Scotty dismounted Vring and the gathered communities bowed. “Please rise.”
Julie waited with the others wondering what was going on. Scotty looked at her and motioned her forward. He also waved Jingo to join him. Michael dismounted and started moving toward the gathering and Scotty said, “Michael, I want you here with us.”
He looked at Jingo, who shrugged, and then turned and joined Scotty in the center of the clearing. “I’ve wondered if you really trust me to make the best decisions for you when you selected me as your ruler. I think I’ll find out now if you do. We are leaving El Prado and moving to the Zord’s home world with them.”
There was a moment of shocked silence, then the crowd erupted in bedlam. It was clear they did not like the idea at all. Scotty waited as the noise grew louder, when suddenly the crowd was shocked by a reverberating scream from Vring. The Zord flared its huge wings and the communities grew quiet.
“Thanks, Vring.” Scotty turned to the gathering and they saw his anger. “It’s easy to say you’ll follow the decisions of your leader when you agree with them. Quite frankly, you should choose another to lead you right now. However, my family and I will be leaving with the Zord.”
The seven hundred archers from the Night of the Torg stood and moved into the center, joining Scotty. It was clear what they were going to do. The communities saw their best defenders saying they were leaving.
Kess stood and asked, “Why must we leave our homes and go to a new world?”
Scotty looked at her and everyone saw his anger melt. They knew how much he loved Kess. “We are going to need a place where we can be safe. Here on this planet, there are just too many predators that kill us. Now we have a new predator that is more dangerous than any we have faced. I’ve also had it demonstrated to me that the cats are developing rudimentary intelligence. If left alone, they will one day be the rulers of this planet. Our ideals prevent us from wholesale destruction of any life, much less one that is developing intelligence.”
Scotty looked around and continued, “But there’s more to it than just our safety from the cats. This planet was a former capital of a Province. That makes it a prime target for any starships that are raiding for bounty. Every planet that rediscovers star drives will automatically choose this planet as one to be visited. We’ve lost thousands to their attacks since the Realm departed, and they will continue to come. I need a central location where I can defend all of us together. The Zord’s home world looks very much like our forests here, but without the wastelands. It was listed in the Realm’s old charts as having no technology. It won’t be a target for raiders. There are no Torg, Northern Mountain Cats, or any other major predators to endanger us. We will have a time of peace where we can grow and prosper without the ever present fear of invasion.”
Kess looked at Scotty, “I will go with you. I just hate to leave my home.”
“You won’t. We’ll move it with you.”
“What?”
“We can teleport it to our new location. All you have to do is just be inside when we move it.”
Jing stepped forward and looked at the communities, “The next one to show disrespect to our King’s decisions will deal with my swords. Is that clear?”
Scotty looked out at the gathering, “I say this with love in my heart for all of you. If we are to survive in this dangerous universe we live in, I cannot have you second guessing my choices. If you cannot follow me with unquestioning loyalty, then you should remain here and fight it out with the Torg and the Cats to see who ultimately wins. I must know you will follow me even when you doubt me.”
Melissa Withers stepped out of the crowd and said where everyone could hear, “My son was killed for his pride and hate. Jing took his head, but I knew in my heart he deserved it.” She turned toward the gathering and said, “Do you doubt in any measure that King Robbins would not adhere to those principles no matter what the situation? If you do, then you should stay behind. You are no better than my son.” She turned and joined the archers in the center. “I follow the King.”
The entire community bowed and knelt. Scotty allowed them to remain for a full two minutes before he said, “Rise.” The gathering stood and Scotty said, “I am naming two Generals of our archers. Jingo will take half of our flyers and Michael Blake the other half. They will learn how to use the new arrows and be responsible for teaching our communities how to use the bowgun and ride the Zord. We have thousands of them crying for a rider and we’ve been remiss in making that happen. However!! You will not don the Zecka or ride the Zord unless you vow to uphold our beliefs. Once we are in our new home, those who desire to join our Flyers may tell Jingo and Michael if you want to be a rider. They will test you to see if you are worthy to join us. It will be the Riders that defend us and uphold our beliefs. Do not even think about joining us unless your heart is pure and your bravery is as strong as those before you. We are also going to name our new association the Bristone Empire. Bristone is the name of the Zord’s planet and will be the center of our new civilization. Now we can begin to develop modern cities for our citizens.”
Scotty turned to Jing and Samuel and said, “Gather the things your communities want to take and put them beside your homes. You will have two days to make that happen. Once you’ve completed that task, go and gather as much food as you can carry. Bring seed pods to plant on our new world. We will be joining the Zord seven days from now.”
Jing faced the communities and said, “We will obey and follow our new Emperor without question.”
The community scattered in silence. thinking about leaving the world they knew.
