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Vring, Bleath, Scotty, Julie, and Robby sat at the fire watching the flames dance in the center of the clearing. The Robbins had walked up to the fire to remember the two brave sailors that had died. Vring and Bleath flew in. They were listening to their thoughts and felt the need to join them. They all just stared at the fire in silence. Jingo and Grang walked up and sat down and watched the fire. Timmy and Virze arrived and joined the gathering. James Silvey and Carol walked up and sat down beside Timmy and Virze. The only sound was the wood crackling in the fire. Scotty looked up at the stars and said, “The first night I met Niles and Toland was right here at this fire. They volunteered to go take the Military Database from Daulun. I knew at that moment that they were good men. There were many nights both of them sat here and stared up at the stars. Vring tells me that they felt incredible remorse at all the worlds they had helped conquer for Daulun. This assignment was their attempt to start to balance their debt.”
Scotty paused and said, “They decided before they went on this assignment that they couldn’t risk coming back to our universe. If their jump track was recorded by the Invaders, then we would have been attacked immediately. They refused to take that risk. They also refused to reveal our most powerful weapon to defend themselves when they discovered it would weaken our ships if the Invaders strengthened their force fields to handle that beam. Because of their sacrifice, we now know what we need to do to prepare.” Scotty stood up and looked up at the stars, “We will honor them tomorrow….but tonight we will remember them in silence.” He sat back down and lowered his head and wept for the sacrifice he had asked of the two brave warriors. Julie put her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tight.
Robby watched his father and saw the price of being a leader. He hoped he would have the courage to make such hard decisions if it ever came to him to lead. He looked up at the stars and wished Dani was here. He heard a distant thought that barely touched his consciousness, “I’ll always be close by.”
Dani was staring at Robby’s picture she kept by her bed and felt sad. She wondered what he was doing and wished he was there. “I’ll always be close by, Robby.” She rolled over and went to sleep.
Robby knew she was feeling his sorrow. He smiled and thought, “I’m waiting on you, my love.”
Dani rolled over and smiled in her sleep.
The gathering continued to grow and more wood was put on the fire. Soon the Zord started arriving in large numbers and the only sound was the crackling of the flames.
Nine Zeta Searcher Vessels were gathered at the Defense Facility. Scotty was on board BC with Jingo, Grang, and Julie. Robby was on board Greyson with Timmy. “I’ve gathered all of us here with Alex so we can decide what we need to do about the Orange Beings coming to invade our universe. I think all of us have had time to view the information send back by Niles and Toland. Does anyone want to start the discussion?”
Alex said, “It appears we need to relook our weapons mix.”
Scotty said, “Why is that?”
“What happens if the invaders refuse to fire on our ships once they learn we are using their beams to destroy them? I think we should hold that weapon until the last possible moment when they send their biggest fleet here.”
“What do we use in the mean time?”
“Grace, we now know that a Zeta Beam will penetrate their force field for a moment. It won’t hit the ship but it opens a door to send other weapons through.”
“Are you referring to the ancient penetrators that had small missiles inside them?”
“No, Timmy. I’m referring to sending a Flyer through the opening.”
Scotty said, “What! That doesn’t make sense, Alex. The Zord can’t fly in the vacuum of space.”
“You’re forgetting the Rider as well, Your Majesty. Let me explain. Bleath, you and Vring may join in anytime.”
“We will but we’d rather you explain our proposal.”
Alex paused and continued, “Grace tells me that you are reluctant to use armor for our Riders.”
“I am. I’m not certain that we need to release that technology in this universe. It’s just too dangerous.”
“But you’re ok with building Searchers.”
“Uhhh, I think we have to have them for our defense.”
“Is it also because you trust their use with a good partner assisting them?”
“Yesssss, I think the checks and balances with the two make them safer.”
“How do you Searcher Vessels feel about that?”
Greyson said, “Even a good partner will not always prevent us being used for evil purposes. We need look no further than the Provincial Dukes that lied to us and led us into an evil enterprise.”
