Chapter 69: The Last of the Sugigoth?

“I wanted to talk to you all,” said Brendan, speaking to the thousands of XaXlets.

“Our father, our king,” chanted the XaXlets.

“You performed well in the battle. We pay homage to the fifty-six of you who died. We captured two enemy ships, and you helped us overcome the Overseer who infested your grandmother. Your grandmother can now rest in peace knowing her grandchildren saved her and gave her an honorable death. Shortly, we will engage the final Sugigoth ship in battle. We will rely on your help and your skills. King David will explain what we will do,” said Brendan.

“Our father, our king,” chanted the XaXlets.

David explained what he wanted them to do.

Dorel sent them to bed.

“How did the kings and workers do?” David asked.

“The workers are more independent than our usual workers. The kings did, as did the queens. This is a radically different new generation of XaX,” said Dorel. “The kings are big and strong.”

“This was predicted?” Brendan asked with raised eyebrows.

“Yes, many prophesies talk of the great difference made by the blessed ones. The differences are profound. The ceremony you attended extended right around the planet. Tens of thousands of males and even more females from your military participated. They fertilized tens of thousands of our queens and most of your females in XaX form,” said Messa. “We supported them after the ceremony and offered workers to help with the egg-laying and XaXlet upbringing.”

“The Admiral accepted this?”

“Yes, she is preoccupied with winning the war; however, that may be achieved. She discovered she likes having the ability to change at will. She is naturally suspicious. Still, I believe she increasingly trusts and likes the XaX,” said Dorel. “We are crewing ships together, and that works well. Initially, there was much tension, but each found the skills and abilities of the other.”

“Did we lose many on the Sugigoth ship?”

“We lost fifty-seven XaXlets and four hundred Dulmeliv, our ancient relatives. On the other ship, we lost three thousand Dulmeliv. The XaXlets, like us, are immune to the weapons of the Sugigoth. The XaXlets that died were crushed, colliding with Sugigoth or falling Sugigoth. Many injured themselves as they did not grip the Sugigoth firmly. We and our offspring are highly effective killing machines.”

“Did Makuto warn anyone ahead of time about the ceremony?”

“Makuto discussed the ceremony with our doctors and with me. Our scientists ensured the psychedelics were safe for us. She knew they were safe for those in the Paradigm. They have run ceremonies like that one for as long as they have been with us. For her people, it was not an issue. We trusted her, and I knew we were locked in a prophecy. Her people use psychedelics routinely and have done so even before coming here as refugees. For them, the doses provided were low. She had the best of intentions. After the event, she was mortified and apologized to Adm. Oluchi, Adm. Orjee, and their team of doctors. We explained we observed the effect in Makuto’s people, and we knew our seers predicted the event,” said Dorel.

“Surely those involved in the ceremony were distressed?” Ashlyn asked.

“They were less distressed than you might think. My sister showed Yodera Oluchi and Udo Orjee our predictions after the event and how we finally knew what they meant. Once we returned, everyone calmed down as they recognized the import of what happened,” Dorel added. “Adm. Udo Orjee has great respect for your group.”

“I must speak to my mentor through the Pearl,” said Brendan. “I want to ask about our skills and the transdim DNA. I will make sure we see Makuto before we go back.”