Julie looked at Scotty, “If you had explained why you made the decision, you wouldn’t have had the dissention.”
“Julie, I am not going to be able to explain every decision I make. Most of the time there won’t be enough time to explain my rationale. I must be able to know if I issue orders, they will be followed.”
Julie looked up at Scotty and nodded, “You’re right, of course. I didn’t think it through.” She smiled, “I need to go prepare our home. Pick a good spot with a view of the stars.”
Scotty felt his love reaffirmed, “I’ll go help you, love. Vring, I’m sending you back to the three mountains. You need to assist your people in getting ready to leave. Tell Bleath we will start them moving in four days.”
“Thank you, White Hair. I’ll see you then. And thank you for the honor of using our name.”
Vring disappeared. Julie looked up at Scotty, “Boy, Anglo really keeps his scanners on you.”
“Thank the Creator he does.” They walked hand in hand to their home.
Thousands of the Zord had left for their home world. Scotty watched as parents carried their young hatchlings with them through the teleport screen. The remainder would be gone within another day. Vring was standing beside Scotty and watched the exodus with him. “White Hair?”
“Yes, Vring?”
“I believe there is one you should visit before we leave.”
Scotty looked up at Vring, and Vring said, “Grang.”
Scotty’s brow grew tight and he felt his rage start, “Give me one good reason why.”
“You need to see what happens when you make decisions. You’ve never gone to see him. I think you should.”
“There’s not enough time to get there before you leave.”
“Are you really going to stand here and say that? You can go wherever it suits you instantly.”
Scotty thought, then hit his com, “Anglo, send Vring and me to the Magrum’s bunker.”
Scotty climbed the giant Zord, then they found themselves high over the blasted bunker. Vring had become quite adept at coming out of a teleport field, and he instantly caught the air in his wings and began circling. Scotty looked below and saw the huge Magrum sitting in the field, pulling weeds out of a small clearing. He looked and also saw one of the biggest Torg he had ever seen sitting next to Grang.
Vring said, “Grang saved that Torg when it was a few hours old. It appears to have adopted Grang.”
Scotty looked and saw hundreds of decayed carcasses of Torg scattered around the giant field. Suddenly, a giant grey cat charged out of the woods. Scotty looked at Grang, who lifted his bowgun and fired it before the cat had moved more than fifty yards into the field. The arrow struck the cat in its nose, killing it instantly when it penetrated to its brainstem and severed it. Scotty was amazed at the speed the Magrum exhibited. Vring said, “You and Jingo are slightly faster. No others can match his speed.”
They continued to watch as Grang walked to the cat and placed his hand on its head.
“What’s he saying, Vring?”
“Great Grey Warrior, I am sorry for your death. I pray that in the life after this one we may be friends. Forgive me for taking your life.”
Scotty watched as three grey cats walked out of the woods and stared at Grang. Grang knelt and bowed as the three cats pulled the one killed into the woods.
“Vring, what’s going on with the cats?”
“They have decided to kill Grang, but only in a fair fight. They recognize him as a worthy opponent. It seems they may only send one of their number after him once every seven rotations.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“About six months.”
“Take me down.”
“We need to let that Torg see us, White Hair.”
Grang looked up and saw the circling Zord. Bravo stood, roared, and started pawing the ground. “Settle down, Bravo. Go home.” The giant Torg stared at Grang, then looked up in the sky. It turned and walked over the hill of the former bunker.
Scotty shook his head at a Torg that followed instructions. Scotty dismounted Vring and held his bowgun in his left hand. Grang placed his bowgun on the ground, along with his quiver. He stepped back and assumed a kneeling position with his head bowed.
Scotty just didn’t know what to make of him. Grang said, “Have you come to end my misery?”
Scotty could not stop the rage he felt. He thought this Magrum would be long dead by now, yet here he was. Grang said, “You had every right to have killed me two cycles ago. My crime was unforgiveable, and you should have ended my life.”
Scotty stared at Grang and said through clenched teeth, “What do you mean, unforgiveable?”
Grang looked up, and Scotty saw misery on his face, “Your flying friends put the images of my crime in my mind. They also shared the memories that all of you had of your mother. They filled me with the suffering and horror I caused our slaves by killing their loved ones. Those memories haunt me every night. Madeline was the closest thing to the Creator on El Prado, and I ended her life. My misery knows no bounds, and I suffer for my crimes.”
Scotty looked at Grang and said, “You could always walk into the forest.”
Grang looked at Scotty with a look that was unfathomable, “To end my life quickly would be a dishonor to the ones I killed. I should suffer, and to shorten it would not be the just thing to do. Only you can end my pain. You have the right to take your vengeance on me and remove some of your suffering. That is something Madeline would allow me. Anything else would be a dishonor to her memory.”