Scotty said, “That’s true, but once you saw the truth you were able to make a good decision.”
“After hundreds of worlds had been enslaved and forty million killed on Haldale, Your Majesty. Even we can be dangerous if the right circumstances cause us to be led astray.”
Scotty thought about what Greyson was saying, “Alex, are you telling me that we should allow armor to be introduced in this conflict?”
“I’m just saying that there are no absolutes in any weapon turned loose in this universe. What is the one thing that prevents them from being used for evil?”
“I think making sure that they never fall into the wrong hands.”
“Then consider this; who would you trust with an all powerful weapon system.”
Robby said, “That’s easy.”
Scotty said, “Who?”
“The Zord.”
Scotty smiled, “You’re right, son. I would trust the Zord to do the right thing in any circumstance.”
Bleath said, “You can’t say that, Your Majesty.”
“Why not?”
“Remember, we were planning a long and painful death for Grang. You stopped us. I was also planning to attack your community before Samuel killed those three teenagers. Sometimes we are also blind to events.”
“Then who, Alex?”
“The Flyers. The Zord and their Riders can always be trusted to do the right thing. The two of them together are just as effective as a Searcher and their partner. You know how every Rider is screened and trialed to make sure they truly believe in the values of our Empire.”
“Alex, I notice you said, ‘Our’.”
“I did. I am now accepting your authority over my facility. I’ve seen that you are even more careful with how my technology would be used than I am. I’ve learned I can trust you. I’ve also seen that your chosen successors will also follow your vision.”
Timmy looked at his display and saw Virze nod. He smiled and felt his love for his wife.
“So what are you suggesting?”
Vring said, “We are going to armor the Flyers.” No one said anything. Vring waited and said, “We have looked at the armor chamber and discovered that it can be modified to armor a Zord as well as any other species. The DNA protocols have to be changed but that is not hard to accomplish. We have also made modifications so that it won’t be so painful to make the process work.”
“How will that help us against the Invaders?”
“There is a ten foot hold in their force field when a Zeta beam hits it. We’ll teleport a Flyer through that hole and the Zord and Rider will teleport in to the giant ship’s hull and attack the ship.”
Jingo said, “With what? Claws and sparks won’t do damage to those ships.”
Robby said, “Jingo, armor can hold enough weapons in the outer skin to fight for a year. With the wing span of a Zord being close to two hundred feet, some pretty big missiles can be loaded in. Once they’re inside the force field they can launch a devastating barrage ahead of them. Once an armored rider gets to the ship’s hull, the amount of destruction possible is staggering.”
Scotty looked at Robby then said, “They will still have beams available to hit the Flyer.”
Bleath said, “Yes, but the Flyer will not appear on their scanners. Remember that armor directs all energy around it. It’s hard to target something you can’t see.”
Vring said, “White Hair, I know the real reason you did not want to armor only the Riders.”
Scotty remained silent.
“You didn’t want to leave us out of the fight. You knew we are warriors and you couldn’t bring yourself to force us to only stay on our planet.”
Scotty saw Grang looking at him and he said, “You’re right.”
“Well, now our Flyers will remain a team. Rider and Zord will fight together in a just cause and it will be a glorious battle.”
Scotty shook his head, “Alex, how can they be effective in space combat? The Invaders are so far ahead of us technologically.”
“Your Majesty, the armor developed by the old Realm was the most dangerous weapon ever devised. Searchers must stay in orbit and are limited in what they can do on the ground. Our old Red Warriors were what truly made the Stars Realm formidable. With the modifications being made by the Zord, the new armor will make that old armor as obsolete as null drives. The Flyers will be more powerful than a Zeta Searcher.”
“How can that be?”
