~ The Summit ~

~ The Summit ~

Here at last. Ongtupqa, the underground sanctuary of the Insectoid Alien called Mantid. The claustrophobic tunnel opened up into a concrete, man-made cavern, brightly lit and filled with a landscape of transportation ranging from the mundane to one-of-a-kind. A Tesla Cybertruck, customized Hummer, a Bentley and a myriad of custom built vehicles. Over by a cargo elevator, a Lincoln Navigator SUV with someone rummaging in the back. He stood, closed the hatch and waved. “It’s Malachi!” Wu proclaimed cheerily. Wearing his signature all-blue suit, his long white hair was pulled back in a ponytail accentuating his pale skin and emerald green eyes.

Debbie parked next to the Lincoln and they approached Malachi eagerly. He and Jimmy exchanged manly hugs. Shewuma went on her tippy toes and kissed his cheek, letting the double ass grab slide this time. “Comista,” he murmured with reverence then went to one knee and kissed the knuckles of Debbie’s out stretched hand.

“Catch me up Mal.”

“I have been here seventeen hours Comista but have yet to meet our Mantid host and Steward of this magnificent Summit Hall. I was alerted to your arrival by the Majordomo. As you have no doubt already deduced, any personal telepathic capacity is negated and there is no contact with the outside world from inside of this facility.” Oversized elevator doors rumbled open and a short, bald, stocky being in coveralls and wearing dark goggles stepped out and stood at attention. He wore a belt of many different colored lights, some blinking. Moving behind him like a well-trained pet, a luggage cart hovered.

“Who are you?” Shewuma asked.

“It’s a Rinder!” exclaimed Jim. “He is a Rinder, guys. I saw lots of them in the Bloworld.”

The Dwarfish creature ignored Jimmy and Wu, stood at attention and addressed Debbie in a heavy French accent. “If anything is required Madam Comista, merely articulate Majordomo verbally and make the request. It will be provided post haste.”

Startling Jimmy and Shewuma, The Insectoid Mantid lifeform stepped forward as if separating from the wall. Debbie and Malachi’s brain chips had detected him mere nano seconds earlier. He had been there the whole time, hidden by blending with the grayish textured concrete.

Jimmy pulled the katana slung over his shoulder. “What the fuck!”

“Easy, Babe.” Debbie’s palm on top of his wrist eased back his threatening posture.

“Where did he come from, Debs?”

“He was camouflaged with the wall. They call it veiling. ” Debbie was still bowled over by the ease with which the Insectoid Alien had fooled their heightened senses and their tech.

With a tweaky voice, the Rinder announced his master. “Messrs et Madams, may I present, Mamtodia.” He waved his hand towards this magnificent creature.

Wu observed him and drew in a breath of wonder. At 7 feet tall, his long thin torso stood on powerful legs having 3 joints instead of 2 like most races. The Lengthy folded arms also sported an extra joint with serrated claws instead of hands. Attached to his mid thorax were a set of spider veined, translucent wings. His triangular head had jet black eyes and a mouth of raptorial pincers. In spite of the insect dominance, he projected a Homo Sapiens vibe.

Debbie and Malachi formally nodded acknowledgment to the Mantid and he reciprocated. To Jimmy’s annoyance, Shewuma went down on one knee with reverence and stood back up, head bowed. Jimmy knew the history of this creature with Shewuma’s tribe. He was revered in the Hopi Histories for helping them through the dark times of old. Still, Jimmy could not contain the jealousy building inside. With his claw of a hand under Shewuma’s chin Mamtodia gently raised her eyes to meet his. At his touch, her body shivered and she came as close to swooning as Jimmy had ever seen her. Shewuma clutched his claw with both hands.

Debbie sensed Jimmy’s vexation but attempts to sooth him telepathically were futile.

With a clicking timbre in his resonant voice Mamtodia spoke for the first time. “Comista, Guardian of Earth. Malachi my Erran Comrade and fellow Steward. Jim, feared Warrior of the Mighty Callan Clan. And my bewitching Shewuma. Chieftess and Star Child of the Realm. My progeny. Welcome to my home.” He touched Wu’s cheek. “Our home.” Wu blushed. Jim had never seen Wu blush. He didn’t think Wu was capable of being embarrassed…or coy…or whatever the hell it was she was doing. Jimmy gritted his teeth with aggravation. Mamtodia clicked instructions to his Majordomo then beckoned Shewuma on to the elevator.