Scotty said, “Vring, show me his mind.” Suddenly Scotty was assaulted by a depth of misery that was overwhelming. Scotty fell to his knees. No one should endure that much pain.
Vring said, “We have looked at your communities’ memories. One of you named Timmy has a memory of one that reminds us of Grang.”
Scotty looked up at Vring and said, “Who?”
“He was one named Dorg-Ross.”
Scotty bowed his head and looked at the ground. Grang watched him for an hour. Scotty’s tears fell to the ground as he wept for the mother he had lost too soon. A cat stuck its head out of the woods. Grang snatched his bowgun up and the cat withdrew. “White Hair, are you all right?”
“Yes, I am Vring. For the first time in many cycles, I’m all right.” Scotty stood and said, “You’re coming with me back to my community. You will be given your sentence there.”
Grang stood and said, “Thank you for this mercy. I don’t deserve it.”
“No, you don’t.”
Grang gave a shout and the giant Torg came running over the hill. It rushed up to Grang and licked his face. “I worry about my friend. If I’m not here…”
Scotty punched his com, “Anglo, can you take this Torg to a place where he will be safe?”
“I’ll move him to a herd on the southern continent. The hot tropical band will keep the cats in the northern continent. They won’t tolerate that much heat.”
Grang rubbed the giant Torg behind the ears and hugged his neck. He stepped back and the Torg disappeared.
It reappeared in the middle of a huge herd of Torg on a broad grassy plain. The lead male came charging up to challenge the newcomer and saw Bravo’s immense size. It skidded to a halt and quickly lowered its head. Bravo turned and kicked dust at the creature and it scurried away in submission. The giant Torg looked up at the sky and roared its sorrow. It was many years before it found happiness again.
“It looks like you’ve got a teleportation device.”
“We do. It was on the Searcher that destroyed the planet.”
“He was right to do it.”
“Anglo, send us to the community.”
Scotty climbed up Vring and Grang said, “I’m not worthy to ride this noble creature.”
“Hand me your bowgun and quiver, and mount!”
Grang handed Scotty the bowgun and quiver and climbed the giant Zord. “All right, Anglo.”
They disappeared and Vring caught the air currents and screamed. Julie looked up and wondered what was going on. She watched the Zord get closer. It had turned off its color shifting and she caught her breath. “Grang! Oh, no!”
Scotty and Vring landed in the clearing, and Grang climbed down to a rapidly growing crowd that showed its anger toward him.
Julie ran up and asked, “What are you doing?”
Scotty looked in her eyes and she didn’t know what she saw. Something was different. That’s when Jing and Samuel showed up and stared at the big Magrum. Jing looked at Scotty, “Is he here for a reason?”
“Yes. Be patient.”
Jing stared at Scotty and then nodded to Samuel. They turned and moved to the front row of the gathering communities and sat down in silence. Those that had arrived watched their former leaders and decided they should also be quiet. After half an hour, the three communities had gathered, and all sat in silence.
Grang stood the entire time with his head bowed in silence. Scotty looked around the gathering and said, “Vring, I want you to share Grang’s thoughts with our communities.”
Vring sent the big Magrums thoughts to everyone present for ten seconds. Scotty looked around and saw most of the women were crying. Even Jing and Samuel were shaken by what they saw. Everyone saw that Grang was praying that Scotty would end his suffering with an arrow. Samuel said, “No one should suffer like this!”
Scotty looked at Julie, who refused to wipe away her tears, and he said to the gathering, “I know.” Scotty walked up to Grang and said, “You’re right.”
Grang looked up, “You’re going to end my suffering?”
“No, Grang. To end your suffering would be a dishonor to the one who valued all life. I’m going to give you the opportunity to atone for your crime.”
Grang lowered his head, “There is no possible atonement for what I’ve done.”
Scotty looked at him and said, “You aren’t the first to say those very same words.”
Grang looked up with a puzzled expression.
“Before the Holy Realm was started, my home world was in a life and death struggle with 800 planets. The Cainth were a vicious warlike species, and they were given the honor of attacking us with more than 2,000 starships. The Admiral of the Cainth sent two hundred ships to a small Human colony planet in advance of the main invasion. Following his orders, the Cainth Warriors rounded up the colonists in all of their communities, pulled twenty percent of them out, and herded them into the center square of each town. The Cainth troops then fired heavy blasters and killed them all.”
The gathering listened in silence. “Later, after their fleet was defeated and the Humans invaded their home system, the two species found peace between them. The Admiral that ordered the executions placed himself into the Human’s hands so that justice could be done. The leader of the Humans, Thomas Gardner, who later became the first King of the Holy Realm, forgave the Admiral and charged him to work his entire life to make up for his atrocity.” Scotty paused and said, “The planet where he killed the colonists was Ross. The Admiral’s name was Dorg.” Scotty looked at Jing and nodded.
