The Captain's Propensity: The Andromeda Incident II

By Ronald DeNardo

The sci-fi fantasy novel The Captain’s Propensity tells the story of the sometimes buffoonish, former United League of Planets Captain Robert Michael Calyx and his adventures - and misadventures - in the 40th century. This once venerable but now decommissioned captain is presumably just along for the ride aboard the Starship Americus III, a newly upgraded, powerful, and swift tachyon-driven starship that’s capable of traveling 1,000 times the speed of light. The ship is on its maiden voyage to the planetary system of Rigel, a star located in the constellation Orion. The trip will take the starship 860 light years from the United League of Planets’ huge Star-Station, Earth II, which orbits high above the extremely polluted and dying planet Earth. Find out what’s in store for the captain, the extraterrestrial beings he meets, and more importantly, for planet Earth in this witty tale of adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SBPRA
• Release date: Jul 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781628571882

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Stardate 1313, 3948

I, Captain Robert Michael Calyx; Captain’ Robie for short; one of two offspring, of the long missing and presumed dead Emrys Myrddin Calyx and his apparently murdered life-mate Uruz. I at this noteworthy time, wanted to describe my appearance somewhat, for those of you who just might happen to reincarnate somehow, in my century and run across my personage. So you can therefore, recognize me and say hello and elucidate to me how much you enjoyed my fantastical life’s story. Well here goes! I am currently 1065 years of age and stand about 5’ 8" tall, with slightly graying and thinning black hair. I weigh about 165 human pounds and consider myself, thankfully, good-looking and still in good physical condition. I have, as what the nearly extinct human race’ physicians considered, a Roman build. And for the benefit of all Double and Bi-Sexers existing here and living at a different Time and Space Continuum period, I am very well endowed and verified to be a good lover. Both myself and sister Captain Debra closely and appreciatively resemble our now great, venerated and high priestess of the Myrddissian Spiritus Order of Amun Ra; yes, our one and only Grandmother, Bertrande.

I currently find myself, with what is left of the human race, despondently living, working and playing within the lofty orbiting StarStation, appropriately named, Earth Station II. That is synchronously stationed, approximately ten thousand kilometers or so, above Earth’s ionosphere. It truly is an amazing and voluminously sized space station, shaped something like a Balls and Jacks toy and nearly as large as Earth’s Moon. I guesstimate it to be currently, at approximately some 3,474 kilometers wide, high and across. Since its inception and construction, about 200 years ago, both its outer and inner alumisteel shell has held up quite well over the past two centuries. In fact, so good was its original fabrication, that its has not needed much maintenance, except to occasionally patch up a few small meteorite holes. Everyone aboard, including the space station’s officers were assigned a 365.76 square meter, very nice, comfortable and state of the art domicile. Which was thankfully and mainly due to Earth II’s massive size.

The rest of StarStation Earth II’s cavernous interior contained and included what every large city-like structure would, most certainly have. Things such as bars and nightclubs, food courts and grocery, clothing stores of all sorts, live, movie and holographic theatres, sex shops, masturbation booths, brothels and Librarys/learning centers, etcetera. Yes, every sort of imaginable business to please and delight every human, half breed and pedigree alien alike. Of course, no one living, working and playing aboard our artificial, nearly moon-sized alumisteel constructed space station, dare in no way continually gripe or complain. Well at least, not out loud or in public, about our prison-like living conditions and existence. Because if it ever caught or overheard doing so, would mean immediate arrest and incarceration forever, without due legal representation being provided. Yes, even possibly a jail sentence for life, without any chance of parole or release. For you see another wonderful thing about living in general, in our Fortieth Century, is that it is, a total and irrefutable police state. And oh, one more thing I must mention before I forget. Everyone, either born or genetically engineered who lives under the jurisdiction of the U.L.O.P. is implanted with a certain diabolical device. Yes, very frightening indeed, in that it is a quite minuscule, computerized and deadly type of scientific gadget. Something, that the people here, refer to as the Disintegrator Device. Which also happens to be completely undetectable and totally irremovable, once it is inserted in one’s frontal lobe. For if anyone dares to try to stupidly remove it, it will automatically detonate and therefore, annihilate its possessor. Anyway, the purpose of this devilish contraption and the way it works is, that whenever the unwilling host actually commits a crime and feels no remorse over it, they are immediately disintegrated. But amazingly and beneficially, it does continue to prevent the resurgence of crime and a lawless society. Yes, terribly similar to how it was upon our home planet Earth, only a couple of centuries ago. And as we all know, damn well, what happened to our past progenitors. Do we not?

