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

by Robert Iannone

  “An intriguing suggestion, your Majesty. I would need to talk to this Waldo and to meet a sample of his people to ensure that we can establish a mutually satisfactory relationship.”

  “Of course. I will discuss this with the First Citizen and let you know of his interest.”

  “Wonderful.” He coughed politely then asked, “Are you absolutely certain that it is not Mobius?” The thought of his return was a terrifying notion.

  *****

  On Board the Gracie

  “. . . and that’s it”. Serenity had given her guest the grand tour of the ship.

  “I can’t believe you designed all of this yourself. Unbelievable.”

  “Don’t think a woman is smart enough?” snapped Serenity. Her reaction to perceived insults was nearly impossible to control.

  Skotti just laughed.

  “Why are you laughing?”

  “I didn’t understand what you meant when you described yourself as grumpy. Now I do.”

  The girl buried her face in her hands from embarrassment. “Sorry,” came the muffled reply.

  “Actually, it works out impeccably well. I’m always happy and upbeat. It’s a perfect balance between our personalities.” He punctuated the comment with comically raised eyebrows.

  “Can you hand me that box,” and the girl pointed to a side shelf.

  “Sure,” and he did as he was asked. “What is that?”

  “This is something I can throw at you for being such an irritatingly nice person,” and she did.

  “Ow.”

  “Be a man.”

  “Listen up, you punky elf. When I get you into a workable exoskeleton, I’m going to chase you all over this ship. Then when I catch you, I’m going to tickle you till you beg me to stop.”

  “Did Jax’x tell you I hate being tickled?”

  “Maybe.”

  “I know where she lives. She’s going to regret giving away my secrets. And another thing, I don’t beg.”

  “Oh really. Well, I have to leave. In fact, I’m late reporting for duty. Before I left, I was going to kiss you goodbye. But, I think now I’ll withhold my loveable lusty lips . . . unless you beg me not to.”

  “Never going to happen.”

  “Okay then. Nice seeing you again. Have a lovely day,” and he turned to leave.

  “Don’t you dare.”

  “Excuse me,” he answered innocently.

  “Don’t you dare leave without kissing me.”

  “Hmmm, I don’t know.”

  “I’m asking you nicely.”

  “Ummm . . .”

  “Oh, all right, you infuriating, irritating, irksome idiot, I’m begging you.”

  “Yuk. Don’t do that.”

  “Do what?”

  “Beg. It really doesn’t suit you.”

  If the girl could walk, she would have jumped up, ran to the young man and hugged the air out of his lungs. She settled for, “Skotti, please kiss me goodbye.”

  Any more words would have ruined the moment. Besides, you should never talk when your mouth is full.

  *****

  Reven’s Time Castle

  “Hey Big Bird.”

  “Hey yourself,” replied the dragon and she walked over and gave Egg a big hug. “How’s Benny?”

  “Out of his mind,” and she brought her friend up to date.

  “I agree with your decision. It would be immoral to alter his memories without his permission. So what will you do?”

  “No idea. You haven’t found any working time traveling devices, have you? That would make life simpler.”

  “Sorry. We have checked every square inch of the castle to no avail. On the other hand, our physics staff has multiple projects ongoing in hopes of determining how some of this works.”

  “Good luck with that. So, how are things on Spell ‘Bound?”

  “Going very well. But it will take a generation before our efforts show results. Remember, the population had only an informal educational system for hundreds of years.”

  “Did you get to meet with Po and Jay’gar?”

  “I did. They work very well as a team.”

  “I’ll say. She’s pregnant.”

  “They told me. How did Jax’x take the news?’

  “A little sad. But she got past it quickly.”

  “She’s a good sister.”

  “And so is I’za. Hopefully you’ll get to meet them before we leave.”

  “When and where?”

  “The Ark is still lost and so are dozens of habitats. Maybe we can help sort that out. By the way, did you hear that Zazzi is negotiating with the Nauti – an aquatic humanoid civilization – to settle on Zynn-Zaz’zia?”

