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

by Robert Iannone

  “It’s an earth term for the place newlyweds vacation after they wed. And to answer the former blue footed booby . . . maybe.”

  “Maybe?” said an excited young man.

  “Yeah. Maybe, as in maybe I’ll marry you.”

  “If I may ask, if you were to marry, would your offspring be white skinned or blue?”

  Egg turned to Benny, her eyes wide. However, she couldn’t think of a response.

  Chapter 5 – Back to Work

  Now that Ezra was well on his way to recovery, Egg was antsy to get back to the Gracie. Benny’s ship had returned to Aerianna after dropping off Sylvia. All that was left to do was to say their goodbyes.

  She and her two companions went to the hospital once again. Ezra was in a private room with Grammy sitting by his side. He was awake and alert but his speech, as expected, was slurred and came out painfully slow.

  Egg and her party walked in and up to the bed. Even though they were alone, Egg pulled the curtain closed. “Okay,” she said to thin air and I’za materialized.

  Grammy had told her husband what had happened so the man was only mildly shocked. “Ezra, this is I’za.”

  “Honored,” the girl said and bowed her head.

  Ezra’s eyes glistened over. He struggled mightily but finally managed to utter something. Grammy asked him to repeat it and she bent over so her ear was inches from the man’s mouth. “My husband wishes to thank you for giving him back his life. He says to tell you, I’za, that for as long as he and I live, you will always have a place to call home and people to call family.” Obviously Ezra never said all those words. Grammy started to cry and Ezra squeezed her hand.

  Egg wiped at her tears and was shocked to see Benny do the same.

  “Ezra, I thank you for your gracious words,” replied I’za even more graciously. “To know that I have you and your wonderful wife as friends . . . as family . . . is more than I deserve. However, I accept your kindness most willingly. I look forward to seeing you again.”

  “You’re leaving?” asked Grammy.

  “We have to go Gram. Next time we talk I’ll explain what a huge . . . um, situation we’re dealing with.” She gave her a hug then bent down and kissed her grandfather’s cheek.

  “If I may?” asked Benny.

  “Of course, dear,” and Grammy gave him a more powerful hug then should have been possible from someone her size and age.

  Benny bent over and took Ezra’s hand and shook it gently. “Be well, my friend. I say that selfishly.”

  “Benny?” asked a confused Egg.

  “If you agree to marry me, I would ask that Ezra be my best man.” He turned to the man on the bed. “I hope you will consider my request. It would be a great honor.”

  Well, if there was ever a real doubt in her mind and in her heart before about marrying the man, I’m guessing Egg would be hard pressed to find one now. Dr. Seuss once said, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” In this case he was wrong. The Prince did himself proud.

  *****

  The trio disappeared from the hospital room and re-materialized on Q’umulus. As they made their way to the Throne Room, Benny walked off to contact his ship. They needed to be ready to cast off within the hour.

  While he was doing that, Egg grabbed I’za’s hand and squeezed. “I could thank you again for saving me and my grandfather, but that’s probably getting old.”

  “Old?”

  “Repetitious and boring.”

  “Oh.” The alien smiled. “Perhaps a bit repetitious,” she replied politely.

  “Do you believe in fate?” Egg asked changing the subject.

  “As in destiny, a predetermined outcome?”

  “Exactly. It sure as heck seems that you and I were destined to meet at just the right time. We got to save each other and then Ezra gets unexpectedly stricken. Only you could have saved me and him, though I guess there are probably a lot of people that could have saved you.”

  “Only Flying Girl could have done what was required on that planetoid. Therefore, no one else could have saved me.”

  “So you agree with me?”

  “Yes. It does seem reasonable. Do you have an explanation?”

  “Maybe. Do you know what a superstition is?”

  “A belief not founded in science, fact or logic.”

  “The Hameggattic Sisterhood started out with seven sisters. Every time one retired, we always found another person to take her place. We get very uncomfortable when we’re less than seven.”