You may therefore ask yourself, how in the hell did both Terran, and alien-kind alike get themselves in such a goddamn mess? Well, my friends, this unfortunately was due to our/their propensity, to mess-up everything they stupidly, mistakenly and supposedly thought they knew. This being especially true when it came in regard to nearly destroying our alleged civilized society and home planet; the once beautiful and pristine Planet Earth. Oh, by the way, do you remember that so-called planet Nibiru scare, of the early 21st. Century? And how it was to enter Earth’s solar system, eventually and cause havoc and total destruction of the Earth and its neighboring planets? Well thankfully, such annihilation did not take place. And the reason for that, my kept-in-the-dark fellow Hu-Mans is, because the U.L.O.P. took proper action to prevent it, as your governments did not. Yes, back in the year 2010, they set up a defense shield, consisting of 40 plus, large orbiting orbs orbiting, closely around your Sun. Where once set up and activated it would emanate, an extensive bio-electro magnetic shield that would protect and prevent, any large-sized objects from entering your Solar System. Which, thankfully saved this most precious of planets itself, from being destroyed. But unfortunately, we/they could not stop your uncaring, very destructive and greedy race from ruining Earth’s life-giving surface. Therefore, those saving grace aliens had no choice, besides to allow you Earthlings to do such. For as stated in their Universal bylaws, they must uphold the U.L.O.P’s Prime Directive, of non interference with an alien race’s development, no matter what. And so, thanks to you, here we lay, make love, work and play in our own excrement filled and fabricated metallic space-box, for who knows how long. It could probably be for an eternity. Because you see, our once lovely, caring and supportive Mother Earth, and everything we greedily cherished, down there so far below, lies dying. Yes unfortunately, She is in her final death throes, with no hope of ever being rescued and or saved. ‘So much good it does’; I scolded myself, to rehash my angered scenario repeatedly, as I lay here, fretfully half asleep. Because I knew darn well, with my present state of affairs, I could not change a damn thing. That is unless I was somehow able to figure out, clandestinely, some sort of way to get myself off, this insanity ridden rust bucket.

Well amazingly and unbelievably, the very next morning I was granted exactly what; I so much hoped for the previous fretful and sleepless night. Yes, the exact, wistfully and wished-for opportunity to get off this goddamn StarStation Earth III, permanently. This most unexpected fluke of good luck, took place while I was dreamingly sitting on the heated, space toilet. Yes, as I did every morning, just nonchalantly doing my duty. Well, it all began with, a very loud and obtrusive knock on my faux wood, alumisteel domicile door, which abruptly got me out of my dreamy state quite readily. In fact, so quickly, that I jumped, obviously with no chance in hell to wipe my messy booty, at least one to two meters up in the air. Therefore, making me quite sneeringly and growlingly say unto myself in a low undertone, Damn it! Who in Aurelian hell, could be knocking on my door, this goddamn frucken early?

Apparently, not having any idea as to whom could be banging away unrelentingly, on my door so damn early; I hurriedly pulled up, my foot-type pajamas. And therefore, without properly wiping myself, made my way irately and frustratingly towards, my domicile’s front entrance door. Well, let me tell you once I got there, I angrily unlocked and flung that darn door, as wide open that it possibly could be opened, appreciatively without it falling off its hinges. I could not believe my poor bloodshot eyes, as to whom was standing there, in total exhaustion and covered in sweat. Yes, to my most utter astonishment, it was none-other than that half Simian and half Human mayor, the un-honorable; Bumn Pharto of StarStaton Earth II, himself. I of course, seeing he was about to announce himself and to explain why he was knocking on my door at such an ungodly hour; I curtly cut him off. Thankfully, before he could say a peep and for me to say, What in Hades, do you, goddamn want from me. Just please go away and leave me alone and come back later. But only after when, I am done taking my morning dump and able to wipe my ass quite properly! And not until I can take my morning shower, have my reviving cup of Aurelian coffee and Duplicated breakfast.