“The new Armor will teleport its energy to operate. If needed it will take it from the ship it attacks. If it can’t get it from the ship, it’ll draw it from the closest star. Once the force field around a ship is removed, it will take its energy from the reactors on the ship or reactors we’ll be building around the Empire. Unlike the Zeta’s that have three reactors, the Armor will be able to draw from thousands. That development will make them a weapon that is almost unimaginable. If we can get them through the Invader’s force fields, they will give better than they get. I don’t mean to say that they won’t be in danger. They will. But they can make a difference in the coming invasion.”
“Kreej and I get the first one.”
“Robby, you will not be involved in this fighting.”
“Yes, I will, father. That’s why you named Timmy and Virze as your successors. You really don’t know why you did that but there are forces operating here that are beyond our understanding. I can sense that I must be first. Dani will be second.”
Julie looked at Scotty and he saw her fear, “Son, I am not prepared to do that.”
Vring said, “You have no choice, White Hair. I’ve seen his mind. You will do it or we will fall to the Invaders.”
“Why do you say that!?!”
“Because we can’t go after them in their dimension; your son is what we must use to enable us to make that happen.”
Robby said, “I didn’t see that Vring. I just sense that any other decision leads us to more danger.”
Scotty looked at Julie and she realized that Robby was developing a talent for sensing danger, just like the ancient rulers of the Realm. Julie took a deep breath and said, “Then we need to bring Dani back here.”
“Not yet, Mom. We’re not ready. The new armor is also not ready. When the time is right, she will come.”
Alex said, “I don’t understand how your child knows these things but he’s right. The armor is years off from completion. The modifications are going to require delicate circuit boards that we have not yet designed. It will be take time to make the changes.”
“What about the ships to confront this enemy?”
Bleath said, “Grace, we now know the power we need for a beam to penetrate their force fields to hit the Invader’s Ships. We don’t need ships as small as an Ultra. We will develop ships that are four thousand feet long. They will use the new energy technology we’ll put in the armor as well as the current force field technology. The new ships will be able to use both. We will start their construction immediately and will add the new developments when they are completed. I suspect we will need at least half a million of them.”
“How many crew members will be needed?”
“Fifty or sixty, Your Majesty.”
Alex asked, “How many planets are able to begin their construction?”
Grang said, “More than eight hundred are currently at the necessary industrial capacity. We should have more than two hundred a year added to their number with an additional four hundred a year after three years.”
Scotty, Julie, and Jingo stared at Grang. “What?”
Jingo said, “How do you know that?”
“I pay attention and listen to what’s being said. You should try it sometime.”
Julie excused herself from the bridge and went to the bath room where she almost laughed herself into spasms.
Scotty tried his hardest not to smile but had to leave and join Julie.
Jingo looked at Grang and grunted.
Timmy started laughing and found he couldn’t stop. Jingo just sat and shook his head.
Greyson said, “Alex, what is going to be our role in this?”
“You are going to have your stealth capabilities enhanced. They you will go to the universe being invaded and delay their return to our universe.”
“How are we going to do that?”
“I have several billion hornets stored here and you are going to feed them a steady supply. You won’t be able to take on more than one of them at a time but you should be able to get their attention.”
“Aren’t you worried that they’ll increase the strength of their force fields?”
“They will. But not five or six times the current level. The Video from Niles showed us that half the strength of a Zeta beam will open a hole. You’ll start at that level and gradually increase the strength as they improve their fields. They will have to take all those ships off line to modify them. It should delay them coming back. It will also focus them on that universe. I would recommend that you only penetrate one ship out of five you attack. That should make their changes in force field strength minimal.”
Greyson said, “That sounds like fun.”
“All we want if for you to keep them occupied.”
“What about them recognizing us as being from here?”
“The Zeta’s look nothing like a standard Searcher; the only thing you have in common is that you are white. Use the red generators for your outer screen and you’ll appear red.”
Gilene said, “I need a partner. I don’t want to miss out on the fun.”
Jingo said, “I know one that is only twelve but she’s perfect.”
“Who?”