Jing stood and said, “The Admiral never forgave himself. However, he was the reason the Algeans stopped their war. He was the one that saved the Dremel from annihilation. The Heroes Park on Ross was named after him and the planet loved him. His funeral was the largest gathering in the Realm’s history. I bear his last name proudly. as do many of my people.” Jing looked at Grang and said, “He died still feeling the guilt of what he had done. But to the Realm, he was its greatest hero.”
Scotty looked at Grang, “And now I charge you, just as Thomas Gardner charged Dorg-Ross, to go and atone for your crime by working your entire life to make up for it.” Scotty turned and faced the communities, “Admiral Dorg added Ross to his name to always remind him of his actions, and to make him remember what arrogance and power can do to a person.” Scotty looked at Julie and then turned to Grang, “From this day on, your name will be Grang-Robbins. You will carry the name of the woman you killed to remind you of what cruelty can lead to. You will be my brother, not only in name but in spirit. I know my Mother wouldn’t have had it any other way. You will be the one responsible for my safety. Jingo has duties and, though he has sworn to look out for me, I need him elsewhere.”
Jingo said, “He’s not qualified. I can’t let you depend on someone that can’t do the job.”
Scotty handed Grang his bowgun and quiver. Grang clipped the quiver to his belt and looked at Scotty. Scotty turned and pointed over the crowd at a house at the edge of the clearing three hundred yards away. “I want the first arrow in the column closest to us, the second arrow in the center column, and the third arrow in the far column. I want them hit in the center of the columns.”
Jingo looked at Scotty, “Get real. I don’t think we could make those shots.”
Scotty said, “Are you ready?”
Grang took a deep breath, “You’re not going to kill me?”
“What do you think Madeline would say if you asked her to do it?!?” Scotty shouted, “Now!!”
The bowgun fired so fast that it sounded like one shot. The crowd listened and then heard three loud twocks.
Scotty looked at Jingo and said, “Go and see.”
Jingo turned and walked away. Hundreds followed him down the path and when they arrived, there was an arrow in the center of every column. Jingo looked at the distant Zord in the clearing and looked back at the arrows. He walked back up the hill and said, “Ok, it’s his job.”
Scotty started laughing and Jingo said, “What!?”
“That is the least I’ve ever heard you say.”
The three communities roared their laughter. Even Jing smiled. Jingo shook his head, “Frapped if you do, frapped if you don’t. There’s just no winning. Every time I open my mouth someone has something to say. Have they ever considered what I’m saying may be important?!? Noooooo. But are they quick to criticize? Yessssss.”
Scotty looked at Grang and he said, “Your friend talks a lot.”
Vring nearly fell off his back legs laughing, and Julie held on to Scotty to keep from falling.
Scotty smiled at Grang, “You have no idea.”
The cats arrived at the Zord’s lands two days after they left. They discovered the huge Torg herds living close to the forest, and the leader stopped the migration. There would be food for his family for many years.
Four weeks later Scotty, Julie, and Grang sat on Anglo’s bridge watching the main display. The three communities were placed on the sites of the former hunting lodges. The ground had been cleared for a radius of a mile, and each of the three communities were settling in.
The three communities were also growing to like their new home. The native Zord had started arriving and began teaching them which things on the planet were edible and which were not. The communities were thriving, and many stopped carrying their bowguns within the borders of their town. Julie looked at Grang and said, “You have no idea how much I hated you.”
Grang looked at her and said, “Yes, I do. The Zord shared your feelings about me during that initial gathering. You were right to feel that way.”
Julie stared at him and said, “I believe you. Now, I expect you to watch out for my husband.”
“It will be my honor, your Highness.”
Julie smiled and looked at Scotty. “He’s not the same Magrum I knew.”
“And I’m not the same after seeing his thoughts. One must see their crimes from the perspective of the victim to understand their mistakes.”
“Uh oh. You’re planning something?”
“Yes, I am, and you have a role now that you must accept.”
“What is that?”
“You will rule in my absence.”
“Scotty, the communities will never accept that!”
“They will and they have. You’ve not noticed that most will stumble in their haste to do the slightest thing you ask?”
“Well, they do that out of respect to you.”
Grang said, “That’s not true. I’ve listened to them, and they love you. You have earned your place in their hearts, and they trust you with their lives.”
Julie stared at the big Magrum and Scotty said, “I am not going to make a pronouncement. You will assume your role and do what is necessary in my absence. The leaders of each community will support you. I expect you to do what you think is necessary. Will you do that for me?”