Whoa, you should have seen the; this so badly termed honorable, Mayors, face. It looked as though he was ready to burst into tears. He was just a blubbering, whimpering and shaking from his head down to his opposable toes. In fact, he was bawling so much that he was actually beginning to spin around, moving forwards and backwards and seemingly ready to faint and fall flat on his hairy chimp-resembling face. Oh my god, what have I done, I blisteringly said unto myself, as I saw how my harsh words affected his evidently, overly sensitive Chimpersonage. That I may of actually hurt poor Mayor Pharto’s feelings, to the point of tears. I immediately, therefore, rushed over to him, put my arms around his quite robust and rotundas figure. I then proceeded to give him a few pats on his bulging, evidently hairy back and subsequently comforted him, to the best of my somewhat still perturbed, ability. Thankfully, he promptly started to calm down and regain some of his composure. That is, once he realized and correctly assumed, I was truly sorry for my somewhat pissed-off outburst and inappropriate, behavior.

Anyway, after about 15 long minutes, of the Mayor’s disorderly behavior, he womanishly continued with the reason he came to see me in the first place. Thankfully, soon thereafter, he impishly explained, Well; it was approximately a half-hour ago, that I was rudely ordered by Captain, Debra, to fetch and bring you back to her Starship. And that Sir, is with no, if’s and or butts accepted. I am now feeling quite chicken-livered, because by the time we finally get there, she will have me drawn and quartered, for being so dreadfully late. Once again, I, felt slightly remorseful, of the Mayor possibly being keel-hauled might be due, to me making him disobey the Captain’s direct order. After morosely dwelling on that appalling thought for only a minute or so, I totally dismissed it. I then forcefully pulled myself away from Monsieur Chimp and hurriedly ran over to my domicile’s door and slammed it shut. And once I was sure that my entryway door was locked; I made my way, fretfully, towards where Bumn, was standing. We then both walked, with me still dressed in pajamas, or should I say, feverishly pulled by two of the Americus III’s brusque Myrddissian security crew members. Whom the Captain sent out to fetch us and bring us back straightaway.

The mystifying reason, for Mayor Pharto’s and Captain Debra’s actions and why they wanted my presence so badly, I was soon to find out. Because, in less than 15 minutes, I, the Mayor and brusque Myrddissian guards, after rambling about dozens of wide and narrow streets, finally boarded the shuttle craft Myrddissia. That was to cart our butts safely over, unto the awaiting Starship Americus III and her impatient Captain. Hopefully, I thought; this should be nothing more than a routine, uneventful, punctual and brief trip aboard this small, cramped and oddly shaped shuttle craft over to, our anxiously awaiting proprietress. Thankfully, our trip over to the Starship was all that I hoped it would be, short and sweet. Once we smoothly and uneventfully docked, and the bay doors were fully agape, Bumn and I, were hurriedly shoved off the minuscule shuttle and into the bright gargantuan innards of the Americus III. Yes, continuously bulldozed and prodded through the entire voluminous ship; all the while being gawked at and ridiculed by curious passerby’s. As we were hurriedly driven, Isanian cattle style, towards the Captain’s Quarters. It was a good feeling to know that the rumors about this Martian built, and Aurelian designed Starship were true. As we were opportunistically finding out firsthand, that it was not as large as we first conceived, but quite compact in size. Getting to know this, thankfully provided us, with a wee bit of holistic alleviation, as well as a sigh of relief! Therefore, allowing us to discern telepathically that our horrendous and completely mum journey throughout this state-of-the-art space bucket, would soon end.

