As soon as Jeanip entered his room, he slipped through the secret door and down the stone steps leading to the cave. Europa had said a whale had destroyed the boat. That could mean only one thing – Enok. And, if it was Enok, the bodies would have been taken down into the deep to ascertain if they were Terrian or not. Hopefully, someone would be waiting in the cave to tell him their origin. As he neared the entrance to the ocean, he heard voices chattering. Since no alarms were going off he assumed they must be Oonocks, but he no longer fully trusted the security grid. Grabbing a rifle from the gun locker inside the sleeping quarters, he drew closer to the ocean entrance. He saw two naked humans sitting on the edge of the ledge - one man and one woman.
“You know, you two, we keep clothes down here so, when you transform into human form, you can put them on,” Jeanip said, lowering the rifle.
“Why is that?” asked Runbee, the male. “Except for humans, all living things on this planet are very content to exist in their skin, feathers, scales and hair their creator gave them. Only humans seem obsessed with covering their bodies with some kind of cloth. Why do you think they do that?”
“I don’t know, Runbee,” Jeanip replied. “If the day ever comes when I don’t have to be concerned with security and a maniac trying to destroy my sovereigns, I will devote my new time to answering your question.”
“I’ll hold you to that, Jeanip,” Runbee replied.
Returning to serious matters at hand, Jeanip asked, “It was Enok whom Europa saw out in the ocean, wasn’t it? He destroyed the boat.”
“Yes,” Graybin replied. “It was Enok. Ever since you advised him of Medaron’s death, he’s been transforming more and patrolling the waters searching for any signs of Terrians.”
“Mostly he searches for JeffRa,” Runbee added.
“True. With the return of his arch enemy, Enok has returned to the role of protector and warrior. He is determined to rid the universe of JeffRa’s existence once and for all. He is consumed with making JeffRa pay for robbing him of his life’s mate,” Graybin continued.
“He didn’t tell me he was able to come to the surface for extended periods of time. Have the medical assistants been able to correct the problem of him breathing air?” Jeanip asked, a ray of hope materializing that his leader might be able to join him again in this battle with the Terrians.
“Partially. When transformed into a Moby, he possesses enormous lungs which are able to process oxygen more efficiently. For the moment, he can remain above for three or four hours before he must descend back into the oceans depths and return to his true self. Each day he can stay above a little longer as a Moby, but he still cannot breathe for long in a human form.” Graybin explained. “Luckily, he was up here when the Terrians attacked Minnos.”
“So they were as I feared,” Jeanip stated. “They WERE Terrian.”
“Yes,” Runbee replied. “Enok tore them to pieces to see if they had a double-quad chambered heart and the purification organ that only Terrians possess. After his erroneous attack on Medaron, we were pretty sure JeffRa would try again to assassinate Europa and Earon. Enok did not even hesitate to attack the boat or kill its occupants. Unfortunately, neither one was JeffRa. ”
“Was anyone hurt up at Minnos?” Graybin asked.
A somber look came over Jeanip’s face. “Birea was killed. One of Europa’s friends, a young female human, was badly hurt.” Hesitating for a moment, he added, “Graybin, Misso was gravely injured. Evonic doesn’t know if she’ll pull through or not.” Jeanip watched as Graybin’s face showed her grave concern about the injured Misso. He wished he was able to give her better news.
“We’re so sorry to hear about Birea and Europa’s friend. As for Misso, she is a soldier assigned to protect our sovereigns. If her life must be forfeited to accomplish her mission, then so be it,” Graybin said, bowing her head. She reached over and took Runbee’s hand in hers, tears clearly visible in her eyes. “Perhaps we could visit her, Jeanip? If we are to lose her we would like the chance to say goodbye.”
“Jeanip, someone is coming down the stairs,” Runbee announced silently before Jeanip could reply to Graybin’s request.