“Jenna Talben. She’s young but she is way beyond most adults. She’s brilliant and has been involved in the day to day ruling of Ashley’s Kingdom.” Grang nodded at Jingo’s suggestion.
“Do you think her parents will allow her to be a partner?”
“Take June with you to ask.”
Gilene thought about it. She was little more than a child. Why were the strongest warriors in the Empire in agreement about her selection? “Grang, I want you to go with me and will you ask June to go with us?”
“You might prefer Jingo.”
“No, I want you.”
“Why.”
“You don’t offer your opinion very often but when you do, people have a way of listening.”
Grang shrugged.
“I’m teleporting you on board.”
“I’m all yours.”
Jingo shook his head and Grang disappeared.
Scotty and Julie returned to the bridge and Julie asked, “Where’s Grang.”
“Gilene took him to pick up June to see if Ashley will allow Jenna to be her partner.”
Scotty and Julie looked at each other and Jingo saw their concern.
“Hey, you know she’s not being challenged. It’s time we brought her into the Empire’s inner circle.”
Julie slowly shook her head, “I just don’t see Ashley allowing it.”
Jingo smiled, “I’ve taken the Princess on several trips. She makes it impossible to say no.” Scotty and Julie didn’t look convinced. “Gilene is taking June with her.”
Julie said, “Oh my ancient ancestors. Convincing June is another issue but if she can be persuaded, we may have the youngest Searcher ever.”
“She’s only young in years, Julie. That girl has Warrior written all over her. She will be a formidable adversary.”
Scotty shrugged, “She is talented. Even the Zord find her interesting.”
Vring said, “I don’t like arguing with her. I never win.”
Julie smiled, “Perhaps this is something that we are being pushed to make happen. Let’s see what takes place.”
Jingo smiled, “I hope Gilene is ready.”
June and Grang stood in front of Ashley Talben as she yelled, “Absolutely not. There’s no way I’ll allow her to Partner with a Searcher.”
June and Grang said nothing. They had made the request and knew what Ashley’s reaction would be.
“June how could you come here and suggest I send her out to put herself in danger? Are you out of your mind? Glen, tell them.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not!?!”
“Because I happen to agree with them.” Ashley looked at Glen and he saw her turn her anger toward him.
Before she could say anything they heard, “So you want to protect me from becoming all that I could possibly become.”
Ashley turned and saw Jenna standing next to June. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“It has everything to do with me. You aren’t willing to make the difficult decisions and sacrifices that will ensure our Kingdom’s survival. Further, you are willing to stunt my development all because you don’t have the courage to make a hard decision. You’re being outrageously selfish.”
Gilene listened in to the conversation from orbit and thought, “Oh boy. This is one little explosion waiting to go off.”
Ashley stared at Jenna and shook her head. Jenna said, “I am bored to tears. I’ve exhausted all the material in our learning centers and I find nothing challenging in court life. I know more about the Military Database than any general officer in your armed forces. There is nothing here that even remotely interests me. Life has become one boring moment after another. Now I have a chance to partner with one of the most advanced ships ever created and you are afraid I’ll be harmed. What if those Invaders attack? Will I be safe here? Or would I be safer on the most powerful ship ever created? If you could help in the fight against that invasion, would you not go because you’re afraid of being harmed? Look at what Aunt June did to save us. Do you think I’m not just as brave? You’re being selfish and putting your emotions ahead of what’s best for our subjects. Why don’t you admit the truth?”
Ashley sat down on her throne.
“Once this conflict is over, do you think I won’t be a stronger and wiser person for having taken part. Even if I die, I would rather be fighting than wasting my time being bored here. Just think about all I can learn from this experience.”
Ashley looked at Glen. He said, “She’s not growing, Ashley. She has nothing to wake up for and I can see her spirit that I love so much is slowly dying. She’s so much more than what we see. We could all die in the coming invasion and she’s right. She can make a difference. Just think about what she’ll become from being involved in the Empire’s fight. Millions of people would give up their life for the opportunity to partner with a Searcher. When it’s time for her to take your place, what do you think the experience would do for her development?”