  “Actually I have met them. Fascinating people. I have a photograph of one swimming. My anthropology department is beside themselves documenting the species.”

  She pulled out the photo and handed it to Egg . . .

  “Wow. That’s pretty exotic.” She passed it to Sylvia.

  “Are they as nice as I’za seems to think?”

  “Very gentle folk. They will make wonderful neighbors.”

  “They accepted the invitation?”

  “They have indeed. Their habitat is due in about two weeks. Zazzi has already given them an island to land on. He’s done a marvelous job in negotiating all of this.”

  “Speaking about naughty, so what’s up with you?”

  “Egg?”

  “Is there anyone special that you’re spending time with?”

  “Why would you even ask?”

  It was Sylvia who answered. “You seem very mellow.”

  “Mellow?”

  Now it was Egg’s turn. “You have always been very stiff and formal, ever since the day we first met a very long time ago. Now, you’re more relaxed. More mellow.”

  The dragon smiled. ”And to be relaxed takes a mate?”

  “Doesn’t hurt,” blurted Syl.

  “SYLVIA HAMPTON,” cried her best friend. “You said you just kissed them.”

  “Them who?” asked a confused but amused Dean of the University.

  “Her seven husbands.”

  “WHAT?” squawked the dragon.

  “Stop. Enough about me. Yo, big bird, spill the beans. Who is he?”

  If a dragon could blush, Aeri’elle would have been crimson. She mumbled a name.

  “What’d she say?” asked Egg.

  “Sounded like mud.”

  “No, you two numbskulls. I said Bl’uddd.” She lifted her chin defiantly.

  The mouths of the two girls dropped open simultaneously as they stared at their sister.

  “Say something,” demanded the dragon.

  “You naughty, naughty girl”.

  Chapter 4 – Back to Work

  Q’umulus

  The Queen was with Tee’ka again in her private office. On the main viewer was the always-impressive face of Waldo . . .

  “Hi,” said Tee’ka to the man of her dreams.

  “You are well?”

  “Very. Meggy wants to tell you her plan.”

  “Acceptable.”

  “First Citizen, did my sister Tee’ka discuss her desire to have you relocate to Aerianna?”

  “Yes?”

  “I do not believe this world is a suitable match for the Klat.”

  “Agreed.”

  “However, the second planet in this solar system is much like the Klat home world. It is mountainous with little fertile land for planting but plentiful in game.”

  “It is unoccupied?”

  “No. There is a humanoid species that is indigenous to the planet. As a point of fact, the individual that you resemble, Mobius, is from this world.”

  “Is he their leader?”

  “No. He was a renegade with many crimes committed against his own people as well as those on Aerianna. Egg and her sisters have sent him back in time, in an endless loop, where he will be trapped for eternity.”

  “A satisfactory punishment.”

  “
Indeed. I have talked to the ambassador of Kallous and he is intrigued by the possibility of adding your people to the population of his world.”

  “My people will not be subservient to anyone.”

  “It will be a union of equals. He would like to meet with you, and with others of the Klat, to see if an acceptable arrangement can be reached.”

  “His motivation?”

  “Mobius caused great harm to his people. They now lack the minimum population in which to develop fully as a society. They need help and are willing to do what is necessary to save their kind.”

  “Acceptable. I will contact this person.”

  “May I send one of our ships to take you to Kallous if your negotiations reach that point?”

  “Accep . . . thank you.” The ugly man was learning fast.

  “Wonderful . . .” but she stopped when she heard the door open. She turned to see her parents entering. “Excuse the interruption, Waldo, but my parents I believe would like to converse with you.”

  The Queen Mother strode in front of the viewer. She looked at the hated face but showed no emotion. “First Citizen, I must apologize for my previous behavior. It was inexcusable.”

  “However understandable.”

