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

by Robert Iannone

  It was shocking to see Lord Z’kkk struggle to hold back his tears. The effort cost him his voice and he could say nothing. His wife answered instead. “Thank you, Egg. I cannot tell you how much it means to us to hear your assurances. I am terribly sorry to put such a burden on you and your sisters when I say that our faith in the Hameggattic Sisterhood is absolute.”

  Egg took her eyes from the screen for a second to scan the faces of the other girls. They all smiled or nodded back at her. “It’s what we do. This time it’s personal.”

  “I will send the last of our fleet to join you, sister. As you know we don’t have a standing army. The Sentinels are mostly ceremonial but they will give you all that they can,” said Meggy.

  “Thanks, but no thanks.”

  “Egg, the seven of you – the eight of you (it was just like Meggy to include I’za) – will need a military force at your command. If for no other reason than to impress the Ephemeral.”

  “I have one.”

  “One what?”

  “An army. The Klat are following in their habitat. They’ll be a day or two behind us.”

  The three people on the screen looked at each other and shook their heads in disbelief. “May I ask how you did that?”

  “I told Mobius he could marry Tee’ka.”

  “Is that a joke?”

  “Maybe a little. The Klat AI – we won his friendship by transferring his program into an avatar. He chose an image from Tee’s mind. Unfortunately it was Mobius. So when you meet him, his name is Waldo by the way, try not to flinch.”

  “I see. And my dear sister Tee’ka will marry this . . . this individual.”

  “You tell her Tee.”

  “Hi Meggy. I love him.”

  The Queen couldn’t help but smile. “That is wonderful. Have you set a date?”

  “Egg said I have to give him a few years to learn to be a real person.”

  “Ah. Very wise. We have all seen how, over the years, you matured as an individual rather than a holographic hostess. May I offer my sincerest congratulations?”

  “Thank you.” Then she said the most perfect thing. “Serenity said I can’t have babies but I’m still allowed to try.”

  This time the three royals broke into grins – the first in what must have seemed forever. “There is an earth phrase that I learned many years ago. Practice makes perfect. Do try for perfection, dear Tee’ka.”

  *****

  When the screen went dark, Meggy turned to her parents. “Is Egg not the most amazing individual that has ever lived?”

  “Perhaps one of them,” conceded her mother.

  “How is it possible,” asked Lord Z’kkk, “that in a matter of days, she converted an enemy – one that created the PhoG – into an ally? Quite frankly, the word amazing simply does not do her justice. Though she has an unmistakable presence about her, she is the most unassuming individual considering her legendary accomplishments and the fame it has brought her. And, she has yet to turn twenty.”

  “I hope my brother is up to the challenge. Being married to my sister will not be easy.”

  The mention of Benny turned the conversation somber. “She will find a way to rescue him, of that I feel certain,” stated Z’kkk. “But this life-altering injury is worrisome. Eloise cannot be expected to resolve the issue, whatever it may be.”

  “Not necessarily true, my darling. If it is a physical disability, Egg would not be put off. She would stand by his side and see him through his struggle to come to terms with it.”

  “Then, I fear, it will not be that,” thought Meggy. But, she chose not to voice her concern.

  *****

  After the screen went dark, the command center remained quiet . . . each girl quite subdued by the burden of responsibility that they felt. No one wanted to disappoint Egg or the Royal family. Previous missions never felt this personal.

  “Hey guys, I know we’re all feeling the same way. But remember two things. First, Benny is alive and, second, we are going to get him back. All we have to do is figure out how.”

  The girls reacted in one of three ways – by rolling their eyes, shaking their heads or smiling. A couple of them did all three.

  I’za, for her part, was getting a little tired of being impressed. Egg had said just the right thing. She acknowledged the group’s responsibility, pointed out the positives and made complete light of the one small detail that seemed to have zero probability of being resolved successfully. All the tension left the room as if by magic.

