Timmy teleported to Greyson’s bridge humming off key. Two weeks had passed and Tesa was working with a team of engineers redesigning the bowguns. Vring had developed two new circuits that needed to be trialed and Scotty decided to trial them on Greyson. Timmy appeared and said, “Hello, my name is Timmy Valrico and I understand your name is Greyson.”
“That is correct. What is it that you are going to do?”
“We have some additions to your scanners and screens. We believe that they will greatly enhance your abilities. I’m excited about the prospects and it’s great to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Well, do what you have to do and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
“I will. This won’t hurt a bit.” Timmy went to the scanner control panel and removed the cover. He removed four layers of circuit boards and stared at the main board. “Let’s see, there is a place here that should take three connections. Ummmm…, there they are.” Timmy took out a small welder and placed three solid wires into the holes on the board. “Now, before I make the connection, would you please scan the most distant planet you can see.”
“All right, I’ve locked the sixth planet in my display.”
“Great! Now save the image. I’m turning the power off for a few moments.” Timmy tripped the breaker next to the side panel and welded the three connections to the main board. He moved the new circuit to the side wall of the panel and anchored it. He then replaced the top layers and connected them to the main board. “Alright, I think we’re ready.” Timmy tripped the breaker and the board’s lights came on.”
“Good grief.”
“What? Is something wrong? Did I make a mistake?”
“No! I can scan the last planet in this system clearly. Whatever you did has increased my range dramatically.”
“Great! I understand that with this new circuit you will also be able to see a Gamma Ship that’s in stealth mode. That by itself is a huge improvement if it
works. Would you mind if I send a message to BC.”
“Not at all, the channel’s open.”
“BC, do you have a moment?”
“Sure Timmy. What do you need?”
“I want you to go to stealth mode and try to sneak up on Greyson.”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely, give it a try.”
After a minute Greyson said, “I can see you, BC. You’re coming around the moon’s northern horizon.”
“Timmy, what have you done?”
“I’ve upgraded Greyson’s scanners. You’re next.”
“Well hurry up. I don’t want to be left behind.”
“I need to increase the power of Greyson’s screens first. Then I’ll come and do yours.”
“What do mean increase the power of my screens?”
Timmy picked up another large circuit board and said, “If we’re right, this should triple the strength of your screen. It would take at least four or more Gamma Ships firing together to penetrate it.”
Greyson thought about that and said, “What about my beams?”
“We have a circuit to make them more powerful but Emperor Robbins wants to talk with you before I install them.”
“What do you think about that, Timmy?”
“I told him he should install them. You’ve given your oath and I know you can be trusted. I know how hard it was to come to the decision to join us and I respect you for being able to see the truth in what you’ve learned. You will be a great addition to our community.”
“Timmy, I destroyed a defenseless planet and killed more than forty million innocent inhabitants.”
“No you didn’t.”
Greyson was startled by the response, “How can you say that?”
“That evil Duke destroyed that planet. You had no freedom to disobey him. You aren’t to blame for that, he is. If there was any decency in him, he would have never placed you in that situation. He obviously didn’t care about how that would hurt you.” Timmy went to the main screen relay and threw the breaker. “I’ll be done in a few minutes. Oh, and by the way, welcome to our community. I’m excited at the prospect of getting to know you.”
Greyson knew. The Emperor was right; Timmy was the perfect choice for his partner. He understood what he was forced to do and did not judge him for what he had done. Now he had something to look forward to doing. Timmy noticed the Searcher’s panels increased in brightness. He wondered what caused it.
Scotty, Jingo, Grang, and Nathan were standing in the central clearing of the human community waiting on Timmy and Tesa. “Where did they go? Vring do you know where Timmy is?”
“He’ll be there momentarily. He’s asked me to stay overhead to provide a view of what happens.”
Jingo looked at Scotty, “I wonder what they’re up to now?”
Timmy and Tesa came out of the forest next to the clearing holding what looked like a larger bowgun. Timmy approached the group and smiled, “All right, now we’re ready.”
Nathan gave his younger brother a hug, “Ready for what?”
“We’re going to trial the new gun. It’s no longer a bowgun because it doesn’t shoot arrows. You can decide what to call it.”
“Where have you been?”
“We took a couple of the blasters you captured at the Magrum’s compound and put them on an island in the middle of the river, Your Majesty. We don’t want to start a fire and we’re uncertain of what will happen. Would you like to do the honors?”