Well, in less than 10 minutes, we abruptly halted, in front of Captain’ Debra’s domicile door. Where, I and Mayor Pharto decided to jokingly yell, ‘Why did it take us so goddamn long to get here?’ Which of course, by the look on the faces of our Prodders, our levity was not at all welcomed, liked or appreciated. Therefore, since we were rudely snubbed, I will now get myself back unto describing this truly outstanding, portal door. For it was somewhat different than all other doorways throughout all Martian/Aurelian built and designed starships. Yes, this private portal was similar, like all the rest, except for one particular difference, reminiscent and respectful of all U.L.O.P. captain’s entryway doors. There plastered dead center of its thick, alumisteel and shiny, and blue glowing force field encased surface, was this exquisitely crafted pentacle shaped insignia. As by the looks of it, we cleverly deducted that it was beautifully carved from one large and solid piece of Blue Calyxian Crystal. Gleefully, Pharto and I, then turned, our carefully watched heads, fully around and looked directly into each other’s eyes and congratulated ourselves on our brilliant deduction. Surprisingly, and soon thereafter, one of our presumed mute Myrddissian watchdogs blurted uproariously out; saying, Dgrom! Which I and Bumn took for granted, meant Open! Well guess what, we were quite right in our assumption; because precipitously thereafter, the Captain’s nicely decorated door swooshed quickly open. Yes, almost entirely over to the far left side of its strongly built, appearing doorjamb. And once again, as soon as the captain’s portal door was ajar, began the same-old Isanian Cattle prodding technique by our fur covered, cowboy-like overlords. This time though, they intolerantly poked us with their atomic blasters, in the small of our backs, thus forcing us into Bertrande’s orange blossom scented, fog-filled cabin.

Soon thereafter, when, once inside, our, gruff and ready, hair ball crew members hurtfully threw us down upon our knees. Then they backed off, went and anxiously awaited our next moves, right outside of the portal’s doorjamb. But this time, they did such with their atomic blasters sternly aimed between our eyes, just to make sure that we did not try to foolishly escape, back into the ship’s hallways. Well once they were certain that we would not try anything so stupid, the taller and more robust of the two yelled out, "Morgd’! Of course, the two of us did not, particularly in our current and uncertain predicament, think it a proper time to try to decipher, what he was saying. Especially so, since the Captian’s cabin door swiftly swooshed back, to its original closed position. Forcing us to know darn well, that there was no chance in Aurelian hell, to escape. We of course, particularly due to our being so terribly frightened and the Captain’s quarters still being filled with pea-soup like fog, did not move a muscle. I guesstimated we waited approximately 15 minutes, or until we were competent enough to muster up just a wee bit of inner courage, to get up and begin moving about.

Especially since, we came to frighteningly sense, that there was definitely someone else in the domicile with us. This being, of course, the Captain’s quarters, we automatically assumed that this particular person, could be none other than, my sibling, Debra. Wrong! Because, once we saw slightly better, due in part to the orangey scented fog dissipating, we were rather surprised to see who it actually was. Yes, we were taken quite aback when there, menacingly standing before us, was this alien personage, that I recognized, from a millennium or so ago. Unbelievably, it was none other than I and my Father’s brethren and Myrddissian kin; Radan himself. Well, after I got over my initial shock of fear and trepidation, I immediately got up off my still aching knees and hurriedly rushed over unto him. And then, practically threw myself up, at least six to seven millimeters high, into his expecting and highly awaiting, furry arms. Boy, once Radan and I were all tangled up in each other’s loving arms; we began to rub noses and slobbery kiss, each other’s faces. Which, between us as usual, normally included some loud growling, meowing, purring and light biting.

And so there we stood, Radan, my pseudo-Uncle and me, lovingly entangled in each other’s strong and endearing arms, for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Unbelievably, and amazingly to the Mayor, was how we could stand still for such a long period of time. But, especially how we could carry on with our slobbering and not move from our embracing stance, one iota. Well, as for poor old Mayor Pharto, he was still standing in his original spot, with mouth widely agape and the most hilarious look on his embarrassed face. Yep, just watching us carry on, in total awe and bewilderment. Yes, totally at a loss for words or as what he should do next. Then, after taking a short break in our overly amorous intimacy, both Radan and I took a quick gander over towards Bumn. I guess, just to see what he may have been up to. Well, once seeing Bumn’s oddball and glazed-over look, we of course became somewhat concerned, as to what may be the matter with him, and as to what he may be pondering. Especially so, since he was making all sorts of uproarious and combinations of gurgling and chimpanzee-like sounds at the same time. Something like; Oergl-Oergl-Oergl-Oergl! Bizarre and abnormal noises, that I and my Uncle Radan had never heard before, in our entire 3600-year life span.