“But she’s so young.”
“Ashley, she’s already more mature than all of your advisors. How many times have you taken her advice over theirs? You’re just keeping her at that level with no chance to grow. I don’t want to put her in harm’s way but where in this universe is there no risk. We are all in danger wherever we are.” Glen looked at Jenna and said, “Look at your daughter, Ashley. Her face is alive with excitement I haven’t seen for so long.”
Ashley looked at Jenna and saw her almost glowing with anticipation. She also saw her stubbornness in the firm set of her mouth. “June, why did you come here?”
“Because Jenna needs saving just as you did twelve years ago. I don’t want to see the light go out in her eyes.”
Grang said, “Running from the future is worse than waiting on it.”
June looked at Grang and smiled, “You really are more than I ever thought. I am so glad you were saved.”
“Not near as happy as the Zord at saving you, June. You have become the communities’ heart.”
Ashley saw June’s tears and knew. She stood and ran to Jenna and hugged her tightly, “I think just being around those that saved Maranda is worth any danger you may face. I’m so frightened by what could happen but I will consent.”
Ashley saw Jenna’s smile split her face. “Mom, I love you so much.”
Glen walked forward and put his arms around them.
Grang said, “Gilene, are you satisfied with this selection?”
The Talbens looked up as they heard over Grang’s communicator, “More than you can possibly know. The heart of this young woman amazes me. We will learn much from each other.”
Jenna smiled and said, “I’ll be ready in an hour, Gilene. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my world exciting again.”
Ashley squeezed Jenna and released her to run full speed from the throne room yelling at the top of her voice, “Look out universe, here I come.”
Ashley looked at Glen and June, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen Jenna this happy.”
Glen looked at June, “You are so much more than I remember. Thank you again for saving my daughter.”
June walked forward and kissed Glen on the cheek. You’ve been a good father and husband; it is I that owe you.”
Ashley hugged June and cried.
On the next full moons on Bristone June knelt before the Zord. Bleath said, “We are still unable to gather the ten necessary for your sentence.”
June said, “You will never have the ten here, will you?”
Bleath looked at Vring and said, “We would never hurt our communities by allowing that to happen.”
June looked up with tears falling, “But I deserve my sentence.”
“June, what would happen to all the children you have helped grow up into wonderful adults if we took you from them? How many of them come to see you every day and visit with you in the forest? You are paying your sentence with your loving heart. We forgave you years ago. Now it’s time you forgave yourself and allowed your heart to be free.”
“Just like Grang.”
“You are our Grang. Should he be allowed to die?”
June was startled by the question, “No! He’s too important.”
“Just as you are, little one.”
June nodded.
“You no longer need to come on the full moons.”
“You made that requirement up didn’t you?”
“Of course and having ten Elders present was also a farce.”
June laughed. “I should have known.”
“You could only see it when your heart was ready to forgive yourself.”
June felt as alive as Jenna. “Please take me home to Samuel.”
June rushed through the door, jumped at Samuel, and grabbed Samuel around the neck, “I love you, Sam.”
Samuel felt the difference in her and hugged her, “Welcome home to my heart, June. I’ll love you forever.”
June put her head on his chest and sighed, “That’s not long enough, Sam.”
“I know, but that’s all I have to work with.”
June laughed out loud and kissed her husband.
“Grang, we have someone who wants to see you.”
“Who, Your Majesty?”
“Are you at home?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sending them there.”
Grang grunted. He went back to sharpening his swords and heard a knock. He got up and opened the door. His eyes grew wide and he stumbled back into the house.
“So you’re the big, bad, Magrum everyone is afraid of?”
Grang couldn’t speak. The six foot nine inch tall Magrum female stood in the doorway staring at him. “I’ve also heard you don’t ever have much to say; at least that appears to be true. You can close your mouth now.”
Grang’s mouth was open and he was amazed at how beautiful she was. He couldn’t move or speak.