  “Thank you for saying that. If it is not too late, I would ask that you help us with my son, the Prince.”

  “For my sister Egg, I would do all that I can. I have said as much to your Queen.”

  “I know. However, I must tell you that we have yet to get my son’s permission for the procedure.”

  “Permission is not required.”

  “I understand. However, my husband and I would consider it immoral to proceed without Ben’Edikk’s concurrence.”

  “Explain.”

  Tee’ka waved frantically then mouthed the word ‘please’.

  “Explain, please,” Waldo corrected himself.

  “There is nothing more personal in the universe than one’s memories. Even though they are incomplete because of the damage he incurred, only he has the right to allow someone to tamper with them. Even with his best interest as our sole impetus, I cannot authorize your help.”

  “I must consider your arguments. I sense they are important if I am to grow as a person.”

  Despite herself, Rose was impressed. “That is appreciated. I will ask Egg to contact you when the time is right.”

  “Know this, Queen Mother. Time is meaningful in the successful outcome.”

  “I understand. Time is not my son’s friend in this.”

  *****

  On Board the Gracie

  “Can I tell you something?” Serenity and Tee’ka were on board the Gracie heading back to Zynn-Zaz’zia. Bl’azzz declined the invitation to return with them. She wanted to spend more time with Soo.

  “Okay.”

  “I think I’m in love.” For once in her life, the young woman was feeling like . . . well, like a young woman. And she had to share it with someone.

  “Not with Waldo?” exclaimed the horrified former computer program.

  “No you daffy whack-a-doodle. I’m in love with Skotti.”

  “Oh. Does he have a first name?”

  “Skotti is his first name.”

  “Really. His name is Skotti Skotti?”

  “Why do I even try,” said the exasperated other girl. “But I will. His name is Skotti Tess’lar. He’s the chief engineer for Benny’s fleet.”

  “Is he as handsome as Waldo?”

  Sparky rolled her eyes but managed to keep her expression as neutral as humanly possible. “Well, he certainly doesn’t have the um . . . the commanding face that your man has. But, he’s cute in his own way.”

  “Are you going to marry him?”

  Serenity wanted to laugh . . . and then she didn’t want to. “Maybe.” The conversation ended because the girl in the chair started to fantasize about the possibility of having a long-term relationship. Ever since her accident, she had all but ruled out that possibility.

  And as they traveled in companionable silence, Sparky began to romanticize on how this new relationship could develop. With her back turned to Tee’ka, the other girl couldn’t see her blush a bright red.

  *****

  Back at School

  “You and Bl’uddd . . . now how did that come to be?” asked an incredulous Egg.

  “The usual way,” began the Head Mistress of the University. “He brought me candy and flowers; invited me out to dinner and then we took in a movie.”

  Egg’s face was showing astonishment that dragons dated the way earth folk do.

  Syl wasn’t buying it for a second. “You lying leaping lizard. Not one word of that was true.”

  “She bought it,” and the dragon nodded toward our heroine.

  “Why wouldn’t I? It sounded romantic.”

  “Good grief,” cried Syl in mock horror at her gullible sister. “Did you really think dragons courted the same way as teenagers on earth?”

  “Well . . . how should I know?”

  Sylvia dropped her head to her chest. “And to think I’ve followed you into battle. Thank our lucky stars that . . . well that you’re lucky.”

  “You’re such a know it all,” kidded her friend. “Anyway, how did the head of a galactic university start dating the ex-sidekick of our favorite villain?” She held up her hand to stop Aeri’elle from answering. “And . . . do not leave out a single detail. I don’t care how personal it is. Understand?”

  “What is it about Earth humans that make them so meddlesome? Very well. In as much as you are still the leader of the Sisterhood, I feel obliged to fulfill your request.”

  “Oh, please,” moaned Syl. “You’re busting a gut to tell someone.”