As the doors closed Jimmy pointed. “He has an arm down there too.”

“That is not an arm Jim, that is genitalia,” explained Malachi. “The Mantid penis is extraordinary. It simultaneously anchors the female while stimulating her, transferring sperm and removing rival sperm. It is a highly complex and asymmetrical system…”

Debbie cut him off. “Thanks, Mal. We get it.”

“But I haven’t told him about the..”

“Mal! Enough!”

“Where is Wu going with that thing?”

“Wu is perfectly safe. They have to prepare for tomorrow.” Debbie forced a smile. “Let’s get settled, Babe.”

“What about Wu?”

Debbie chose her words carefully. “She and Mamtodia have business to conduct.”

“What kind of business?”

The question was inevitable but still, Debbie had been avoiding telling Jimmy anything. Jimmy’s Deep Creek mentality would rebel and he would surely freak out. She too had misgivings. Logically, culturally, legally, it made sense to her Erran mind. But it shocked and offended her emotional human side. How could she possibly explain to him the complexity of this situation? “She will be staying with Mamtodia until their process is finished.”

“Process? What does that mean?”

Debbie hesitated for just an instant and Jimmy asked Malachi, “What is she trying so hard not to say to me, Mal?”

“Mamtodia and Shewuma are required to breed.”

Debbie shouted, “Jesus, Mal! Enough!”

Jimmy was staggered. “BREED? It’s a bug. What the fuck, Deb?”

“Baby. It’s not what you’re thinking.”

Mal countered, “Oh, it’s definitely what he is thinking.”

Jimmy careened for the elevator. Debbie admonished Malachi. “Mal don’t say another fucking word about Shewuma. UNDERSTAND?”

“As you command Comista.”

Then she rushed to Jimmy at the elevator, tapping his foot. “Babe. You can’t get involved in this.”

“Watch me.”

“Jimmy.” He ignored her. “JIMMY!” She repeated and slapped him across the face. He looked at her, his eyes on fire as the doors opened. “Jims,” she almost whispered. “Do you trust me? Do you love me?”

“Yes, you know I do.” The doors closed back.

“Then listen to me. Let me explain. Let’s sit in the truck and talk.”

They sat in Miss Interceptor silently for a moment. Since they were kids, Debbie was always the jealous one but Jim was so upset that he was trembling. She had to make him see. “Jim. You need to calm down.”

“Calm down? Are you serious. How can you of all people be so accepting of this. Shewuma is going to fuck an insect.”

“Jim stop it! He not an insect. He is a lifeform. An individual. He has a soul and a purpose.” Where to start. She said softly, “Jim. Did you do the reading on the Praying Mantis like I told you?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me about them.”

Jim stared out of the window. “Mantis Religiosa. They think they’re related genetically to roaches and termites through a common ancestor. They are good at camouflage and hunting. Eat anything they can catch and kill. The males mate only once, then are executed and cannibalized by the Females. They are considered a symbol of good fortune…” He looked at Debbie with dawning awareness. “Wait a minute. Dibs.”

“Jim. The Praying Mantis is not indigenous to earth. Mantids created them millions of years ago. They bring Praying Mantis with them from their home world. They raise and nurture them. Every system and planet they sojourn is stocked with them. The Praying Mantis is their calling card when they arrive and footprint when they leave. Jim you have to understand that Mantids are virtually immortal. They don’t get old, they don’t get sick, they don’t die of natural causes. An Insectoid like Mamtodia decides when and why his time is over. One falls and another ascends. It’s their way. Mamtodia’s end is near so that the future of Shewuma’s Mantid DNA may unfold. This is not about us. Not about him. Not about sex. It’s about Shewuma’s destiny and the future of our world.” She paused. Unable to read his face, she wished she could penetrate his thoughts. Was she getting through?

**********

When Jimmy followed Malachi into the Summit Hall, he stopped and beheld it with wonder. The scope and size of the Cavern took his breath. The 150 foot high ceiling was peppered with Stalagmites of red, brown and white. Semicircular stone seating sloped down to the focal point of a rock stage with a replica of a Praying Mantis as the Podium.