“That’s probably Sunam. I told him to meet me here after Ebar and Tinderoon gave him their report. But, with everything that has happened in the past hour, we can’t assume anything anymore. You two, slip back into the water and wait until we’re sure there is no danger,” Jeanip stated. Graybin and Runbee silently slipped over the edge and beneath the water, waiting to see who or what came down the tunnel. Jeanip hid behind a stack of crates, his rifle posed to be fired if the approaching sound was not Sunam or another one of his soldiers. He lowered his rifle as Sunam appeared seconds later.
“How did it go?” Jeanip asked.
“Tinderoon and Ebar were able to deliver the females with no problems,” Sunam reported. “They followed proper security protocol. The vehicle remained behind the protection of the fence to assure no one could place any type of device on it that would pose a threat to Minnos or its occupants. The front gate is locked and reactivated, as is the entire fence. No one will be entering that way.”
“Did either of them say how the Sheriff took the news that he could not enter?” Jeanip asked, knowing ahead of time what Sunam’s answer would be.
“Just about how you said he would – a lot of empty threats about getting court orders and contacting the State Department,” Sunam answered. “He even threatened to shoot Tinderoon and Ebar.” Sunam chuckled. “Sounds like the man does not like you.”
“I guess I’ve given him reason not to over the years. I wouldn’t like it either if some foreigner kept me from doing my job, telling me where I could or could not go, denying me access to security breach scenes,” Jeanip answered. He did admire the Sheriff for always trying to do his job of keeping his citizens safe. The Sheriff just did not realize the safety of those on Minnos was not his responsibility, but Jeanip’s.
Sunam turned and looked at the water when he heard splashing as Graybin and Runbee jumped back up out of the water. “Hi, you two. By the way, you two do remember we have clothes for you in the sleeping area?” Sunam asked upon seeing the two naked humans.
“Already reminded them,” Jeanip said.
“Jeanip has promised to discover for us why humans insist on wearing those things once all the Terrians are gone,” Runbee said, seeing the sneer on Jeanip’s face and the smile on Sunam’s.
“We are very sorry to hear about Misso, Sunam,” Graybin stated. “Jeanip tells us her injuries are grave and she might not survive?”
“Yes. Evonic says if she can survive the next thirty-six hours she has a chance,” Sunam said somberly. “But I must be honest with you. I don’t think she’ll last over a few hours. She’s lost a lot of blood and I believe her injuries are more severe than Evonic is telling me.”
“Jeanip, have you thought of returning Misso to the Complex? She would have a much better chance of surviving down there,” Graybin asked, a tinge of hope in her voice.
“Yes, I thought of that option as soon as I saw her,” Jeanip replied. “But my priority, no, make that OUR priority, is Europa and Earon. We must be sure they are safe before we can worry about our wounded.” Jeanip saw the sorrowful look of worry on both Graybin’s and Runbee’s faces as they heard his words. “As soon as I can get the sovereigns on their way to safety, you two have my permission to take Misso down to the Complex so she can recover. Surely you must know that, even though Misso is a soldier under my command, she is like a sister to me, and very dear. I will do whatever is necessary to help her survive – but it must come AFTER we get Europa and Earon to safety. You three know as well as I do that above all, Misso is a soldier and she will fulfill her duty, even if it means her death. She would not even consider a trip to the Complex if she thought it would jeopardize the monarchs’ safety.”
“Jeanip is right,” Sunam added. “Misso will not go unt
il Europa and Earon are safe.”
“Then let’s get them to safety,” Runbee stated. “What do you need us to do?”
“Start carrying out some of the supplies from the storage chamber. We need to get them loaded onto the boat,” Jeanip answered.
As they walked toward the chamber, Sunam turned toward Jeanip. “So you told Runbee you are going to discover the reason for human clothes?” Sunam said, smiling at Jeanip. “I sure hope I’m around to see that.”
“Ha ha, very funny,” Jeanip said, not at all amused. “Why don’t you put some of that energy you use to ask ridiculous questions into carrying out these crates for Runbee and Graybin so you can get Misso to the Complex for medical treatment?”