  “I simply refuse to acknowledge that statement . . .” then she eeked. “I really was busting a gut – which by the way is terribly accurate and horribly graphic expression. The only one around is K’ssss and, truth be told, she wasn’t as emotional as I’d hope. Then again she’s an intelligent serpent and not a flighty human.”

  “For the love of all that’s holy, get on with the story. I’m not getting any younger,” complained the always impatient Egg.

  “Oh, hold your horses . . . that’s the correct earth saying, isn’t it?”

  “I swear I’m going to pluck your feathers . . .”

  Pretending she didn’t hear the threat, Aeri’elle began her story. “As you very well remember, he was placed in charge of security for the university and this planet. In such a capacity, we met often. At first, it was just business. Then one day while we were discussing something or another, I realized that he is very large and very, very handsome.”

  “And?”

  “And, I asked him over for dinner.”

  “Hussy.”

  “I’m not even going to ask. Anyway, it was very pleasant and we talked about the bad times as well as the more pleasurable current events. To my surprise, he’s more intelligent than I had assumed. And handsome – did I mention that?”

  “Yeah. I think you did.”

  “So that’s about it. We kept seeing each other and as is the want of nature, our feelings for each other have grown. He has even broached the subject of marriage.”

  “Have you kissed him?”

  “Good grief, no. Dragons don’t have lips. Besides, I never understood that particular custom.”

  “Locking lips – I guess I can see how you might think it’s weird.”

  “And unsanitary,” observed Big Bird and she shivered at the thought.

  *****

  Wind ‘dancer Village

  “Alright, leave them alone,” barked Zephyr at the contingent of young men. “They have more important things to do then listen to your boring stories. Go.”

  Jax’x turned to address the crowd. “On behalf of my sister and me, we would like to thank each of you for a most enjoyable afternoon.”

  One of the winged men yelled, “Who was your favorite?”

  The girls giggled. It was always nice to
be the center of attention. “One second while we confer.” They put their heads together as if they were seriously considering the question. This time it was I’za who addressed the eager faces. “We agree it was the two gentlemen that we sailed with,” and all the rest booed lustily.

  “Sorry, we just like . . . old men,” added Jax’x for the benefit of the others. The jeers turned to cheers as rude age-related jokes began to be bandied about.

  “Come you two,” and Zephyr held out a hand to each. With his great strength and overly large wings, he easily lifted the two young women up to the tree top apartment.

  “Well, how was it?” asked Bree.

  “Words are totally inadequate,” sighed Jax’x. “As Egg would say – it was worth the price of admission. I wish I had wings.”

  “I don’t want wings,” added I’za. “But I would love to have a man with a beautiful pair of them.” Zephyr looked at the young lady with a little too much appreciation.

  “Listen to her,” demanded Azure of her daughter. “Even she knows a good looking man when she sees one.” Like her husband, she still yearned for grandchildren.

  “Mother,” scolded Bree. “It is one thing to admire beauty, and quite another to fall in love because of it.”

  Azure just stared at a daughter she was just beginning to realize was not the same child that had left to join the sisterhood. “I’m sorry. I’m just so worried about you all the time. If something were to happen . . .”

  “It won’t,” and mother and daughter embraced. When they eventually separated, the girl did the same with her father. “Well, it’s time to go.”

  “So soon?” cried her mother.

  “I’m pretty sure that after we settle the Ark problem, I’ll get a lot more time to visit.”

  “Fair warning to all three of you. Nothing can prepare you, as a parent, for the time when your child leaves the nest,” observed a wistful Zephyr.

  “My people never experience that sorrow,” said I’za.

  “Why is that?”

  “It is the parents who leave, not the child.”

  *****

  On board the Gracie

  “Sorry, K’ssss. We thought we would have more time.”

  “I understand. We all have so many obligations. I’m in my lab nearly every day. When I’m not, I check up on our wards (referring to semi-sentient serpents that she and her husband were caring for). And my dear husband is now gill deep in helping the Nauti settle in.”