Debbie, Jimmy and Malachi turned at the call of, “Comista!” It was Custos their Sasquatch friend and ally. His massive, hairy frame went to one knee, kissed Debbie’s outstretched hand, then rose and nodded. First to Malachi. “Malachi my friend.” Then to Jimmy. “Mr. Jim. Greetings. Comista. You are lovely as always. If you could make the time, I would speak to you privately before we leave the Summit.”

“Of course Custos. Come, sit with us?”

“That is most kind Comista. But the prevailing smell of so many humans is off-putting. I prefer to sit up high in the back. With your leave, Comista.” Custos bowed his head and with incredibly long strides went up the stone benches, his movement smooth and effortless as if his body were gliding.

Debbie kissed Jimmy’s cheek. “You and Mal wait here while I find out where we’re sitting.”

“How big is this place Mal?”

“I would estimate 6.6 acres, plus or minus 1%.”

The monstrous chasm was bustling as the seats began to fill. “I didn’t expect so many people would be here. You know any of them?”

“I know all of them. Most are not people in the strict human sense.” Malachi began pointing out specific groups and individuals: “There are several different Clans of Drachonians. The Greys, of course. The Divas from Tibet. Ebones. The Blue Elbrines from India.”

“Yeah. I met those guys in the Bloworld. They’re weird.”

“Weird indeed.” Mal pointed to Debbie. “Those are the Machine Elves as they are called locally, introducing themselves to the Comista.”

“I only see a fuzzy blur around Debbie.”

“Yes. They are interdimensional beings. Humans need to ingest the drug DMT to see and interact with them fully.”

“That’s kind of freaky.”

“Yes, it would be for a human. There are also many Hybrid Clans and a smattering of governments represented. The storied Ethiopia. The People’s Republic of China. The State of Israel. Look there, the representative of the United States, Benjamin Franklin.”

“You’re shittin me, Mal. I thought Ben Franklin died 300 years ago.”

“I shit you not.” Ben spotted Mal and waved. Malachi nodded acknowledgement. “You assumed that he was fully human. Benjamin and my brother Enoch were quite close. In 1790, he was riddled with gout and dying of pleurisy. Enoch replaced his lungs and infused his auto immune system with Erran DNA. He could now easily live to be one thousand years old.”

“David E. will be disappointed that he missed him. Mal. Who is the hot Melania Trump looking chick with that huge motherfucker and the old guy in the tux?”

“That would be Lilith Primus. Director of the USSF, a founding member of and representative for, the Majestic Twelve and her son Gerard. The huge motherfucker as you put it, is called Lucuis. I am told he is the Steward for the Si-Ti-Cah.”

“Si-Ti-Cah. That sounds familiar.”

“Commonly referred to as Giants. They are the offspring of the mating between Humans and Nephilim.”

“Oh yeah. I got ya. Grandaddy and I took out one of those in the Bloworld. But it was bigger than him.”

“That would be Bemoth. The brother of Lucuis. And by the way Jim, that kill is uncommonly impressive. It is the proverbial talk of the town.”

“How do you know all of this?”

Mal laughed. “To paraphrase the Comista’s quote of your Deep Creek nomenclature, I don’t get much but I don’t miss much either.”

“Who is that gorgeous chick with the short Black guy talking to them?”

“They are Rikki Mabarn and Neddy Mabo. The Aboriginal contingent.”

“That Giant seems to be giving them a rash of shit. Should we get involved?”

“No Jim. Rikki Mabarn is quite capable of handling herself. Or so I’ve been told.”

“Read his lips Mal. I can’t make out what he is saying over all of this noise.”

“Rikki Mabarn is a wanted fugitive of the Australian Federal Authorities. The Si-Ti-Cah seems to be threating to turn her in. She is responding with the offer of dismembering his testicles and redistributing them to his anus.”

“She sounds like our kind of girl, Mal.”

“To be sure, Jim.” They heard Debbie’s voice cut through the din, “Down boys!”

Malachi moved on instantly. “Over there. The group smoking with several men dressed as women. That is the contingent from the European Union. They are new to these functions. We have many other Human organizations attending. The Rosicrucians. The Illuminati. Freemasons, and The Knights Templar. Look Jim, there is the Pope.”