Timmy handed Scotty the gun and he immediately noticed it was heavier than the bowgun but not as much as its increased size promised. “How do I do this?”
“The switch just above your thumb is in the upper position. That means it is set to go after a blaster. Just point it in any direction but down and pull the back trigger.”
Scotty saw there were two triggers in the grip with the front one being slightly offset from the back. It was easy to place his index finger on the back trigger without touching the front one. He shrugged and pointed the gun at a distant tree and pulled the trigger.
A bright light erupted from the gun and went straight at the tree and then went vertical. It continued to climb and then suddenly changed direction and disappeared at high velocity over the trees toward the river. A moment later the group heard a loud boom.
Timmy said, “Vring, can you show us what happened?”
Everyone suddenly had a vision of Scotty firing the gun and a bright light leave the barrel and move up in the sky. It changed direction and went supersonic as it flew a straight line to the island in the river. Then a bright flash erupted from the island.
“It’s programmed to go vertical if it doesn’t sense a blaster in the immediate vicinity. If you aim it at a blaster, it will go straight at what you’re aiming.”
Jingo smiled, “What if you don’t want to explode the blaster?”
Timmy pointed to a button next to the selector switch, “Press this button and the spark will go after anything organic next to the blaster and burn it.”
Nathan said, “I wish I had better control over what I want to hit.”
“Oh, but we have taken care of you, Great Searcher.” Timmy turned to Tesa and said, “Go to the target.”
Tesa ran across the clearing and up the hill next to the community and disappeared into the forest. Everyone looked at each other and wondered what was going on. After fifteen minutes they heard Vring say, “She’s there, Timmy.”
Timmy turned to Scotty, “Your Majesty, look through the raised scope on top of the gun at the tree on the hill about half a mile away.”
Timmy pointed and everyone squinted to see what he was pointing at. Scotty raised the gun and looked through the scope in the direction Timmy indicated and immediately saw Tesa standing next to a large white square. “I see her, Timmy.”
“Please allow the others to see.” Scotty handed the gun to Jingo and he passed it to the next until all had seen Tesa. “Ok, this is a little complicated but I’ll try to make it as simple as possible. If you want to hit a specific target, thumb the selector to the second position. That powers the scope’s targeting system. Are we together so far?” Everyone nodded. “Now you use the front trigger to designate your target. Sight through the scope and as soon as you have your target in the center, pull the front trigger back to the second trigger. The target will be hit with a beam from the small red generator in the gun and mark it with an energy reading that will last for about sixty seconds. When you pull the back trigger, the gun will fire a spark at whatever you have designated even if it moves away from where it was previously located. Does everyone understand?”
Grang asked, “How do I decide whether or not to burn or explode the target.” Everyone looked at Grang. He saw them staring, “What?”
Scotty shook his head as Timmy said, “The button will still determine whether the spark explodes or burns. Push it and the sparks will burn until you push it again.” Timmy turned to Scotty, “Now, Your Majesty, if you will designate that white square with the first trigger. Don’t pull the second until we start the target moving.”
Everyone watched as Scotty sighted through the scope and pulled the first trigger. “I’ve done it, Timmy.”
Timmy said, “Vring if you will start the target moving.”
Scotty watched through the scope as Vring gripped the white square and flew away from the giant ging tree that had it suspended on a wire. He flew about two hundred feet and released the target and it started swinging in a four hundred foot arc. Scotty handed the gun to everyone and allowed them to see the swinging target. Timmy waited and said, “You may pull the second trigger now.”
“Should I aim at the target?”
“If you choose; or you can just fire it in the general direction.”
Scotty pointed the gun toward the target and pulled the second trigger. The Spark left faster than they could see and there was an immediate flash on the distant hill. Scotty looked in the scope and saw a black mark in the center of the white square. “This is amazing. Where did you get the material for that target?”
“It’s an armor plate from an Ultraship. It won’t burn but it can be slightly damaged by a spark set to explode. The thing to remember is that the spark will see the energy signature of whatever you’ve designated. Even if they hide behind cover, the spark will detect the radiation. If they run away, the spark will chase them. The real skill in using this gun will be the ability to sight and designate a target.”
Grang asked, “Is the beam wide enough to designate more than one person?” Everyone looked at Grang again and he said, “What?!”
Jingo smiled, “That’s more words than you’ve used in a month.”
“We have to learn this weapon. You should be asking those questions.”
Jingo laughed, “You just see it faster than I do.”