Julie took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I’ll try.”
“That’s all I ask, my love.”
“Where are you going?”
“I have an issue with the former King of this planet. He hasn’t sent any more ships, but I know he’s planning a welcome for us when we go visiting. He should be confronted by his victims.”
“When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow. I’m taking Jingo, Michael, and Grang.”
“That’s all?!?”
“Well, Anglo and BC will also be in attendance.”
“Good. I’m not as worried now.” Julie paused and said, “Whose bowgun is that standing in the corner?”
Grang said, “It is mine, your Highness.”
“Grang, that bowgun is set on a ten power setting. What’s the velocity?”
“Fifty six hundred feet per second.”
Julie looked at Scotty and he said, “He fires it easier that I do mine. He wanted one at fifteen but we aren’t able to make one that strong yet. The chambers keep blowing out. We’re reluctant to keep wasting the compressors.”
Julie looked at Grang in his Zecka and saw how big he was. He was one powerful Magrum. “Have you discussed how you’re going to handle it with Jingo?”
“Yes. He said we should just crash the King’s party and show up unannounced.”
“That’s Jingo’s style.”
“I tend to support the idea. If we let them know we’re coming, there will be huge loss of life. I’m sure we’ll have to destroy their ships. Those ships are more important than the King.”
“Why are you taking Michael?”
“BC says he is also a latent psychic. We should include him in most of our major operations. He’s smart; you even might say brilliant. His bowgun prowess is as good as any of us. He also believes in our core principles. He won’t act rashly. I also sense he should go with us. I’m not sure where that feeling is coming from.”
“Just be careful, Scotty.”
“You know me.”
“That’s why I’m asking you.”
Scotty sighed and Grang smiled. He had decided that his mission to protect Madeline’s son was worthy of his debt. He also found he liked this new Emperor. Maybe he could be killed while defending him. He longed for the peace of death.
King Wesley Varner sat on his throne and checked with his fleet commander, “Anything on your scanners?”
“Nothing, Your Majesty.”
“They should have come by now.”
“I agree. Perhaps they are going to just leave us alone?”
“Would you?”
“No, I wouldn’t. I would have been here weeks ago. I wouldn’t want extra defenses added while I waited.”
“Well, maybe we’re wrong and they’re not coming.”
The King heard a voice, “No, both of you are quite right.”
The King looked around the throne room and didn’t see anyone. He slowly reached for the blaster leaning against his throne and an arrow came out of nowhere and pinned his sleeve to the huge throne. “Now, reaching for a blaster is not a way to make guests feel welcome. A man in a light green uniform appeared ten feet in front of him. A giant Magrum appeared next to his throne, walked forward, and removed the blaster.
Wesley sat back in his chair and saw a Cainth appear to the right holding a drawn bowgun pointed at him. “You might inform your Admiral that you will be indisposed for a while.”
Wesley looked at his display and said, “They are here in the throne room. Do not rush in here. They have some kind of gun pointed at me.”
“A what?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
Scotty’s com beeped, “There’s someone hiding behind the throne.”
Michael still had his Zecka shifting colors and he eased around the throne and saw a young woman holding a blaster. He raised his bowgun and said, “I would never endanger a female; especially one as beautiful as you. However, if you don’t drop that blaster, I am going to be forced to end your life. I beg you not to make me live with that memory.”
The king heard the exchange and quickly turned around in his chair, “Carrie, are you back there? Don’t be stupid. Do as they say.”
Carrie looked around and couldn’t see where the voice was coming from. She couldn’t let them harm her father. She was prepared to die, but then she heard. “I would really hate to kill your King, but I will if you don’t do as we ask.”
Carrie dropped the blaster and it rose in the air. A young man appeared two feet from her and said, “Thank you. The universe would not be as beautiful without you in it.”
She frowned and walked from behind the throne.
Wesley looked at her, “How many times have I told you not to sneak in here? Now you’re trapped and I can’t save you.”
Michael said, “She has nothing to fear from us. She is innocent and we will not harm her, except to defend ourselves.”
Scotty looked at the King and said, “You know why we’re here?”
Wesley replied, “You said something to my Admiral about those beasts being your citizens.”
Carrie saw, out of the corner of her eye, one of the King’s guards sneak in behind the throne from a hidden door. He raised a blaster. She saw the young man that had taken her blaster whip a short sword out of his belt and throw it at the guard. A second blade instantly followed the first. He moved faster than she could see. The first sword cut the blaster down the length of its barrel and the second caught the guards backpack and pinned him to the wall. The backpack was only an inch above the guard’s shoulder and the green clad archer had hit it perfectly. An arrow ripped by her face, and she felt it pass through several strands of her hair. The arrow hit the door the guard had entered on the edge of its opening, and slammed the door shut. She saw the arrow was embedded all the way to the fletching. No one was coming through that door now. She looked and saw a giant yellow-colored creature lower his bowgun. The King saw the shot and knew he was in imminent danger. That shot was impossible. He had never known of a Magrum using a weapon that fired arrows.