  “Any chance of getting the mini-MAGEK unit back?” asked Jax’x knowing full well the answer. “That could make a huge difference.”

  “I wish,” replied Egg mournfully.

  “May I ask what is a magic unit?” asked the alien.

  “Very, very long story. The short version is that Jax’x is called an Amber Heart, the last of her kind. Well, actually one of the last two. On her world, the scientist created a machine called MAGEK that could turn thoughts into reality. That’s a bit ironic seeing that we’re fighting a species that alters reality. Anyway, see that pendant she’s wearing (and Jax’x pointed to it), it can interface with the MAGEK unit and amplify her power. We destroyed the unit because a second sect called Divine Ones was using it to control the population. Anyway, we did rescue a prototype. Unfortunately, the other Amber Heart stole it.”

  “Fascinating. I assume you can’t replicate the technology?”

  “We don’t even know what the technology is . . . just what it does.”

  “Hey, Egg. How about if we . . .” began Serenity.

  “Stop. Save if for a little later. We’re supposed to be relaxing for a bit.”

  “You never did tell me how women in this galaxy relax,” reminded I’za.

  “Can’t speak for anyone other than this motley crew. Tee’ka likes to read romance novels, Bree is turning into quite the artist, Bl’azzz is torn between sleeping or gorging herself with food. She usually does both. Sparky used to tinker in her lab but that’s before Jax’x joined us. Now the two of them argue about scientific gibberish. Thankfully, they never ask us to join in.”

  Snarky Sparky said, “I’ll give you three guesses why.”

  “Shut up. Anyway, Syl and I go way back – even before there was a sisterhood. And she hasn’t been on a mission in a while. So we’ll just talk and catch up. For instance, I didn’t know that she kissed six guys. All I knew about was Zack.”

  “Oh. If you’re going to count him, then it’s seven,” said Sylvia with an exaggerated grin.

  “You hussy. I want all the details. Now.”

  “Before you two stroll down memory lane, I would like to ask I’za a question.”

  “Of course, Bree. Anything.”

  “Why were the Gek’a put on board the Ark? I know what your function is, or was, but was it completely voluntary? And were all Gek’a put on the ship?”

  “Technically that’s two questions, but I’ll allow it,” teased Egg.

  “The Gek’a,” replied I’za, “are slaves.”

  That brought out a chorus of “WHAT?”

  “Our ability was greatly useful to many species and dangerous to others. Centuries ago, we were conquered by one of them. The central government eventually decided no one world should have such a valuable commodity so we were divided into a hundred or so clusters and sold. My cluster was property of the Phanta. As fate would have it, they were in turn conquered and placed aboard the Ark. We, the Gek’a, were granted our freedom of sorts if we agreed to become Guardians. The alternative was to be sold off again. We chose the Ark because it gave us some hope of being truly free one day.”

  “And now you are,” said BreeZee.

  “I am. I can only hope others of my kind survived.”

  “If they did, we’ll rescue them then find them a planet to call their own,” promised Egg.

  I’za’s response was surprising. “I would still choose to become a Hameggattic Sister if you would have me.”

  *****
r />   “I’za, you really need to think this through,” said the dragon.

  “Bl’azzz?”

  “Locked up in a spaceship for months at a time with Sparky and the Librarian – it’s a daunting challenge and shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

  “Hey, you pre-historic beastie,” huffed Serenity, “I’m delightful company . . . charming, witty and a role model to anyone with half a brain to realize it.”

  “Barf.” That was Jax’x of course.

  Turning serious, Bree said, “If we’re going to vote, I’d say yes. I’za has already saved Egg’s life, Ezra’s life, got us aboard Xara’s ship and, as importantly, been a wonderful companion since she’s been here.”

  “Don’t forget,” added Sylvia, “I’m on loan. After we finish getting Benny back, I’m leaving. The sisterhood has to have seven active members. That’s the law.”

  “Bl’azzz?” asked Egg.

  “She hasn’t insulted me. I vote yes.”