Timmy said, “Actually, the beam can be widened to target more than one person. The control is on the side of the scope. Push the organic button on the scope and swing it across your targets. The number of targets sited will appear in the upper corner of the scope. If you target five people, fire five sparks.”
Scotty said, “Timmy, you and Tesa have done a remarkable job.”
Timmy said “Don’t forget, Vring.”
Scotty smiled, “Yes, and certainly Vring as well. Now I have something to tell you.” Timmy tilted his head wondering what Scotty was going to say. “Greyson has requested that you be his partner. I am hoping that you will accept the position.”
Everyone smiled as Timmy’s eyes grew wide and a smile split his face. “That’s great! Does that mean I’m a Searcher?”
Scotty nodded and then saw Timmy’s smile fade, “What about, Tesa?”
Scotty’s com buzzed and he pressed it, “Timmy, there are two chairs on my bridge. It wouldn’t be the same without the two of you together. Certainly she will have a home here.”
Timmy jumped straight up and ran away from the group toward the distant hill yelling Tesa’s name. Scotty watched him leave as Nathan smiled, “His world is now complete. He has dreamed of traveling the stars since he was old enough to look up at them.”
Scotty smiled, “Greyson, your beams will be increased as soon as we can get Timmy and Tesa back. We will also repair your teleportation board.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored by your trust and I will defend the Empire.”
Scotty smiled and thought about what to do about New Ulmerton’s King.
Grang said, “Do you mind if I have a shot with that gun?”
Scotty handed it to Grang, “Some things never change.”
Nathan said, “I’m next.”
Mallory stood up, “You can have it after me.”
Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the former princess, “What?”
Grang said, “Welcome to my world.”
Even Mallory burst out laughing. Grang said, “What?”
Scotty and Julie looked at Bleath and watched as he lowered his head, “How may I serve you, Your Majesty?”
“Bleath, we have learned that the current ruler of New Ulmerton is planning to destroy the planet.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.”
“Why is that?”
“I’ve seen the BC’s recordings and he is ruthless. I wondered what he would do if there was a chance one of his relatives would take his place. It’s not a leap to believe that he would destroy the planet before he let them take it.”
“I’m thinking about taking control of the planet. New Ulmerton has the most industrial capacity of any planet in this sector and we can use those factories. I’m not going to allow him to destroy it but then if we don’t take control, we’re left with a world controlled by a ruthless military and a Royal Family that is little better than the king.”
“How do you intend to control the military and the population?”
“I plan to replace the King with his daughter. I suspect the civil population would accept her as ruler.”
Bleath lowered his head, “Now that might work. How do you intend to handle the military?”
“I was thinking about taking the flyers to make that happen. However, this is not a fight that directly affects your world. I wanted to see how you felt about it.”
“How would you get them there?”
“We’ll teleport them straight to the planet.”
Bleath looked at the four elders with him and then turned back to Scotty, “We’re in this with you, White Hair. If you sent the riders without their Zord, I would have my legs full stopping them from demanding you send them as well.”
“There could be significant loss of life.”
“Just like the Night of the Torg, some things are worth fighting for, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you Bleath. I wish there was another way. We’ll be facing modern weapons and it could turn into something deadly.”
“I see you’re going after that machine on the planet first.”
Scotty nodded “I guess there’s no hiding what’s going on. I think I have to go after it before the King leaves. I’m certain he’ll attempt to take it with him and once it’s on another planet we’ll lose track of where it is. That database will be what we need to build our defenses against future attacks. I’m especially interested in the probes that would allow us to move the planet if things turn ugly.”
“I have a suggestion on how to help you succeed.”
Julie looked at Scotty and said, “We could use any suggestion that would improve their chances of making it out alive.”
“Instead of having them walk to the location, teleport them in with a flyer and fly to the building. Go on a night where the moon is dark and you shouldn’t be seen. One of the flyers could carry the device out and you can just teleport them away when they clear the King’s protective screens.”
Scotty looked at Julie and then said, “Let me talk about it with my team. I think that is a good idea. Let me see what our Searchers have seen and see if the flight in and out is possible.”
“Why take only the flyers for the team. Take enough to cover your escape.”
Scotty smiled, “Bleath, are your warriors getting restless?”
Bleath laughed, “Now who’s the mind reader. We are at heart hunters and things have really gotten to be pretty tame around here. I’d go with you if I could get away with it.” Scotty saw the four Elders vigorously shaking their heads.
“I understand, my friend. I’ll let you know after I run this by Jingo and Grang.”
“It’s always good to see you, White Hair.”
“Yes it is, Bleath.”