Actually, Bumn’s bizarre Monkey Shines; please excuse the pun, bothered and disturbed us so much, that we completely stopped what we were doing. In fact, after being practically thrown down from Radan’s encircling and loving arms, we hastily ran over to where the Mayor was now dizzily and crazily standing. Once standing apprehensively before him, approximately 0.9144 meters from our original position, thus making sure that we were, at least an arms length or two, away. Yes, just in case he decided to start flailing about his overly elongated arms and hands, replete with very long and sharp nails, and accidentally injure us somehow. And as we correctly predicted, he did begin thrashing both his arms uncontrollably and in a whirlwind fashion. Of course, both Radan and I came quite quickly unto the same categorical conclusion, that he must have gone bananas. And therefore, in almost perfect unison, we whisperingly jabbered: There is no way in Aurelian Hell, that we are going to get close enough to grab him and physically calm him down. That is without our getting ourselves terribly hurt. But, as we found out much later, the reason for his acting so frantically, is that he entered some sort of a trance-like state. And therefore, was most likely, totally unawares and could not recognize anyone or anything about his person. Which of course, could have been most dangerous for all those involved.

Thence, after looking daringly into each other’s eyes, we telepathically agreed that the only substitute choice was to use Radan’s atomic-blaster on Mayor Pharto. So, after making sure, that the ray gun was set on stun, we blasted him right between the eyes and thus knocked him out, hopefully for at least an hour. Thankfully, our alternative strategy worked perfectly as planned, and with no permanent damage to our Chimpish fellow. For you see, the emanating and bright bluish beam of coldish heat and light, only knocked Pharto backwards just a few meters. Then, he, similar to a Martian Raggedy Doll, collapsed downwards and gently into a supine position, onto the cold alumisteel floor. We, of course, wanting passionately to make sure that our not-so illustrious Mayor was truly unhurt, as Radan promised so, I urgently ran over to where he lay unconscious. And therefore, just like the proverbial rag doll, I grabbed his very limp and seemingly lifeless left hand and immediately began to check for pulse. Gratefully, and to my relief, there was a very strong and robust pulse. Assuring me forthwith, that the old fart was truly unhurt and still alive and kicking. That he would be okay and ready to go; except for a very long, lingering and severe pounding Jeranian-like headache. Well, after all that was said, done and over with, I, being reassured, slowly turned around to face Radan to congratulate him on his sharpshooting skills. Boy, what a mistake that was on my part; because as I twisted back around to see what he may have been up to, I precipitously and admonishingly yelled out, No!

Dragooned

Well, after waking groggily up and finding myself in a strange bed, of which I had no idea as to where, I began to slowly and unsurely raise myself up onto my elbows. As I did so, I deliberately made sure, all the while, to physically and mentally check myself out. Just to make sure that I was in no way, shape or form, injured. One thing for sure though, I did have the most anguishing headache, I am quite certain, ever experienced by anyone or anything living or dead. Therefore, since I was willing to do almost anything to get rid of my head splitting and throbbing headache, I foolishly got myself out of the sack. Yes, quite stupidly without thinking of any sort of consequences my actions might bring, and went looking about my unbeknownst location. And as I was stealthily meandering about this still unbeknown place, of which I have no recollection, of how I got here, I began reconnoitering my strange surroundings. Like so many times before, this undeterminable sized room, was filled with that same orange scented fog found in all U.L.O.P. built star and cargo ships and space stations. As to why, this was a seemingly standard procedure; I still cannot, to this very day fathom why. As well as to all personnel I straightforwardly asked, that have both lived and served aboard these vessels. Well, I suspiciously assume therefore, that either the Leagues’ military officials do not want anyone to know, or no one truly gives a damn. I guess it will just remain, an unfathomable mystery.