“The Pope?”

Debbie walked up and got their attention. “Okay fellas, let’s go sit down. It’s starting in a few minutes.”

As they jostled through the throng, Jimmy said, “Debs. The Pope is here.”

“Yes Babe, I know. Follow me.”

The Majordomo poked his head through the stage curtain and his squeaky voice blared through the auditorium in multiple languages for everyone to please be seated. “Also honored guests. After the Summit, any and all are welcome to the after-party in the dining hall. Food and drink will be served for the next 24 hours. Feel free to lodge for the night. And now… Traveler of the Cosmos, Guardian of The Hopi Nation, Custodian of Humanity and the only Mantid physically existing in the Milky Way Galaxy: THE ILUSTRE MAMTODIA!

To surprised applause, Mamtodia appeared at the podium as if by magic. Then the hall went silent. Debbie put her hand over Jimmy’s clench fists and felt his heart rate increase dramatically. “Jim you promised,” she barely whispered.

“I promised to accept it, not to like it,” He answered her. Shushes came from multiple sources. Jimmy mumbled, “Fuck off.”

Mamtodia tapped his claw like a gavel. “This Treaty Summit is officially called to order. I would like to welcome all Summit Stewards and their contingents. Civil Representatives. Sub Rosa Organizations. Friends and honored guests. First on our agenda. Old business.” Jim wasn’t expecting a boring business meeting and found himself nodding off.

**********

Debbie gave the napping Jimmy an elbow to the ribs. He started awake and asked her, “Is it over?”

Debbie pointed towards the stage and whispered, “You will want to see this.”

With his clickity voice, the Mantid was describing Shewuma. “Chieftess of the Hopi Nation. Kachina and Star Child of the Realm of Man. Former Crevetch to Enoch of Erran and now pledged to the Comista of Earth.” There was a smattering of applause and some low boos as well. “As of this moment in time, my sanctioned heir apparent. Summit Steward for the Mantid Race. Warden of Ongtupqa and progenitor of my descendant. SHEWUMA HOPITU!” Just as Mamtodia had appeared from nowhere, Shewuma unveiled. Heavily armed and wearing a fitted golden tunic accentuating her alluring, athletic body. She was a magnificent goddess of war in full battle dress. Her long black mane up formally in two Hopi whorls, a figure eight swirl of hair tied in the middle, creating symbolic butterfly wings, denoting rebirth and spiritual awaking. Except for Lilith and Lucuis. Everyone rose and clapped. Annoyed with her son’s reaction, Lilith pulled Gerard back down into the seat. Custos boomed out a resonating and approving bellow of a howl that rocked the cavern.

Shewuma gripped her zombie axe tightly with both hands, placed it flat against her chest and bowed her head. “Let us pray. From this day forward, I carry in my womb, the seed of Mamtodia and the hereafter of the Mantid Race on Earth. I vow on the Sacred Gods of my beloved Hopi Nation to honor his memory and to defend and preserve my Tribe, Mankind, and Mother Earth herself, until such time that his Progeny is called forth to consume my spirit and take up the mantle of Humanity’s Destiny. In the holy name of the Creator. Amen.” With the speed and force of an apex predator, Shewuma spun and drove her fist into the abdomen of the waiting Mantid. The room gasped as she ripped his heart from his thorax and viscously tore tissue from it with her teeth. She displayed the trophy and chewed the meat, her chin covered in green Mantid blood mixing with tears streaming down her face. Mamtodia dropped to his knees, his insectoid body wavering. Wu swung her zombie axe with blurred precision and cleanly severed his head.

Though the entire room was on its feet, there was utter silence. As the Majordomo struggled to drag the limp Mantid’s body behind the curtain, Shewuma spoke. “Thank you all for attending. This Summit is officially concluded.” As she turned and retrieved the detached head of her guru, tucking it into the crook of her arm, Shewuma unexpectedly heard someone start to clap. Scanning the room revealed it was Debbie. Of course it was Debbie. Jimmy and Mal joined her. Then Custos. The acclaim spread until the groundswell of applause became deafening. Shewuma raised the rended heart and head high and then evaporated into her surroundings.

**********