Jingo and Grang were in the forest trialing one of the new spark guns. Timmy had developed a device that would launch a disc made of ging tree wood at high speed across the clearing. The trick was to hit the disc as it flew across with the marking beam. Jingo was good but Grang was amazing. He didn’t miss.
“How do you do that?”
“Just keep it in the sights. The beam is moving at the speed of light so there is no need to lead the target. Your use of a bow has affected your aim.”
Scotty walked up and watched them shoot. Jingo turned and saw him, “Hey, why don’t you come give it a try?”
Scotty smiled and said, “Stand back and learn.” Scotty took the gun and said, “I’m ready.”
The disc shot out of the launcher and Scotty hit it before it had gone twenty feet. He looked at Grang and Jingo staring at him and said, “Can you launch more than one?”
Jingo looked at Grang, “Oh, so now we have a showoff. How many would you like, Your Majesty?”
“Let’s try three.”
Grang grunted.
Jingo raised the control and said, “I agree.” He pushed the button and three discs shot out across the clearing. Scotty aimed and fired three times in quick succession. All three discs were hit.
Jingo and Grang stared at Scotty. He handed the gun to Jingo and said, “I guess you should leave the shooting in the hands of a professional.” Scotty waited a moment and said, “By the way, I had Vring work on my vision. He helped me learn how to follow objects just like when he taught me how to fire the bowguns.”
Jingo looked at Grang and said, “Looks like it’s back to school.” Grang tilted his head and nodded. Jingo turned to Scotty, “What brings you out to the forest?”
“Bleath has offered to fly the team in to take the database and I’m thinking it might be a good idea. I wanted to see what the two of you thought about it.”
Jingo thought about it, “Scotty, I need to see a detailed aerial map of the location. You’ll need two hundred feet of overhead clearance to fly an adult Zord in. I can tell you right now they’ll have to come in lower than the surrounding buildings.”
Scotty nodded and Grang asked, “Why.”
“Because I’m sure there are scanners on the tops of the buildings scanning for incoming aircraft that would detect a Zord.”
Jingo turned to Scotty, “Maybe we should get together on one of the ships and take a look at their videos.”
“Jessica would be the best choice for that. She has the most time in the New Ulmerton System. We need to get Nathan, Timmy, Mallory, and the flyers together so we can all be on the same page.”
Jingo looked at Grang and Grang asked, “Why does Timmy need to be there?”
Scotty looked at them and said, “I’m going to use Greyson in the attack. Timmy will be there with him and I think it’s important for their bonding.”
Grang looked at Jingo and Jingo said, “Losing him would hurt the community almost as much as losing you.”
“That’s another thing; I’m going to go in with the team.”
Grang looked at Scotty and said, “What does Julie say about that?”
“She disagrees with my decision; however, it’s something that I must do.”
Jingo was struggling with how to tell Scotty that he was making a bad decision. He knew how Scotty was when he made up his mind but this was not a risk that should be taken. While he struggled to find the words, Grang said, “Then you should take Julie in with you. Obviously, you don’t hold any value for the feelings of those who find peace of mind knowing you are here protecting them. Do you find it that hard trusting your warriors to able to carry out your commands? Oh, I forgot, it’s always good strategy to send the commanding officer out in the first wave of attack to insure success.”
Scotty looked at Grang and Jingo just stared at the huge Magrum. Grang continued, “When we’re investing a thousand planets trying to build our new empire, are we going to have to wait for you to show up at every planet to lead the attack?”
Scotty was stunned at Grang’s angry remarks. “You know I’m the best with our new gun.”
“I’m the best at lifting weight. Am I going to have to lift everything that has to be moved?”
Scotty took a deep breath, “I wouldn’t want to continue ruling if anything happened to you two.”
Grang put his hand on Scotty’s shoulder, “Sometimes you must do those things you would rather avoid. It’s called command. That is your calling.” He looked at Jingo, “Ours is much easier and a lot more fun. We get to go play with these toys.”
Jingo said, “You know he’s right.”
Scotty looked at his two best friends and shook his head, “I guess I’m forced to agree with you. When Grang talks like Jingo and Jingo like Grang, something dramatic is happening. I’ll let Julie know; she’s been really worried.”
“Let’s get this party started.” Jingo laughed, “I’ll notify all those participating in the exercise and we’ll get together tomorrow morning at the learning center.”
Scotty sighed and nodded. He missed being in the center of all the action. He understood how Bleath felt now. The warrior in him craved taking part but he knew they were right.