“Are you going to invite me in?”
Grang rushed over and brought a chair for her. She walked in and sat down. He continued to stare at her.
“You’re wondering where they found me?”
Grang nodded.
“I live on one of Jilico’s former conquests. We have a small community on Burke and since Rehoben has freed us, all I’ve been hearing about is the huge Magrum Warrior that is always with the Emperor. They tell me you’re tough enough to handle me, and though I doubt it, I’ve decided to see for myself. I’ve heard about all you’ve done and a Zord showed me your history on El Prado.”
Grang slowly sat down and she saw his immediate sadness.
“You killed the Emperor’s Mother.”
Grang nodded. “She was such a beautiful person and I ended her life. I’ve done so many evil things.”
“It appears to me you’ve also ended your life as well.”
Grang looked up sharply.
“Grang, are you the same person you were when all that happened?”
Grang shook his head.
“Then you did end that old life. That Grang died years ago but you don’t know it yet. Now it’s time for you to live the new life you’ve been given. You should understand that there are no accidents in the universe and that before you could arrive at this place in time, you had to do those things. They made you what you’ve become. You’re here to make a difference and your accomplishments have made me proud to be a member of your species. You are much more than you think. Everyone has forgiven you…except for yourself.
I came here to tell you that, after a lot of thought and soul searching, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I think my father is right; you are the only one that can possibly handle me. I’ve been told no one can and, unfortunately, they’re probably right. I am somewhat strong willed and opinionated. So, when you’re ready to give it a go, you’ll find me waiting on Burke with my family.” She stood and kissed Grang on the cheek, turned toward the door and said, “Please don’t make me wait too long. I really don’t have much patience.”
Grang watched her walk away and heard, “Grang, it’s time to live.”
Grang saw Madeline in his thoughts and felt his agony return. He saw Madeline smile, “It’s time to live again.”
Grang ran out the door and ran up to the huge Magrum Female and looked down on her, “Why me? What do you see in me that you want!?!”
She turned and smiled, “I have very high standards. I’ve been told that you’re the only one that could possibly handle someone like me. I want a Warrior for my mate and you are all I heard you were. The Zord confirmed it. However, I refuse to be here with you unless you can open your heart. Can you do that?”
“What if I’m not what you think?”
She stepped back and slowly looked him over from head to foot as she slowly walked around him, “Ohhhh, I think you’ll do.”
Grang smiled, “What’s your name.”
“Geena.”
“I promise not to hurt you.”
She smiled coyly, “I’d like to see you try.”
Grang laughed for the first time in years, “Please stay. I do want to see if we can make a go of it.”
Geena smiled, “I thought you’d never ask.”
Grang swept her off her feet and carried her back to his home.
Scotty and Julie peeked around the small house and Julie jumped into Scotty’s arms. “Oh Scotty, how did you make this happen?”
The Planet Leader on Burke contacted me about a rather hard to handle Magrum Female and wondered if I had a place for her in our military. I contacted her father and he confirmed that she is a rather strong willed Daughter. I told her Father about Grang and asked him to mention to her that there was only one Magrum in this universe that could handle her and she had better hope she didn’t run in to him. He’d teach her a thing or two. She took it as a challenge and decided to find out all she could about Grang. Vring just happened to be around when she started her search.”
“Just happened to be around?”
Scotty smiled and looked up at the sky, “Ohhh, it was entirely an accident. Her father told her to ask the Zord about the Magrum on Bristone that could teach her a thing or two. She couldn’t resist. Vring showed her the ongoing duals between Grang and the Northern Cats and she was impressed. I think his pet Torg sealed the deal.”
“She is a rather strong personality.”
“And Grang isn’t?”
She punched him in the ribs laughing, “We’ll see.”
Scotty picked her up and tickled her, “I guess we will.”
Julie laughed uncontrollably and said, “Stop, please stop.”
“I will if you behave.”
“I will, I will.”