So, within 25 minutes of un-relentless searching, with arms outstretched like Frankenstein’s Monster, this mysterious fog filled room for pain relief; I finally gave up. Yes, trying desperately to find something or someone, to be able to relieve my headache with and or who could answer my nagging questions. Having no such luck in either endeavor, especially so since I could not see a goddamn thing, I just decided to plop myself down onto the un-seeable floor. And yes, to yell out, at the top of my fully oxygenated lungs: Can someone please help me! Gratefully, I did not have to wait very extensively at all, for some kind of response. It was a good damn thing that someone answered my pitiful plea straightaway. For you see if no one had acknowledged my forlorn prayer, I would have taken my long, very sharp and bedazzled Aurelian blade, and slit my throat from ear to ear. That of course would have ended, both my excruciating pain, bleeding to death and this dire situation, I found myself currently in. This being something, I promised myself half of a millennium ago, that I would do without any qualms whatsoever. However, only if I ever found myself in such another calamitous occurrence as this. For you see, in my short 1063 years of being alive, I’ve experienced similar situations of total hopelessness and of nearly being brutally murdered. Therefore, my so easily giving up and to wantonly end it all, I know for a fact, was due in part to my intrinsic feeble, Terran nature. Yes, the weak-willed disposition that I unfortunately picked-up from my Grandfather Fraank and his whorish girlfriend’s, constant badgering. Plus, both of their never-ending drilling, that I/we should consistently give into our inborn Human Nature’s flight response. That we as Hu-Mans, despite whatever dangerous and or hopeless situations reared their ugly heads, we should always take the easy way out!

In fact, I stupidly allowed myself to digress back a thousand years ago, to when I was just a babe. Where I, still could hear Ermena, angrily and fiendishly screaming, ranting and raving at me, just as she did unto my poor discombobulated Father Emrys. Saying such vicious things as, What is wrong with you, you goddamn and no good, half human piece of Isanian crap. You are exactly like your damn crap-headed Father, who will never amount to anything whatsoever? Just abnegate your so-called superior alien breed and give into what little human genotype you may possess, take you completely over. So, please accept what I am telling you, through that thick, dumb-ass head of yours. That what I am honestly saying unto you, is for your own frucken good and eventual survival. Do you understand me? You chuckle-headed little bastard?

‘Well, enough of that terrible, very upsetting and maddening reminiscing of mine’, I sternly scolded myself. For I, must now get back to my positively thinking ways, as kindly and exactingly taught to me by my Myrddissian Grandmother Bertrande. Who compassionately and sternly said unto me, Dearest one, never, ever give into your own personal fears. Under all circumstances and no matter how perilous, a situation may seem. And always remember my loving child, to take in and make a part of yourself, these most miraculous words of The Great Magician and Wizard Myrddin himself. Who spoke and imparted unto us eons ago, You must unfailingly be, sincere and honest unto yourself. Be strong, bold, courageous, fearless, trustworthy, true, calm, cool and collective. Remember who and what your genuine self-heritage is. That you, one day will be an all-powerful Magician, Shaman, Sorcerer, True Empath, Medical Intuitive, Energy Healer, Spiritual Warrior and Wizard"! Oh yes, how I remember that so very well, almost as if occurred just yesterday. In fact, that bit of positive recollecting and being endearingly taken care of and properly educated by my Grandmother and Myrrddin, sure did me a whole lot of good. So great indeed, that I immediately snapped out of my negative state of mind, of nearly committing Hari Kari. Which somehow caused me to jump way up high, similar to a funny looking and acting, Isanian rabbit-mouse. And when I finally, astoundingly and fleetingly came back down, I amazingly landed precariously upon, my six kitty-cat toes.

Soon thereafter, due to my newly empowered attitude, I again anticipatively began my formerly interrupted exploration of this fog-filled domicile. But this time though, instead of doing so blindly and unreliably, I tuned and tapped into my higher self’s intuition. And then boldly headed off, into what seemed unto me, like oblivion. Well, it did not take me very long to discover and run, smack dab into, what hurtfully felt like a solid stone wall. A very similar and assumed wall, that I remember running agonizingly into and thus knocking myself out therefrom. Oh yes, I remember it well. It was a time, many moons ago, when I was living with and being sternly taught in the magic arts, that I bumped into Myrrddin the Magnificent. Anyway, being unable to see a damn thing, I accidentally hurled myself foolishly into, this supposed rock wall. But, since I immediately bounced back from it and was thrown down onto my black, furry covered, derrière, I knew that it could not be so. And now, in this particular time and space, I was somehow synchronistically experiencing a very similar, bumping-into-something, situation. For just a few moments later, when the thick white fog dissipated, and I was finally able to see and comprehend my once-before, unseen, surroundings; I loudly exclaimed, ‘Whoa!’ Because there, standing ominously before me, was non-other than the very identical black metal robot, I heard so many stories and rumors about. Yes, the very same sentient android that my Father Emrys had dealings and love interests with, countless years ago.