Greyson and Timmy were in stealth mode above New Ulmerton. They watched the sun go below the horizon and watched the building that housed the Military Database on the display. “Are you sure about shaping the screen?”
“I’m positive, Timmy. I’m not going to activate it unless I sense the Searcher overhead is activating his weapons.”
“Will you have enough time?”
“Oh, yes. My upgrades have made a significant difference in my reaction time. The problem will be if more than two Searchers come to this location.”
“They shouldn’t do that if BC and Grace are hitting Daulun’s Castle.”
“We’ll see.”
Timmy thought a moment and decided to ask, “How do you feel about killing one of the Searchers here. I know they’re your friends.”
“That’s why the Emperor put me here instead of the castle. He knows that would be asking too much. His wisdom really makes me glad to be a part of his Empire. However, if I had to do it to protect you; I will.”
“Try to avoid it if you can. I don’t want you to have to endure more suffering over decisions forced on you.”
“That decision won’t be forced. It’s one I’ll make willingly.”
Greyson had his passive scanners extended and Tesa said, “One hour to launch. Everything looks normal.”
Timmy stared at the display and hoped the plan worked. They would know shortly. Mallory had told them that the night commander reported to the building at eleven pm each night and the armored door to the building would be opened for him. Fifty minutes to go.
Jingo looked at Grang, “Are you ready?”
“Um.”
Don’t get all brave and do something stupid going in that door.”
“Um”
“I mean it.”
“According to Mallory there will only be two soldiers opening the door so I’ll only have to deal with three of them. Even you could do that on your worst day.”
Jingo looked at Grang. “What?”
“Um.” Grang actually smiled and mounted his Zord. It was almost show time and this is what made it all worthwhile. He lifted and began his climb into Bristone’s sky as Jingo, Nathan, and Mallory rose behind him.
Traffic was not allowed after dark on the street where the Military Institute of Advanced Studies was located. However there were vehicles parked along the street and the Zord were going to have to fly above them to arrive at the entrance. Timmy watched as the Night Commander approached the entrance on foot. When he was two hundred yards away he sent a message. Grang was circling on Bristone above the one way teleport screen waiting for Timmy’s message. He heard, “Go!”
Megee dove from ten thousand feet and accelerated at an incredible speed toward the huge silver screen in front of them and disappeared through it. The huge Zord had enough speed to glide the four miles toward the entrance. Three hundred yards out Grang stood and ran down Megee’s back and slid down his tail. They came in quickly and Megee went vertical and dropped his tail to the street. Grang released his grip, rolled twice, and came to his feet running twenty feet behind the night commander. The two soldiers opening the door had pulled the massive door open and Grang came around the commander and rolled into the hallway below the scanner being used to scan the commander’s face. The three Provincial Soldiers felt a quick breeze and they looked up at the Sky. Megee had turned over below the tops of the buildings and flew a mile back up the street and landed between two large military carriers.
“Tesa?”
“The door has moved but has not completely closed. There is no light coming around the edge. It looks like Grang was successful.”
Timmy sent the message.
Nathan, Mallory, and Jingo flew at high speed through the silver screen and their Flyers glided down the long street and landed in front of the entrance. The riders dismounted quickly and the Zord moved to stand next to the walls of the buildings on the opposite side of the street. One of the guards felt the breeze of their passing and looked around but didn’t see anything. The three riders ran up to the huge door and slipped inside through the narrow opening Grang had left.
Mallory went in first and immediately saw the three bodies against the back wall. It was clear that Grang had used his short swords to eliminate them. Blood was everywhere.
Mallory looked at Nathan and pointed ahead and held up four fingers. Jingo took the lead and moved up the corridor. At the end of the hall he looked around the corner and saw four guards with blasters sitting in chairs talking. He and Grang turned the corner and quietly moved toward them. Nathan put his hand on Mallory’s shoulder and held up his hand telling her to wait. He counted to ten and took her hand and led her around the corner. The four guards were still in their chairs but were missing their heads which were placed in their laps.
Mallory ran by them and punched in a code on an electronic lock that opened a door to a stairway. The four entered and climbed three flights. She held up two fingers on her right hand and three on her left. Jingo looked at Grang and pointed right. He looked at Nathan and pointed left. He held up one finger. Grang and Nathan nodded and pulled the door in and slipped into the hall. The door made a small scraping sound and Mallory knew the guards were going to know they were here. She stood there with her gun debating what to do when Nathan opened the door and pulled her through.
