The two Zord flew effortlessly towards the north. They glided most of the time, letting hot thermal columns of air lift them high, then soared forward. Scotty sat on Vring’s back, staring at the ground far below. Most of the land had been reclaimed by the forest, but there were vast wastelands to the west. “Hey, Vring! Do I see plant life out in the wastelands?”
“Yes, you do. It appears the death breath has diminished greatly and is now low enough for plants and animals to return. Torg live on it now, unaffected.”
“The planet is healing itself.”
“That’s the way it seems.” The two flew in silence, then Vring said, “You know I had many opportunities to kill you before you fixed my wing.”
Scotty sat up straight, “What? When?”
“You have always gone to the hill to stare at stars. I remember seeing you there ten of your years ago.”
“I always had my bowgun handy.”
“You weren’t always as good as you are now. I would watch you practice occasionally.”
“Why didn’t you take me?”
“I heard your thoughts. I listened to your dreams and felt the sorrow of your mother’s loss. I guess I felt you had been given bad luck and you didn’t deserve it. I enjoyed your feelings when you looked up at the sky.”
“Your father would have thought you weak for your actions.”
“He actually did just that. He sent me to take you specifically when you came and saved my life. I was injured getting ready to kill you that night.”
Scotty didn’t say anything. “I guess what the greatest Queen of the Holy Realm said was right.”
“What did she say?”
“There are no accidents.”
“In hindsight, I’m thankful I had mine.”
“Me too, Vring.”
“What are you planning to do when we arrive?”
“This trip is to gather information to formulate a plan. That’s why I’m glad Jingo came with us. He’s much better than I am at that. He sees things that I don’t.”
“We all have our gifts.”
“Look at him; he’s sleeping on Cezee’s back.”
“It’s the safest place to sleep. You should try yourself. We’ll arrive tomorrow and you haven’t slept. We’ll be pretty much on auto glide for the rest of the night. Take your feet out of the bindings and I’ll make sure you don’t fall.”
Scotty removed his feet and leaned back on the broad shoulders of the giant Zord. He looked up at the stars knowing he could never sleep, then fell asleep ten minutes later.
Vring and Cezee caught the rising warm air masses and rose and glided without having to flap their wings. The night passed silently and smoothly. Scotty woke as the sun came over the horizon and stretched his arms and legs. He had a dream of a young woman with green eyes and auburn colored hair. The dream slipped from his mind as he tried to remember. All that remained was her asking him, “Who are you?” He knew he had seen her face before, but he couldn’t remember where. She was beautiful, and her expression was one of wonder.
“How much longer before we arrive?”
“We will be where we can see the fields at mid-afternoon. I think we should not venture close during daylight.”
“How am I going to learn anything if I can’t get close enough to see the layout of the community?”
“I’ll let you watch through my eyes. I’ll give you my vision.”
“Fair enough, Vring. Let Jingo know what we’re doing.”
“Cezee just told him.”
Vring flew over a large flock of birds that were circling a forest, “We’ll circle here and take a look at those fields. If they use their scanner, they might think we’re part of that flock below.”
“What has them disturbed?”
“A family of Torg just entered the trees.”
“That is disturbing.”
Vring looked at the huge field ten miles away and focused in on the beings laboring in it. He sent his vision to Scotty. Scotty closed his eyes and saw the field as if it were only a half mile away. “Wow. You have great vision.”
“Comes with the territory; we have to be able to see from high altitude.”
Scotty saw the laborers in the field and then he saw the fifteen guards sitting in chairs on the hills adjacent to the fields. They were all holding weapons and watching the workers. He watched as Vring focused on one of them, and immediately saw the one that had killed his mother. His expression hardened and he vowed that one was going to be his to handle. Vring then started looking at the various species in the fields and Scotty said, “Stop. Go back to that last one.”
“Which one?”
“The Human.”
Vring circled slightly closer to the fields and looked at the one Scotty wanted to see. It was the girl in his dream. Vring immediately saw Scotty’s surprise. “You’ve seen her!”
“Yes, in a dream last night flying here. I also know her face. I have seen it somewhere before.”
“Well, what do you want to do about it?”