  “Tee?”

  “She’s nice.”

  “Jax’x?”

  “I have two reasons to vote yes. First, I’za you are simply terrific and definitely sisterhood material. And second, once you’re in I won’t be the newest member anymore. That’ll be your problem.”

  “What problem is that?” the girl asked.

  “You have to wash the dishes.”

  “Ah. But only if you can catch me,” and she disappeared into the background.

  “She’s cheating,” cried Serenity pretending outrage. “OUCH”.

  “What?” asked Egg.

  “She flicked my ear.”

  I’za rematerialized behind Sparky’s chair wearing a big smile.

  Syl said to Egg, “She’d be great at hide and go seek.”

  “I have to agree with what everyone said. But . . . I vote no.”

  Chapter 5 – On Screen

  I’za’s smile evaporated.

  The other girls simultaneous began to voice their displeasure so Egg held up her hand for silence. “Let me talk. I’za, I would love to have you as a sister. But, you just finished telling us that you and your kind have been slaves for hundreds of years. Like I told Tee and Waldo, you need time to be you – a free person. This (and she opened her arms to take in the entire room and all the girls in it) is new to you. It’s the first true taste of freedom that you’ve experienced. And to you it’s everything you ever dreamed it would be. But you need to live among your own kind in a world of your own making. Then, and only then, can you truly choose the sisterhood. Am I making sense?”

  “Yes and I appreciate everything you just said. But I have a different take on it . . . one that is completely opposite of the one you just expressed.”

  “I hope you can convince me because I would love to have you join the sisterhood.”

  Before I’za could present her argument, they were interrupted by an incoming message. “It’s Aeri’elle,” announced Serenity.

  To I’za, Egg said, “Hold that thought. Sparky, on screen.”

  “Hi, all.”

  “Hi, yourself,” replied Egg.

  “Sister, I have heard about Benny and Spirit’s thought weave. I’m so pleased that a happy resolution is still very possible. I would ask how you’re holding up, but that would be gratuitous. You’re obviously worried but less so after you spoke with Spirit.”

  Egg smiled at her sister’s analysis. “That was very professorial. I’m impressed.”

  “Shocked that a dim-witted dragon might be erudite?”

  “Hey, Big Bird . . . speak for yourself,” came the grumpy reply from Bl’azzz.

  “I was being facetious, you overgrown parakeet.”

  “Pair of what?”

  “Never mind. Egg, the reason I called is to warn you that we just received data on those four ships from the Prince’s fleet. It seems his crew is still onboard. Somehow, the Ephemeral are forcing them to pilot the vessels as they see fit. Worse, they seem to be arming them with weapons of unknown capability.”

  “Well isn’t that just peachy?”

  “I am not familiar with that particular stupid earth saying but an educated guess is that you are being flippant.”

  “Guilty as charged. Anything else to brighten my day?”

  “Sorry, Egg. Would that I could give you good news.”

  “Not your fault. Thanks for calling.”

  “Of course. Be careful . . . all of you.”

  *****

  “Okay . . . sorry for the interruption I’za. Let’s hear what you have to say.”

  “Thank you. I . . .” but she was again interrupted.

  “Sorry. It’s someone named Zazzi calling,” announced Jax’x.

  “Really? That’s weird. He’s K’ssss’s husband and an honorary member of the sisterhood.”

  “We have a male member of the sisterhood?”

  “We do. Sorry, I’za. Put him through.”

  “Um . . . hello. My name is Zazzi.” He hadn’t met any of the newer sisters.

  “Hey, Zazzi. It’s Egg.”

  “Oh, good. Hi, Egg. Sorry to disturb you.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Oh, yes. And look, I’m wearing my scarf.” That, of course, was given to him when he was made an honorary sister.

  “I see. Still looks great. So, what can I do for you?”

  “Can you tell me anything about the Nauti?”

  “What?”

  “The Nauti.”

  “The naughty what?”