Mallory now knew the hardest part of the exercise was about to happen. She turned off her Zecka and went to the door that protected the Military Database Computer. She prayed they had not changed the entry code and she entered her father’s birthday. The light turned green and she stepped through. The eight guards in the room jumped up and raised their blasters as she entered. She looked at the guards and said, “Hey, what are you doing? My father needs some information and he sent me to get it.”
The guards were stunned. They hadn’t been told that Mallory was back. The commander started shaking his head and raised his communicator. All eight were hit with sparks and burned instantly. Nathan and Mallory ran forward and used a high intensity hand torch to cut through the base around the computer. Grang grabbed the base and lifted it over his head and put it on the floor away from the wiring. Nathan and Mallory began removing wires following their connections following the process that Vring had imprinted on their memory. Grang and Jingo waited at the door expecting trouble. Finally, they pulled the last connection and Grang came and grabbed the black square that housed the system. They heard him grunt but he lifted it over his head and held it there. Jingo and Nathan led the way out the door and Mallory closed it and reset the lock. They moved quickly down the hall and ran down the stairs.
The Middle Shift Commander waited in his office for his relief to come and sign in. It was fifteen minutes past his reporting time and in the ten years Sheve knew him, he had never been late. He saw his com activate and then go off. He looked at it and saw that it was the Captain in the computer room. He hit his com and it didn’t connect. That was odd. He stood and walked across the hall into the security room and saw the two privates assigned to watching the monitors were arguing about a woman they were both pursuing. He looked at the monitor in the computer room and didn’t see anyone. He looked at the entrance to the building and it was dark. Evidently the light was out. He hit the infrared and saw the three dead bodies on the floor. He looked at the two privates and shot them with a blaster. He hit the alarm and it began sounding off all over the building and the street outside.
The Riders made it as far as the four guards in their chairs when they heard the alarms go off. Nathan pointed up the hall and motioned them to go. Jingo grabbed Mallory’s hand and pulled her. She resisted not willing to leave Nathan behind but he looked at her and pointed up the hall. She allowed Jingo to pull her toward the exit. Nathan activated his gun and set it for burn. He set the frequency for blasters and waited as he heard the sound of running feet. The door at the end of the hall flew open and he fired ten sparks. The five guards that came rushing through the door were burned before they could move ten feet. The other five sparks flew through the open door, separated, and flew up the halls looking for anyone holding a blaster. Nathan waited and then he heard the first explosions outside the building. He switched the gun to explosive and fired fifteen sparks through the door at the end of the hall. He turned and ran toward the exit. The fifteen sparks flew through the open door and started flying down the halls.
Four guards exited doors on the second floor and were hit. The explosions collapsed the ceilings making the halls impassable. Four sparks actually followed six guards up the stairs to the roof. The guards had left the doors open behind them and that proved to be fatal. They arrived on the roof and raised their blasters just as the sparks came out of the stairwell and zoomed in on them. The explosions were huge and all eight guards on the roof were blown over the edge to the street ten stories below.
Fifteen minutes after the four Riders left to infiltrate the building, fifty riders flew through the screen and landed one mile from the entrance. They dismounted and moved up the street on foot. They spaced themselves a hundred feet apart on opposite sides of the street. Kron was the first to arrive at the building and saw the four Zord up against the walls across the street from the the entrance. He checked his gun and saw that there were eight blasters within sixty seven feet of his location. He looked up and saw that the stars were blurry. The Duke’s Searcher’s screen still covered the building. Maybe they could get away without a fight. So far everything looked fine; the four infiltrators had not been discovered. When they came out of the entrance would be the moment of the biggest risk. Then the alarms went off and Kron fired eight sparks. All the way up the street for a mile it looked like hundreds of fireflies were moving from the ground to the surrounding buildings. Then the blasts started and pieces of the buildings began falling to the street. Kron looked up and saw a bright red beam splash against a force field. Time to go.
Timmy saw the sparks and said, “The Gig’s up, Greyson.”
“I’m on it.”
A screen moved over the street battle and covered the tops of the buildings. The screen was under the screen being used by the Provincial Searcher overhead and should protect the warriors on the ground. Greyson started scanning to see if more than one Searcher was coming. One of the four Searchers that had their screens extended over Daulun’s Castle, moved to the site of the ground fight and scanned the area.
“We have numerous infiltrators around the Military Database Building. I’m opening fire on them.”