  I’za considered those words. “Are you not at seven? The one named Sylvia has joined with the others.”

  “Only while I was away. She’ll be going back to Zynn-Zaz’zia as soon as I get back.”

  “Are you asking me to join the Sisterhood?”

  “First, it takes a vote of all sisters – active and inactive. So, I can’t do it unilaterally. Second, I know what you’ve done for me and my family, but I don’t really know you. However, by the time this little adventure is over, I’m guessing that won’t be an issue. Then we’ll see if it makes sense.”

  “I am honored that you would even consider me.”

  “Let me ask you, if somehow we get the Ark repaired, or even if we just find the rest of the Gek’a and resettled them somewhere to their liking, would you want to join them? I guess what I’m asking is – does joining the sisterhood even interest you?”

  “Egg, I cannot answer that without full knowledge. Please, when this is over, ask me again if that is your wish.”

  “Sure. I understand. Just wanted to plant the seed and see if it grows.”

  “An apt metaphor.”

  “Yeah . . . don’t tell anyone I do metaphors. It would ruin my reputation,” and she smiled.

  So did I’za.

  *****

  On Board the Prince’s Scout Ship

  I’za and Egg were sitting in a lounge waiting for Benny and dinner. The Prince finally made his grand entrance. Opening his arms wide, he asked, “Perhaps this color is more pleasing. What say you, ladies?” He was once again the blue footed booby.

  “What do you think I’za? Like that color?”

  To Egg’s delight, the girl had a sense of humor (and she mentally checked off one of the requirements of a new sister – Sparky not withstanding). “Hmmm. It does have a certain charm. However, the shade seems a bit off-putting. Perhaps I am just prejudiced. Onboard the Ark, we served our livestock a food concoction that had his exact coloration. Then again, it does seem less offensive on the Prince.”

  “High praise indeed, madam. I thank you,” and he smiled and bowed his head.

  “Not at all. However, could we see you in another color perhaps?”

  Egg clapped her hands and laughed delightedly. “You gotta love her.”

  “As you wish,” teased Big Ben.

  “That was a figure of speech and not a call to action, you big oaf.”

  “Tis a pity. So rarely do I meet such an attractive woman with a sense of humor worthy of royalty,” and he gave Egg a ‘take that’ look.

  “Best to stop digging when you’re in a hole,” came Egg’s faux warning.

  “Quite right. If I may change the subject, dinner is served.”

  *****

  “What shall we discuss as we indulge in this tasty fare?”

  “How are you going to track down the Ark?” asked you-know-who.

  “My dearest Egg, dinner conversation on board this vessel – my vessel – will not include work-related matters. I’za, perhaps you can suggest a topic.”

  “Your Highness, I have an infinite number of questions for both of you. After all, to me you are aliens (that got a laugh from her companions). However, my world – the Ark – has experienced a catastrophic failure and my people, and those I came to know in the other habitats, are in need of our help. I must side with Egg on this matter.”

  Duly chastised, the Prince felt embarrassed. “I understand completely. We have more than
two days before we catch up to the Gracie and ample time for such discussions. I just thought this dinner could provide an opportunity to get to know each other better. My apologies.”

  Both girls felt awful and tried to speak at the same time. “You first, I’za,” deferred Egg.

  “I was wrong, Ben’Edikk. As you say, we will have ample time to discuss the present situation. Getting to know those who are trying to help me and my people is more than proper.”

  “She’s right . . . and I was wrong. Sorry, sweetheart.” She never even heard herself use that term of endearment.

  Instead of calling her attention to it, Benny decided it was best to ignore the sentiment. “I thank you both. So, let me start. I’za, tell us about life onboard the Ark.”

  “Benny, be more specific. I’za, tell us about your family and friends.”

  “Very well. Naturally, I never knew my parents. However, from the Journal of Life . .” but that’s as far as she got before being interrupted.

  “What does that mean? ‘Naturally, I never knew my parents.” It came out almost simultaneously from her dinner companions.