Carrie appeared calm but she still felt that arrow flying through her hair. She didn’t know if she lived because the creature had missed or if it had done it intentionally. She walked calmly around the throne and sat down beside her father. Her heart was beating incredibly fast, but she maintained her calm appearance.
Michael watched her and was amazed at the young woman’s composure. If the same shot had been made that close to him, he probably would have needed to change his uniform. He shook his head at her.
Carrie was flabbergasted by the two sword throws. Not only the amazing speed, but the accuracy was impossible. She watched the young man go back and pull his sword from the guard and bring him into the center of the room. “Can we count on you behaving yourself?”
The guard looked at Wesley and nodded. “Yes.”
“Then sit down.” The guard sat on the floor and saw the big yellow creature closely watching him.
Scotty smiled and said, “I’m sorry we were interrupted, but yes, those creatures are our citizens.”
“How can an animal be a citizen?”
“Meaning no disrespect, you are technically an animal yourself.”
Wesley paused and said, “Yes, but I’m intelligent.”
Scotty smiled, “Most of us here aren’t really sure of that. However, you are taking a trip with us to discuss your actions with those you’ve injured.”
Carrie said, “If you take him, I go, too.”
“No! You will stay here.”
“No, I won’t, Father. You promised mother never to leave me.”
“That promise doesn’t apply to this situation.”
“Yes, it does.”
Scotty smiled and tilted his head, “We take promises very seriously. She will go with us, and I give you my promise she will come to no harm.”
Carrie looked at Scotty defiantly and said, “Will you also promise my father his safety?”
Scotty shook his head, “No. His accusers will determine his fate. Anglo?”
The six disappeared from the throne room leaving the guard to contact the admiral.
The group appeared in a clearing where Wesley and Carrie found themselves surrounded by hundreds of the giant flying creatures. They were huge, and Carrie grabbed her father’s arm and held tight.
Scotty looked up and said so the King could hear, “This is the one that sent the hunters to your home.”
The largest flying creature looked at him, and Wesley heard in his mind, “Why have you been killing my family?”
Wesley was stunned. He looked at Scotty and his disbelief was obvious. Scotty said, “I believe you should answer his question.”
Wesley looked up at the Zord and said, “I didn’t.”
“White Hair, I thought you said this was the one that sent the murderers.”
Scotty turned to Wesley and said, “The lodges said you were paid to allow the hunters to come here.”
Wesley’s face turned red. Carrie looked at him and said, “Jimmy?”
Wesley nodded.
Bleath looked at Scotty, “This one did not know about the hunters. He thought they were only tourists visiting. He possesses no knowledge of how many of us have been killed.”
Scotty looked at Wesley, “Then why did you send ships to attack the planet?”
Wesley said, “My stepson told me that some of our tourists were being attacked. I sent the ships to protect them.”
Scotty looked up at Bleath and said, “Show them.”
Bleath showed them the visions of thousands of Zord being systematically hunted and killed. They heard the Zord tell a hunter that they were intelligent, then saw the hunter laugh and kill the messenger. They saw the giant heads mounted on trees outside the lodges and the revelry at every Zord killed. Carrie felt the sorrow of the giant creatures for the loved ones lost and the rage of being unable to stop the killing.
Wesley sat down on the ground. Bleath said, “Return them where you found them. We have no quarrel with them.”
Scotty looked at the King and said, “Let’s give him some time to collect himself.”
Carrie was angry. Then she saw the young man that had threatened her. She went up to him and said, “Thank you for not killing me.”
Michael smiled, “You’re quite welcome. We were blaming the wrong ones for what happened here.”
“These creatures are intelligent.”
“Yes, and they are honorable in their dealings with others.” A giant Zord swooped in and Michael started climbing its harness. “What are you doing?”
Michael looked down at the princess and smiled, “Give her a leg up, Vetah.” The giant Zord lowered his front leg and held it in front of Carrie. She looked up quizzically and Michael said, “Sit down.”
She looked at the giant claw, hesitated momentarily, then sat down on it. Vetah lifted her to his back and she sat behind Michael. “Hold on, my Lady.” Vetah lifted and Carrie grabbed Michael’s waist. The Zord rose quickly and flew out over the giant forest. Carrie closed her eyes, but slowly reopened them and saw the ground far below. She felt the wind blowing through her hair and the motion of the giant creature’s muscles under her. The forest and the light-colored smoke made the view below beautiful. She held on tight and felt the strength of the man in front of her. She looked up at the first stars as the Zord rose higher. This was unlike any experience she had ever had, and she lost herself in the moment. She heard, “Strong Bow, your companion’s father is waiting for her.”