“Jeanip, why didn’t the security screen work?” Graybin asked, lifting a crate of food into the water.
“It was Europa’s young friend, Anna. Unaware of the danger, she opened the French doors and stepped out on to the balcony. That broke the grid’s connection and the screen went down. The Terrians must have been waiting for such an event.”
“They probably saw me pick up the young humans in town and bring them out to the cottage. Hoping one of them might make a mistake and break the grid, they must have planted themselves in key locations and waited for the opportunity to strike,” Sunam said.
“Anna was wearing one of Europa’s sweaters. I believe the Terrians thought it was Europa standing on the balcony and fired,” Jeanip stated, thankful it had not been Europa who had been shot, but also wishing it had not been one of her friends either. “Otherwise, I don’t believe they would have given away their existence. They not only failed at their assassination attempts, but basically told us we still have a Terrian problem.”
“I bet that really ticked JeffRa off,” Graybin said. “I am sure his whole plan relied on the element of surprise.”
“Must have sent some flunkies,” Runbee stated with a hint of laughter. “Anyone who knows our Europa would know she would never break security. If Medaron taught her one thing, it was the importance of following security protocol to the letter.”
“That she did,” Sunam agreed
____________
Ebar and Tinderoon returned from Jeanip’s room. Tinderoon walked over to the kitchen counter and removed the coffee canister from the cupboard. Europa was relieved to see he knew how to make coffee and was preparing to do so. Ebar pulled up a chair beside Misso and sat down beside her. He looked down at her face and silently said a prayer for her. He then looked over to Europa. “Your Majesty, if you wish I can go upstairs and retrieve any items you may need for your stay down here. If you make me a list, I’ll go right away.”
“Thank you, Ebar. I do not need much,” Europa answered. She rose and walked over to the desk and retrieved a piece of paper on which she quickly wrote down a few items she wanted from her room.
“Evonic, perhaps you could help me bring in some boards from the barn to board up Europa’s broken doors. Even though the security screen has resealed the area, I’m sure Jeanip will not want to leave a gaping hole in the wall.” Tinderoon said to Evonic.
“I’m not sure I should leave Misso,” Evonic answered.
“Perhaps Europa would be willing to sit beside her while we retrieve the boards. It will only take a few minutes,” Tinderoon replied.
Terrance walked over to Europa and whispered, “Europa, I need to get my backpack. I brought some items I found in my father’s room and I don’t think it’s a good idea to have Ebar bring the pack down. Plus, you need to get your mother’s diary and anything else you don’t want to leave behind.”
“Leave behind?” Europa whispered, curious at Terrance’s statement.
“After what just happened, I think we should be prepared to leave at an instant’s notice. We need to keep anything important with us at all times,” Terrance replied.
“You are right, Terrance,” Europa whispered. She looked up and announced, “Evonic, I would be pleased to sit by Misso while you help Tinderoon. And Ebar, now that I think of it, there are a few special items I would like from my room. I will have Terrance go upstairs and get them for me. You go with Tinderoon and Evonic and help carry in the boards. Three can carry more than two can.” Europa knew that, as their monarch, the males would not question her instructions as long as it did not put her in harm’s way.
She handed Terrance the list she had been preparing for Ebar and said, “There’s also a book (silently mouthing the word “diary” for only Terrance to see) in my bathroom I would like. It is under the towels on the second shelf in the linen closet. There is a red backpack hanging on a hook in my closet you can use to put these things in. Oh, and would you please bring down the two paintings my father painted for my mother?”
“You really want me to bring down the Dumbo’s?” Terrance asked, not sure if Europa was kidding or not. When he saw the serious look on her face, he knew she was indeed serious. Those two pictures really did mean a lot to her. “I’ll grab a change of clothing for you too,” Terrance added, looking over the list and noting Europa had forgotten to include any type of clothing.