  It took the girl a moment to remember she was talking to aliens. “My species is perhaps unique in that regard. Well, we were unique on the Ark. A mother . . .” she hesitated trying to find the right words. “The mother gives her life so that her child might live. It is her life force that is transferred to her child at birth.”

  Before Egg could stammer a question, Benny asked, “If I understand you correctly, your life force is from your mother. Logically, hers was from your grandmother. So, for the Gek’a, a person’s life force comes from an unknown number of generations before her?”

  “Exactly. And I will pass that life force on to my offspring should I be blessed with one.”

  “Wow”. Egg was beyond dumbfounded.

  “Indeed. Do you carry the memory of all those before you?”

  “It tends to fade after a dozen or so generations. However, certain events can trigger a very old memory.”

  “Wow, again.”

  “If you would, can you explain about your father?”

  “Soon after birth, the father goes into a state of metamorphosis. A chrysalis forms and a year or so later, a female will emerge so that the cycle can continue.” She said it so matter-of-factly and without any show of emotion.

  That brought about dead silence from the other two.

  “Is it so different with your species?”

  “Ya think!”

  *****

  On Board the Gracie

  “Got it.”

  They all crammed around the instrument panel. All they saw was a display of ones and zeros. “What is that?” asked Bl’azzz.

  “It’s a binary representation of ambient energy in this region of space. It’s been calibrated to highlight the energy signature of Xara’s ship.”

  Syl smiled at Jax’x. “You’ve got some game, girl.”

  “Thank you . . . I think.”

  “Don’t let it go to your head, cat woman. Your game is in the minor leagues. I’ll let you know when you’re ready for the ‘bigs.”

  Once again Sylvia smiled. “Have you been reading Earth literature, Sparky?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Be nice or I’ll force you to wear that hideous lip thing you call a smile.”

  “That’s why I hate to lose. You cretins lord it over me.”

  “Who you calling a cretin?” demanded the dragon. “I don’t even know what that is, but it can’t be a compliment.”

  “In your case, it is,” quipped the girl in the chair.

  “Well then, okay. Thank you.” It took an enormous amount of willpower for Sylvia not to laugh.

  “How far ahead is she?” asked Bree getting back to business.

  “If we accelerate to max velocity, we can catch her in a day assuming she continues as she is.”

  “Let’s not,” said Sylvia. “Benny’s ship is so much faster than ours that they’re already about a day and half behind. Egg will want to be with us when we catch up to Xara.” Everyone nodded in agreement. In reality, without their leader the girls felt a little vulnerable.

  “I’ll send Egg an update,” added Serenity. “It’ll give her a chance to tell us not to wait.”

  “Syl, will you be leaving us when she gets here?”

  “That was the plan, Jax’x. But, to be honest, I miss this. So unless Egg tells me I can’t, I’m staying with you guys.”

  If Egg were there to hear her friend’s comment, her goosebumps would have been dancing up and down her arms.

  *****

  Benny’s Ship

  “I told them to keep pace with Xara’s ship. I don’t want to lose her trail, but I also want to be there when we catch that miserable, mischievous malcontent.”

  “Understood.”

  That was a strange comment. “You disagree?” Egg felt herself get defensive.

  “Have you ever heard the saying “You are cursed if you do, and condemned if you don’t?””

  Egg smiled. “We have a similar saying.”

  “I am uncertain whether you want my opinion when you share your tactical and strategic plans with me. If I were to say ‘Your orders were exactly as I would have done’ – I am guessing you would curse me for having the audacity to think that you are in need of my approval. And the reverse, of course, is just as bad. If I disagree, my life would be forfeit.”

  He said it with such a look of innocence and hurt that Egg had to laugh. “For a man, you are very wise in the thought processes of women.” Then she scrunched her eyes. “Why is that, by the way? How many woman have you . . . um, have you known?”

  “Did you want an exact count or may I give you an estimate.”

  She looked around for something to throw but nothing seemed appropriate. “I can’t tell you how much I hate the fact that you’ve read me correctly. So, unless I ask for your opinion, a response of ‘understood’ is acceptable.”