“Take us back, Vetah.”
Carrie felt the big wings begin working, and the giant Zord flew like an arrow over the forest. Carrie felt the rush of the wind and the power of the giant flyer. All too soon she felt them descending to the mountain below. Michael dropped off and helped Carrie down.
Carrie looked up into the archer’s eyes and said, “That is an experience I will never forget. Thank you, again.”
Michael smiled and kissed her hand, “Please come back and we’ll do it again, my Lady.”
She smiled at his gallantry and walked over to her father.
He looked at the Zord she had just climbed off and shook his head at her. “I was perfectly safe. The gentleman I flew with would never allow me to come to harm. Their King gave his oath.”
Wesley spun around and looked at Scotty, “Are you a King?”
Scotty smiled, “Actually my title is Emperor. It appears that is the title I’ve been given.”
“Are you planning to take my throne?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“It’s my understanding that you’re brutal to your subjects. We don’t hold to that kind of treatment. However, that is an issue we will deal with at a later date.” Scotty turned to Bleath, “Is there a three year old mature enough to listen to others’ thoughts that can go and find the ones responsible for your deaths?”
Bleath looked at the edge of the clearing and a fifteen foot long Zord scampered up. “White hair, this is Kreej. He will go with you.”
Carrie watched the young Zord actually trembling at the opportunity to go with the blond haired archer. These creatures have emotions very similar to ours, she thought.
Scotty smiled at Kreej, “Thank you for coming with us. It could be dangerous, but we need to conceal your presence. A full grown Flyer would not fit in the throne room.”
“I am honored to work with you, White Hair. All of my brothers and sisters would give a wing for the opportunity. They’re going to be so jealous.”
Scotty laughed and smiled at the young Zord.
“So, you think you can just waltz into my throne room and take over?”
Scotty looked at Wesley, “If I were in your shoes, I would be begging for us to come.”
“Why is that?”
“It’s obvious to me that someone has been deliberately deceiving you about what was happening on this world. They have also collected fees that were not given to you. If it were me, I would really like to find out the truth of what those funds are being used for. Of course, that may not bother you.”
Wesley stared at Scotty and then looked at Carrie. Carrie nodded. Wesley looked back at Scotty, “I will agree for the moment that we will work together to get to the bottom of this. I will guarantee your safety while this is happening.”
Scotty shook his head, “We will handle our own safety. I’m not going to trust you have the control you think you do. However, I will not open hostilities with you during this investigation.”
Wesley looked at Scotty with a hard stare. Scotty continued, “You might be interested in knowing we have two Searcher Class vessels at my disposal. I really wouldn’t think it would be a good idea to see which of us has the biggest stick here.”
Wesley showed his shock and said, “We will discuss this after we find out who caused the Zord to be attacked. How do you want to do this?”
“We will all go back to your throne room and you will question anyone you might think knows about it. My brave friend here will hear their thoughts and tell us what they know.”
“Fair enough.”
“One more thing.”
“Yes?”
“No one comes in armed. We will protect you and your daughter from any harm. I’m not the trusting sort when it comes to blasters.”
Carrie looked at Scotty, “So you are guaranteeing my father’s safety now?”
Scotty smiled, “Until this issue is resolved, yes.”
Carrie looked at her father and said, “I believe they keep their promises, and he makes a good point about who is behind this.”
Wesley nodded and said, “Well, let’s do it.”
Scotty lifted his com, “BC, anything happening back at the farm?”
“As a matter of fact, there is. It seems the King’s wife has assumed the throne and is ordering the military not to come here for a rescue attempt. Her son is attempting to replace the King’s admiral.”
Scotty saw the anger on Wesley’s face and said, “Everyone turn on their Zecka. I suspect the Queen is using force to make the change. Anglo, send us back, but put each of us in a place where we can cover the room.”
“You will arrive in 5,4,3,2,1…”
The group teleported into the throne room, with Wesley and Carrie appearing ten yards in front of the throne. The woman on the throne almost fell off it when she saw them appear. Wesley looked at her and said, “I’m gone less than two hours and you’re attempting to replace me?”
The woman looked around the room at the guards and then leaned back on the throne and smiled, “Why no, Darling. I was just worried about you.”
“Is that why you ordered our fleet not to try a rescue attempt?”
The woman’s smile vanished.
Carrie looked at the black haired beauty and said, “What’s wrong, Maranda? Aren’t you happy we’ve returned?”
Wesley walked up and stood in front of Maranda. She slowly stood up and looked at the ten guards in the room. Wesley took his seat and hit his communication panel, “Admiral?”