As Terrance went up the stairs, Europa walked over to Misso and sat in the chair Ebar had just vacated. Triton followed and laid at her feet. Europa gently picked up Misso’s hand and held it in hers. She was surprised at how cold it was. Looking down at her sleeping face, Europa realized she had never seen Misso look so pale, so vulnerable. “Is she going to make it?” she softly whispered.
“We hope so,” Evonic answered.
“What do I need to do?” Europa asked, not taking her eyes off Misso’s face.
“Just sit there and keep an eye on her. If you need me, or any of us, for any reason, have Terrance ring the back porch bell and I’ll come running. Remember, Europa, do NOT ring it yourself. You are not to go outside these walls.” Evonic stated. He was sure Europa did not need another reminder, but he decided to play it safe and tell her once more about her confinement.
“Believe me, Evonic, after the shooting today, the last thing I will attempt is to step foot outside this cottage,” Europa stated. Today’s events had shaken her to her core. For the first time in her life she really believed she was royalty, and with that title came the reality someone out there was determined to end her life.
“We will take our leave of you then,” Tinderoon said, bowing slightly, raising his hand to his forehead in the proper royal salute. “We will return shortly.” Europa bowed her head slightly as she had seen her mother do in response hundreds of times in the past. This was the second time any of the help had saluted her so and she wanted to do her return actions properly.
The three males exited the cottage through the side door, locking it behind themselves. Once off the porch, they broke into a run to the barn to obtain the lumber for Europa’s room. Not wanting to leave the monarchs alone for long, they hurriedly gathered some lumber and prepared to return to the cottage. Just as they were ready to leave, their arms laden with strips of wood, the door at the other end of the barn swung open to reveal red, glowing eyes.
____________
Terrance stopped at the top of the stairs and took a deep breath. He knew he had to hurry, but he also knew he needed to prepare himself for what was inside Europa’s room. Birea’s body still laid inside because the caring for the wounded took precedence over the deceased. And the blood of the three women would cover a good portion of the floor. Taking another deep breath, Terrance stepped inside and stared in disbelief. Birea’s body was gone. All that remained where she had fallen were her clothes and the blanket that had covered her body, both now devoid of any substance to give them shape. The purple blood that had surrounded Birea and Misso was also gone, replaced by a dark tinge in the wooded floor. Terrance shifted his eyes to where Anna had fallen to see if her blood too had disappeared. As he thought, Anna’s blood was still clearly visible on the floor. No one had returned upstairs, so what happen
ed to Birea’s body and the purple blood? Had Jeanip somehow snuck back upstairs to remove Birea’s body and clean up the purple blood so Europa and he would not see it or ask questions? This house had so many secret tunnels and rooms, was there a secret passageway upstairs? Then a spark of panic struck him. If someone had been in the room, had they seen his backpack and looked inside? What if they found the strange weapon? Even worse, what if the weapon was gone? Now afraid of the possibility someone had been in the room, Terrance picked his way through the debris to the settee where his backpack laid. Grabbing it by its straps, he pulled open the zipper and looked inside, hoping everything was still there. He closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief – everything was where it should be.
Crunching his way over the glass, Terrance proceeded to the bathroom. Placing his hand beneath the towels on the second linen closet shelf, he located the diary and maps. He stuffed them into the front part of his backpack. At the sink, he grabbed Europa’s toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and something he thought was her face cleanser and put them in the back section of his backpack. Upon exiting the bathroom, he crossed to the closet and retrieved Europa’s backpack and quickly stuffed inside a pair of jeans, two shirts and two sweatshirts. He next crunched his way to her dresser where he grabbed a bra, some panties and several pair of socks, placing them in the pack beside the other clothes. Leaving only the two Dumbo Octopus paintings to obtain, Terrance looked around the room and saw them hanging on the wall by the side of the bed. He ran over, removed them from their hanging spot, swung the two backpacks over his right shoulder and placed the paintings under his left arm. Satisfied he had gotten everything Europa wanted or would need, Terrance ran downstairs to tell her about Birea and the blood.
ESCAPE