  “And if you ask and I disapprove?”

  “That will be the ultimate test of your courage. Are you man enough to challenge Egg of Earth, Leader of the Sisterhood and Heroine of Aerianna?” She arched an eyebrow waiting for his reply. Keeping the smile off her mouth was proving difficult.

  “I should hate to think that . . . that my manhood was not up to the challenge”.

  Whether he meant the double entendre or not, Egg responded as if he did. “BENNY”. Then her blush went past red all the way into an unheard of infrared. He, on the other hand, had no idea what she was alluding to.

  Before this could spiral even more out of control, I’za entered the lounge. Seeing the two standing close to one another, and Egg red faced, the girl thought she might be interfering in something personal. “I am sorry. Should I leave?”

  “NO,” shouted Egg (out of embarrassment).

  “Please, stay,” begged the Prince (from politeness).

  “Aliens,” teased the girl shaking her head in pretend befuddlement. “Such odd creatures and so difficult to understand.”

  “Not me,” said Egg. “What you see is what you get. It’s men. My guess, all men. So what about for your species? Are the male Gek’a a complete mystery?”

  “Oh yes,” but she said it quite dreamily.

  “Is there someone special?” asked Benny.

  I’za giggled like a teenager. ”Actually, there are three.”

  “No?” cried Egg - shocked for some reason.

  “Oh, yes. And . . .” she paused as if considering telling her secret. “Can you keep a secret?”

  “I can,” replied the man in blue. “She is a bit of a tell-all.”

  “Am not,” came the indignant retort. “Come on, I’za. Don’t leave me hanging.”

  “Very well. The three are brothers . . . and none of them knows about the others.” She smiled like a cat that had cornered a mouse.

  Egg’s mouth just hung open – too surprised and way too impressed to speak.

  “My deare
st friend has just paid you the highest compliment I’za. She is at a complete loss for words.”

  Egg finally found her tongue. “Is it serious?”

  I’za smiled. “Not for me. At least, not yet. They, of course, are smitten.”

  “You, girlfriend, are now my hero and my role model.”

  “I believe I will take umbrage with the latter sentiment”.

  Chapter 6 – What a Girl Wants

  Sighing Whorl

  The Queen dismounted from the back of her royal companion. Princess Kl’air, a distant relative of Rose’s childhood friend, was a personal favorite of Meggy’s.

  “It’s so mysterious looking, isn’t it?” Kl’air used contractions and didn’t care if it offended her parents or anyone else. Her devil-may-care attitude was one of the reasons that the Queen liked her so much.

  “It is that. Well, let us see if the Tree will allow me to visit.”

  “Why wouldn’t he? You’ve met him before.”

  “Many years ago.” She took a step into the fog . . . and nothing happened. That, of course, meant the Myst Tree was inviting her in. “I guess I did not wear out my welcome. Sorry that I cannot invite you to join us.” She didn’t explain why not.

  “I’d be too nervous to meet him anyway. I’ll just do what I do so well . . . nap. If my snoring disturbs you, talk louder,” and she eeked at her own cleverness.

  Meggy forgot herself for the moment (being preoccupied with her upcoming conversation with Tree) and stuck out her tongue.

  Kl’air’s eyes went wide and she eeked again.

  Meggy waved goodbye and entered the swirling mist. A minute or so later she came upon the Myst Tree of Sighing Whorl. The sight of the unknowable entity was as awe-inspiring as always.

  “Welcome, M’egg-Alynnia. You do me a great honor.”

  “You are very kind, Tree. However, we both know that the honor is mine.”

  “Shall we quibble over the matter? Ladies first.”

  “A modest sense of humor – I did not realize that you possessed one?” teased the Queen.

  “I have struggled with the concept for a very long time. It pleases me that I have made progress.”

  “There is room to improve,” she replied with a mischievous grin. Turning serious, she asked, “May I tell you why I am here?”