The display came on and a very distraught officer looked at the King in relief. “Thank the Creator you’ve returned! Bixler is here attempting to take command of the fleet.”
“Put him on the panel.”
“A young, dark haired man with a very thin face appeared. He looked shocked to see the King. “Yes, uh Yes, Your Majesty?”
“I require your presence.”
The Admiral appeared on the display and said, “He will be there momentarily, Your Majesty.”
Wesley looked at his wife and said, “Why did you attempt to take power in my absence?”
“Well, someone had to step in and make sure everything remained stable. We were told by Admiral Redmit that you had been kidnapped by the ones that destroyed our tourist lodges. I assumed you were already dead.”
Carrie moved next to the throne and stood on her father’s right side. She glanced around the room and could not see the archers, even though she knew they were there. Wesley said, “Give me a moment.” He hit his panel and began asking the Kingdom’s nobility on the forty five planets if everything was under control. He noticed that eight of them were shocked when he appeared on their panels. All the others didn’t know anything was wrong. He looked at Carrie, noted that she had watched the display with him, and knew she would remember the ones that were surprised.
Jimmy Bixler entered the throne room and moved to his mother’s side. She gave him a hard look and he nodded. Wesley saw their communication and said, “I want to know who has been selling hunting permits on the planet of the giant flying creatures.”
Maranda looked at Wesley and said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She nudged Jimmy and he said, “Me, either.”
“I am going to go to the agency that issues them and I believe the one who sold them will tell the truth after gentle persuasion. I do not tolerate disobedience.”
Maranda asked, “What are you going to do with the ones responsible?”
“Find out what they have done with the funds collected and see if they were being used for treasonous actions. If they were, I’m going to execute the traitors.”
Maranda stared at Wesley, then turned to the guard standing next to the throne. She nodded and the guards in the room raised their blasters. “I was hoping to keep this simple, but you had to come back alive. Now you leave me no choice. You and that witch of a daughter are going to have to die.”
All ten guards were hit with an arrow in the middle of their foreheads. The one next to the throne was driven eight feet beyond the throne with the force of the arrow that hit him. Maranda and Jimmy looked at the guards and couldn’t move.
“You’ve found the ones responsible.”
Maranda looked around but couldn’t determine where the voice was originating. Scotty turned off his Zecka and appeared next to the throne with Wesley. “Kreej, tell us what you saw.”
“The woman’s father is planning to overthrow the one on the throne. It was he that built the lodges and provided the small ships to chase us. The funds were being used to convince those that went there to assist him in his plan. It appears only those who possess great wealth could afford to go.”
Maranda looked around and said, “If you harm us, my father will destroy this world.”
Wesley looked at Maranda and said, “I thought you actually cared for me. When your father suggested a marriage to unify our kingdoms, I only agreed because you said you loved me. How long has this plan been going on?”
Maranda said, “It’s a recent development.”
Kreej might not have said what he did if he had more experience. But the very young often tell the truth not knowing the consequences of their actions. Zreeg said, “That’s not true. Your father planned all along to get him to marry you. That’s why he had his first wife killed.”
Maranda’s mouth fell open and Jimmy started whimpering. The transformation that came over Wesley was sudden. He stood from the throne, “What do you mean, ‘Had her killed?’.”
Kreej was silent. Scotty stood in front of Wesley and pushed him back toward the throne. Michael came forward and grabbed Carrie before she could grab one of the guard’s blasters. She was weeping, and Michael pulled her close. Scotty said, “Kreej, tell us what happened.”
Maranda and Jimmy saw the giant creature appear behind them. Their fear doubled. Kreeg said, “This female developed the plan. She wanted a kingdom for her son. Her father bought into the idea. In order for it to work, the king’s current wife had to be removed. They found her in a shopping center and pushed her over the ledge as she was looking at the flowers being put out on the main floor ten stories down. The guard that was next to the throne pulled the rails out of the floor to make it appear it was an accident. The one called Ketchum was in on the plan. I think he was her assigned body guard.”
Scotty saw the Wesley’s barely restrained rage. “Jingo?”
“Right here.”
“Take Kreej and these two back to the clearing. Have them wait for me. Anglo, do it now!”
The four disappeared from the throne room. Wesley turned his rage toward Scotty. Grang appeared and grabbed the King and snatched him back to his throne. Scotty yelled, “You better think long and hard before you kill millions of your subjects.”
Wesley’s eyes were slits in his face. Michael said, “Help him, Carrie!”
Carrie ran and fell into her father’s arms weeping uncontrollably. Wesley looked at her and his rage turned to sorrow for his daughter. He took her in his arms and rocked her back and forth as they wept together.