so subtly putting Meggy in her place. “I will follow Egg to hell and back if she asks.”

  “And Jax’x?”

  “Where they go, I go.”

  “Very well. Mother, how say you?”

  “I am not a sister.”

  “Egg made you an honorary one. However, I am asking you as my advisor.”

  “If the alternate universe option is available – and that apparently is a very big if – then I agree with Egg.”

  “Brother?”

  “I am sorry . . . but I could not disagree more.”

  “Why?” asked Egg, more than a bit taken back.

  “Because you would be condemning this alternate reality, whatever that may be, with our problem. Some other civilization may be put in harm’s way because you chose not to act.”

  The man in the blue skin had just made a very valid point.

  I’za felt she had a right to contribute a suggestion. “If I may?” she asked.

  “Go ahead, I’za.”

  “Why not send those who would do harm back from whence they came? It would take thousands of years.”

  “Send them back home? That’s brilliant. I can live with that. What about you, Benny?”

  “I believe the earth expression is ‘turn-around is fair play’. I’za, excellent suggestion.”

  “Then we are in agreement,” stated the Queen. “Is there anything else at this time?”

  “That should do it. Benny, we’ll send you whatever data we can about the course of the Ark.”

  “Thank you. That will be most helpful.”

  “Egg, before we go. May I speak with you privately?” asked the Queen.

  “Sure. Sparky, patch this through to my cabin.”

  *****

  “Okay, Meggy. We’re alone.”

  The young woman went right at it. “Your ultimatum was childish and insulting. I am foremost the Queen of Arianna and you are my subject. Do not ever deem to take such liberties again. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”

  “If you’re asking me to choose between my belief in the sanctity of life or your delicate feelings, guess what sister – you lose.”

  “Perhaps the legend of Flying Girl is going to your head.” This was turning into a real cat fight. “Maybe you should go back to earth for a while. Grammy could knock some sense into that thick head of yours.”

  At the mention of her grandmother, Egg’s goosebumps popped up. “What’s going on?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Look,” and she held out her arms. “What’s going on with Grammy?”

  Meggy had thought to be clever. She wanted to shame Egg into going home to see her grandmother. Telling her sister that Ezra’s health was failing just seemed wrong since no one in Egg’s family wanted to burden the girl with the news. Like her mother who thought she was being clever by being indirect, Meggy had tried the same tactic. And failed miserably.

  “You need to go visit her. Egg, you need to go now.”

  “TELL ME,” she screamed. “Is she sick?”

  “No, no. It’s Ezra. He is dying.”

  Egg’s hand flew to her mouth and her eyes grew wide in horror. Her first thoughts were for her grandmother and the pain she must be feeling.

  *****

  Meggy had been able to arrange for Grammy to speak with Egg – no small task since the woman refused to leave her husband’s bedside.

  “Hi, Grammy.”

  “Hello, dear,” then she started to cry.

  Egg involuntarily made to hug the woman who meant the most to her in the entire galaxy then stopped. She was a zillion miles away and it was only her grandmother’s image she was sharing.

  “Oh, Grammy. I’m so, so sorry.”

  The woman blew her nose and dabbed her eyes. “I know. I didn’t want to bother you when you’re out amongst the stars saving people. But, my dearest granddaughter, I needed to see you and hear your voice. Thank you for taking the time.”

  “Grammy, I’m coming home to be with you. Benny is sending his fastest ship. I’ll go to Aerianna then use my ring to teleport to Earth. I’ll be there the day after tomorrow.”

  The older Eloise wanted to argue . . . but she wanted her granddaughter by her side even more. She couldn’t even pretend to protest. “That would be wonderful.”

  “Grammy, what exactly is wrong with Ezra?”

  “It was a stroke. There’s a clot on his brain and . . . and . . . and he’s dying.” She broke down again.

  Egg tried to be strong but she started to cry too. Every time she tried to say something comforting, her tears fell even harder. Finally, she managed, “Would you tell him I’m coming? Tell him he can’t leave until I get to talk to him again. Okay?” It was heartfelt and obviously silly.

  “Of course . . .” and the link went dark to the sounds of sobbing.

  *****

  Benny’s ship was due in an hour. Egg couldn’t keep still – pacing back and forth, alternating between tears and hyperventilating.