Yes, there my father Emrys’ old cohort menacingly stood, in all his black metallic glory, some 2.44 meters tall. And not too far away, from where I still quiveringly lay. So, as we silently stood there, we briefly stared into each other’s eyes, he into my tear-welling and I into his stern, yet very loving emerald-green eyes. Soon thereafter, after coming to the realization of the confounded condition that I was in, he quickly rushed over. After which, he proceeded to lift me up, quite gently from cold domicile floor and into his surprisingly warm metallurgical arms. Once there, in his large, strong, loving, caring and supportive arms, I immediately went limp, just as a wet dishrag. In fact, I was so relaxed, warm and toasty and feeling somewhat secure and safe, that I almost fell asleep. But, just moments before I was allowed to do that, Monteczuma began shaking me quite forcibly, that he snapped me out of my very relaxed state of sleep. Which, of course, caused me to become rather agitated and irritated at his doing such. However, before I had the chance to become too overly angry, he started to sing melodiously unto me a very ancient, Hu-man lullaby. Unbelievably, the same lullaby that my Grandfather Frank used to sing fondly unto me as a child, while in his care and just before going to sleep in my cradle. Yes, a song I had no problem remembering. It was none other than the very popular, Rock a bye baby, on the tree top, when the wind blows the cradle will rock. When the bough breaks the cradle will fall. And down will come baby, cradle and all.

Of course, due to Monteczuma’s soothing and melodious singing, I unwillingly began, once again, to doze off in his most comforting of arms. Thankfully, this time, after gently placing me on his bed without disturbing me, he allowed me to catnap for almost an hour. So, I could actually get some, much needed and recuperating sleep. Well, after nearly two hours of restorative rest, I truly was appreciative of the bequeathed time Monty provided me, to be able to wake up on my own volition. Yes, how splendid it was to be allowed to awaken, without any feelings of dread whatsoever and with Monteczuma lying beside me. Yes, surprisingly close to my naked body and sensually spooning me, in this most comfortable and goose-down-filled bed, of his. Once he saw that I was now fully aroused and finished stretching, he began whispering something very consequential into my left ear, Dearest one, please listen. Because, I really need to impart something very important unto you, before we have an audience with your sister, Debra. He then for some unknown reason paused momentarily and hesitated. As though, he was afraid to tell me, his supposedly meaningful news. Well, just before I correctly assumed, that he was about to continue, I curtly cut him off. And therefore, in a somewhat low whispering tone I hypercritically said: Hurry up and blurt it out, you erratic piece of unscrupulous metal!

Well, according to the chagrinned look on Monteczuma’s glancing face, he was definitely and only slightly perturbed by my mean-spirited request. Which I most likely believe, was due to his being a non-human entity and mostly devoid of all nonsensical human emotions and feelings. Which of course, was a good thing for me, in that if he was not the perfect creation he was, he would have surely ripped my head, clean off my shoulders. So gratefully, after I humbly apologized and both of us shrugged off our perturbed sensations toward one another, we got back to being our chummy selves. Soon thereafter he courteously continued with what he had planned to tell me, before I rudely interrupted him earlier. And or what he evidently referred to as, his so-called significant and meaningful news. He, therefore, once again continued, by saying: Dearest Robie, what your sister has to say, can and will definitely affect your life, quite significantly. In fact, it will put us all into a life-threatening and grave situation. Yes, a predicament so dire that you cannot and dare not turn down her somewhat pitiful plea. In other words, you must accept her official and personal request, without any quibbles whatsoever; understand?

"All right Robie, that is about all that I am allowed to impart unto you for now. For you see, I am under the Captain’s strict orders and have therefore sworn an oath, to tell you as little as possible, concerning your upcoming audience with your sister. Enough said, we must now hurry up, get prepared and asses in gear, and head straightaway