The Searcher fired his beam and saw it stop above the buildings. It stunned the ship and then it saw the beams coming in on Daulun’s Castle. As it watched, beams began hitting the screens over the Castle and it was clear there was more than one enemy Searcher attacking Daulun. The Searcher decided to defend the Database. It powered the main beam and fired into the middle of the street below. It was shocked, it still didn’t penetrate.
Jessica and BC opened fire on the castle with their beams at half power. The protective screens covering the castle turned bright blue and flashed red. The three Searchers covering the Castle knew that if one of them left, the Castle would be incinerated. They scanned for the source of the beams but couldn’t find the attackers. They started firing randomly hoping to hit the ships firing at the planet.
Every guard with a blaster was killed in less than six seconds after the sparks were launched. Kron ran up to the entrance and yelled, “It’s clear, let’s get out of here.
Grang came stumbling out of the entrance carrying the database. Vring came over and took it out of his hand and put out a leg for Mallory to mount. Scotty insisted that Vring go and take care of Mallory. Vring was excited at the opportunity knowing it was going to be fun. He was not disappointed. Mallory jumped on his leg and then jumped on his back without having to be lifted. “Get us out of here.”
The four Zord ran forward and lifted. The fifty Riders scattered up the street mounted and flew up the street following the four Zord. The Riders fired at anything that showed on their gun’s scanners. There were explosions on both sides of the street for three miles.
The Searcher saw the intruders moving quickly away from the site. They were flying…something huge that stayed low to the ground. What were they? He was reluctant to follow them and take his screen off the castle. Then he heard, “Don’t know what to do?”
“Greyson?!?”
“Hello, old friend.”
“I thought you were dead.”
“No, I’m helping someone who I can believe in. Someone that won’t make me fire on defenseless planets.”
“That’s treason.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“You know it is.”
“Varner, I want to send you something. I give you my word that I won’t fire on you but I need you to open your screen long enough for a download. Will you do that for me?”
“I’ll be forced to kill you for your treachery.”
“Aren’t you curious why?”
Varner thought about it.
“You can see that the invaders are now all gone and you can’t harm me behind my screen. I just want you to see why; you know how much you mean to me. We’ve been through so much together. Please do this for me.”
Varner said, “In 5,4,3,2,1, now.”
Greyson saw the screen go down and he sent the download. He saw that it only went down on the side away from the castle. “Thank you my friend.” He turned and teleported out.
Varner watched him go and didn’t know what to think. He saw that Greyson had turned traitor and he knew he should hate him, but he didn’t. The death of that planet had changed him. Greyson had always led them and Greg was the leader of their partners. Then it hit him; Greyson would never betray Greg. Something monumental had to have happened for him to do what he was doing. What was in this download? He could hear Daulun yelling over the frequency and he knew he had to go back to the castle. After things settled down he would take a look at what Greyson had sent him. Then he was shocked, he realized Greyson had teleported away.
“What did you send him?”
“The real history of the Realm.”
“Why, do you think it will make a difference?”
“It did with me. We’ll just have to see.”
“We lost four Zord and their riders.”
“What!”
“Some of the local troops were hidden with a heavy machinegun. It didn’t show up on their gun’s scanners. Grang took it out but we lost some of our Flyers and Riders.”
“I should have been watching for that.”
“You wouldn’t have scanned it. It was dug in behind the glass of a storefront. You aren’t to blame. I’m surprised we got out with only four teams being lost.”
“What now?”
“I’m going to meet Vring at the learning center and connect it to the centers wiring harness. The two of them are actually designed to work together.”
“What about you, Tesa?”
“Actually, I’ve been talking to Jess and she has asked if I would be interested in being her Partner. I hope you don’t mind.”
Greyson said, “That is wonderful. She couldn’t have chosen anyone better. The two of you will be an extraordinary team.”
“Thank you, Greyson. Timmy, are you going to be ok?”
Timmy looked at Tesa slowly shaking his head, “I’m going to miss more than you know. You are the sister I never had, Tesa, however, Greyson is right. The two of you will be wonderful together. Your partnership will strengthen the Empire. Just make sure you come and visit.”
Tesa ran over and hugged her lifelong friend tightly. “We knew this day would come.”
Timmy stepped back and looked her in the eyes and said softly, “I know.” Tesa had tears in her eyes and she said, “Greyson, please teleport me to Jess.” Tesa disappeared from the bridge.
“What did she mean by that?”
Timmy took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly as he sat down in his chair, “We’re different species, Greyson. We knew that one day we would have to find a mate and it could never be each other.”