  “What?”

  “That’s what I said.”

  “If I may?” interrupted I’za. “The Nauti were one of the species on the Ark.”

  “Ohhh. Come over here and talk to Zazzi. Hey, Zazzi, this is I’za. She was a Guardian on the Ark. She can answer your questions.”

  “That’s wonderful. Hello, I’za. My name is Zazzi.”

  The alien tried not to smile. “Very pleased to meet you. May I ask how you know about the Nauti?”

  “Their habitat was found. The Federation made contact with them. However, it seems that they come from a water world. Since Zynn-Zaz’zia is mostly water, they asked me to be ambassador. If they seem compatible, we might invite them to stay here. I’ve talked to the Wind’ dancer clan leaders and they were amenable.”

  “Zazzi, the Nauti are the nicest individuals that you are likely to meet. Not an aggressive thought in their psyche. They are also very tolerant of others and would make excellent neighbors.”

  “How wonderful to hear. I, eh, I don’t know what they look like. Are they similar to me? What form of aquatic life are they?”

  “They are actually humanoid with two arms and two legs. However, they have gills in addition to lungs so they can survive on land or under the sea. They also have short wings that propel them through the water. I think they would love your world. Isn’t that where BreeZee is from?”

  “Indeed. Well, I am excited to meet them. We have so much open water; it would be nice to populate it with like-minded individuals.”

  “You will love them, I promise.”

  Egg asked, “If they’re so nice, why were they on the Ark? Zazzi, the Ark was a prison ship in case you didn’t know.”

  “I had heard, thank you. Your question is one that I should have asked.”

  “You have nothing to fear on that score. The Nauti-can world was rich in minerals that other species coveted. Graciously, they allowed others to mine them. However, these miners thought it was too expensive to clean up after themselves and ended up polluting the oceans. The Nauti complained to the High Counsel. It was decided that the best solution was to put the Nauti on the Ark and get rid of them so their world could continue to be exploited and destroyed. It was a travesty on so many levels.”

  “That is horrifying.”

  “Absolutely. If they can find a good home such as you might offer, they will do everything in their power to keep it pristine.”

  “Thank you so much for this information. I will contact them immediately and ask t
hem to come visit. I am so excited by the prospect.”

  “Well, you are welcome.”

  “Zazzi, is there anything else?”

  “No, Egg. Again, I apologize for intruding.”

  “Nonsense. Your interaction with the Nauti might very well be the model we use with all the other species. So, be sure to record everything and give that information to Aeri’elle. She can use it to compile a protocol for us to use.”

  “I will. And, I’za, it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope you come to Zynn-Zaz’zia for a visit.”

  “I would love that.”

  *****

  “Well, that was good news. I’m glad he called,” said Egg.

  “May I ask, what was the significance of the green scarf?”

  “Part of a long story. Short version – when we were in a place called the Crystal Forrest, we were attacked by creatures called Ding Bats. Zazzi’s wife, our sister K’ssss, sacrificed herself to save us. It was she that wore a green scarf – a gift from another sister. When the creature bit her, she transformed into a Ding Bat herself and flew away. Her scarf fell off and drifted back down to us. We used copies of that scarf as a symbol of our love for one another on our next mission.”

  “I’m speechless. The adventures you women have had . . . it is awe-inspiring.”

  “More like fear-inducing. So, let’s try it again. I’za, the floor is yours.”

  “The floor?”

  “Sorry. Go ahead and present your arguments.”

  “Thank you. As . . .” and yet again she was interrupted.

  “This is getting freaky,” said Jax’x. “Another message coming in.”

  “From?”

  “No idea. It’s . . . it’s a very weird form of communications.”

  “Let me see,” said Serenity. She fiddled with her controls. “Confirmed.”

  “What’s confirmed?”

  “It is very weird.”

  Egg groaned. “Put it on screen.” Then “OH. MY. GOSH.”

  “What the heck is that?” asked someone.