  “Egg, Syl is on the comm link,” called Serenity.

  The girl turned on the device. “Hey, Syl.” They had already talked once so she wasn’t sure why her friend was calling again.

  “I talked with Benny. His ship will take me to the Gracie after he drops you off.”

  “What? Why?”

  “My classes can wait for a bit. The sisterhood needs another warm body while you’re gone. So, with me there, you can take as much time as you need to help Grammy.”

  Egg felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her chest. “Oh, Syl. Thank you.” Hunting for Xara couldn’t wait for her return.

  “Just tell Grammy I wanted to be there with you. Tell her how much I love her . . . and Ezra.” Then Egg’s Feminion broke into her own sobs.

  Egg could only nod as she hung up.

  *****

  The sisters and I’za were in the control room. Benny’s ship had just hailed them. They would be rendezvousing in minutes.

  “So, Syl will be joining you in a few days to join the search for Xara.”

  “That’s great,” responded Bree. “And you have to promise to take as much time as you need. Worry about your grandmother, not us.”

  “I will. Thanks.”

  “Egg.”

  “Yes, I’za?”

  “Your grandfather, what ails him if I may ask?”

  “He had a stroke. That’s when a blood clot forms and travels to the brain.”

  “Can they not disintegrate the blockage?”

  “It’s not operable.”

  “Egg, would your grandmother allow me?”

  “Allow you to do what?”

  “The technique is similar to that which I performed on you.”

  “What?” She didn’t want to believe she just heard what she thought she had. “Say that again.”

  “I can cure your grandfather. My energy emanations can easily dissolve the clot.”

  “Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh.” She ran up to the alien girl and hugged her for all she was worth – though this time the tears were from joy.

  There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

  *****

  “Egg, Benny is hailing.”

  “On screen.”

  “Can’t. He’s only sending voice. Here he is.”

  “Egg, are you ready to leave?”

  “Yes. Why can’t I see you?”

  “Because I am going with you to Earth.” That didn’t actually answer the question.

  “Benny, I told you. Earthmen would freak out over your blue skin.”

  “Please turn on your viewer.”

  Egg nodded to Serenity and the screen came alive. “What the . . .?”

&
nbsp; “I am no longer blue.”

  “What happened?”

  “I contacted the greatest face painter on Aerianna. That would be your sister Sassi.”

  “She instructed one of my technicians in the proper techniques of her trade. There is now no reason I cannot accompany you. My place is at your side during such times. I will hear no argument.”

  “Wow, now I know what love is,” whispered BreeZee.

  Egg finally found her smile. “You big lug, of course you can go.” Then she added, “But I like you better in blue.”

  “Let us not dally. Transport aboard as quickly as you can.”

  “Okay. Oh, Benny. I’za is coming with us.”

  He was surprised but chose to accept the statement without question. “As you wish.”

  *****

  Aerianna

  Benny’s ship entered orbit and he, Egg and I’za beamed down directly to the Throne Room. M’egg-Alynnia, Rose and Lord Z’kkk were there to greet them.

  All three royals went up to Egg and gave her a hug and their condolences. Then they welcomed I’za as the honored guest that she was.

  “My ship is headed for Zynn-Zaz’zia to collect Sylvia and take her to the Gracie so that the Sisters can continue their search for Xara,” explained Benny.

  “She has informed us,” replied his sister. “Now, you three need to go to Earth. Ezra’s condition is deteriorating. Time is of the essence.”

  Egg didn’t need to be told twice. “Benny, I’za – hold on to an arm. Ready?”

  “Yes” and “Yes”.

  Egg touched her ring and the three disappeared.

  “I do hope they make it in time,” stated the perennially young looking Lord Z’kkk. “I rather liked the chap.”

  “This family owes Eloise more than we can ever repay,” said Rose. “We should pray for her husband’s recovery.”

  “Mother, we practice no religion on Aerianna,” reminded her daughter.

  “Perhaps that should change.”

  “I will consider it,” agreed Meggy.

  “On a more personal note, what did you two think of Ben’Edikk? Does his new skin color suit him?”

  “I much prefer my son to be a person of color. It gives him so much more character,” declared the young man’s mother.

  “Indeed. I could not agree more.”