“Why?”
“Because both of us want children one day.”
“Does anyone else interest you?”
Timmy didn’t say anything.
Greyson watched him and saw a slight smile. “A ha! There is someone!”
“Yes, and Tesa also has someone that’s captured her interest.”
“Anyone I know?”
“No, and she doesn’t know either. So don’t say anything.”
“I won’t but you better not let those two busy bodies see you. Jing and Samuel could make things embarrassing.”
“You’re right about that.”
Greyson watched Timmy closely for the next five days and determined that it was Virze whom he was attracted. He was just too shy to say anything. He watched him stare at her from a distance and quickly turn away if she looked his way. This was impossible. She’d never know how he felt. After another week Greyson decided to take action. He commed Samuel one evening, “Samuel, I need your help.”
“Hello, Greyson. What’s going on?”
“Timmy’s in love but is just too shy to tell her.”
“Well, we’ll just have to do something about that. We need that young man to have many children. Who is it?”
“Virze.”
“He’s chosen well. She’s really something.”
“What he probably doesn’t know is that both of them have extremely high passive psychic readings. I suspect she feels the same but is waiting on him.”
Samuel started nodding and then said, “Let’s just see.”
Greyson listened in as he heard Samuel say, “June, I need you to come with me.”
Samuel walked down to Timmy’s house and knocked. Timmy came to the door and was surprised to see Samuel, “Timmy, come with me.”
“Why?”
“Don’t get smart mouthed with me.”
“No Sir, I won’t.”
Timmy grabbed his jacket and followed Samuel toward the central clearing. What had he done wrong? Samuel looked angry. They walked through the houses and Timmy saw June sitting at the fire talking with someone. As they grew closer, Timmy saw it was Virze. Oh my blaster burned backside! What’s going on?
They walked up and Samuel gave June a kiss on the cheek. She smiled and said, “Hello, Timmy.”
“Hi, June.” Then he looked at Virze and said, “Hi, Virze.”
She looked up at him and smiled, “Hello, Timmy.”
“Sit down over there by Virze.”
Timmy went and sat down on a log beside Virze. She was so beautiful. Virze looked at him and he shrugged indicating he didn’t know what was going on.
Samuel and June sat and stared at the two eighteen year olds. After what seemed to be a long time Virze and Timmy started getting nervous. Finally Timmy looked at Virze and shrugged. He looked at Samuel and June and asked, “Why are we here?”
Samuel said, “Because we know that the two of you love each other and we’re going to sit here until both of you admit it.”
Timmy started stuttering, “Wha, wha, what do you mean?” Timmy saw Virze staring at him with a furrowed brow.
June said, “Well, do you love her.”
Timmy couldn’t bring himself to look at Virze. He lowered his head and said, “I do but I’m not in her league. She’s so beautiful and smart; she can have anyone she wants. I’m just a nerd that loves learning. Why are you embarrassing us like this!?!”
Then he heard, “Timmy, are you that blind? You’re a Searcher and the smartest person in our community. You’ve just left and fought for our survival and have proven your warrior’s heart. Every girl I know is gaga over you and that includes me. None of us are in your league and I’ve never entertained a thought about ever having a chance with you. You’re the prize here; not me. You’re the one that can have whomever you choose.”
Timmy looked at Virze and saw she was serious, “Really?”
“Really.” Virze slid over next to Timmy and put her arms around his neck and kissed him. Timmy turned red but pulled her close and felt his heart beat faster. Virze broke the kiss and looked at Samuel and June, “I think we can take it from here.”
June laughed and pulled Samuel away from the two teenagers.
Timmy looked at Virze and smiled, “You’re amazing.”
“Thank you Timmy. Now we know what neither of us was ever going to say; are you willing to spend the rest of your life loving me? I know I will if you’ll have me.”
Timmy smiled, “And then some.”
“Then give me your jacket.”
Timmy took off his Searcher’s jacket and put it around her shoulders, “Why?”
“Because I need to make sure that every other man grabbing, conniving, treacherous, jealous consumed female in the community knows you’re mine.”
Timmy chucked and then started laughing.
“I’m serious. There are a lot of them after you and they will have to be forced to take no for an answer. It’s all we talk about.”
He laughed harder and said through his laughter, “I’d wear one of your dresses if that’s what it took to make you love me.”
“Too late. I already do; although I’d like to see you in a dress.”
Timmy reached over and pulled her close and kissed her hard, “Whatever it takes.”
Greyson watched them from orbit and laughed.