“Vring, I notice that large numbers of the workers go into the woods and quickly return.”
“If ya gotta go…”
Scotty laughed, “Where did you hear that?”
“You need look no further than the one on Cezee’s back.”
“Sounds like him.” Scotty thought a moment, and then decided, “Find a place for us to land for the night. I have an idea and I want to discuss it with Jingo to see what he thinks.”
Vring circled higher, then picked a grove of trees on the edge of the forest. The two huge Zord flew lower and Scotty pulled his bowgun. There were three Torg on the edge of the trees and all three were downed quickly. The Zord landed and the other ten members of the Torg family fled, having never seen such large creatures. Jingo said, “Bon Appetite. Enjoy your meal.” He turned to Scotty and said, “What’s up?”
“I’ve had a dream.”
“So how’s that different from what you normally do?”
“In my dream I saw one of the workers in the field.”
Jingo’s eyes narrowed, “Are you sure it was the same one and not someone who looked like them?”
“It was her, Jingo. I want to try to capture her and take her back with us. The Zord are right. I don’t know enough to just go in close and endanger them. She’s Human and she can tell us things we just can’t see from a distance.”
Jingo thought about his idea and sat down, keeping one of his bowguns in his hand. “All right, here’s how we’ll do it.”
“You’ve already come up with a plan?”
“Yep, but you’ll have to take a risk. You and Vring will have to leave as soon as it gets dark. There is a small line of trees next to the fields.”
“I’ve seen them.”
“I noticed that this appears to be the community bathroom. It’s a wonder those trees aren’t a thousand feet high with that much fertilizer.”
Scotty shook his head and Jingo continued. You and Vring should fly on the backside of those trees and wait until she takes a trip to the woods, if you know what I mean.”
“Then what?”
“Simple. You grab her, run your Human backside off, and jump on Vring. He’ll have to fly low for about three miles so as not to be seen above those trees until he gets behind the hills. Then he’ll head straight out until he’s far enough away to gain altitude.”
“You make it sound easy.”
“No, it’s not going to be easy. There’s a guard about a hundred yards from the tree line that goes into those trees if someone is slow coming out.”
“I didn’t notice that.”
“What you probably didn’t see as well is that he is carrying a blaster.”
“That isn’t good.”
“No, and he’ll be able to see her even if he can’t see you and Vring. If he fires at her, he’ll probably get you as well. Still want to try it?”
“Yes, at the very least I should be able to see more from that location even if I can’t make this happen.”
“I was going to suggest going there myself, but now that we’re after one of the laborers, she will probably cooperate faster with you than me.”
“That’s true.”
“Better go ahead and eat. If you’re successful, you don’t need to carry any extra weight.”
“I’m going to leave most of my arrows with you.”
“I don’t know about that, Scotty.”
“If I need any, I’ll be running away from whatever would cause me to use them.”
“How many are you taking?”
“One bundle in the gun.”
“Better make it count.”
“How am I going to know when she’s coming to the woods?”
“We’ll be watching for her. As soon as she starts your way, Cezee will tell Vring and he can tell you.”
Scotty took a deep breath and shrugged, “Can you think of a better idea?”
“Scotty, I am not going to take Cezee where he might be killed. I will take risks, but I will not endanger him. Knowing they can see us with their scanners will keep me away. I agree with you. We need inside information on how they operate, and this dream of yours must have some kind of meaning. I can’t think of any other way to really learn anything without endangering our Zord.”
“I agree. We’ll leave as soon as Vring finishes his meal.”
Sunrise was coming and Scotty and Vring were hiding at the edge of the forest next to the field. Scotty said, “Well, I’m going to go in the forest and spy on our hosts.”
“I’m concerned about you being able to get out of the trees before she is seen by that guard,”
Scotty sighed and said, “I know. Where’s a Torg when you need one?”
“What do you mean?”
“I was thinking that if a Torg roared, that guard is not going to go rushing into anything, blaster or not. No one in their right mind would go in the brush with a Torg around.”
“I can roar like a Torg.”
“What?!?”
“It’s easy. That’s how we try to lure them out of the forest.”
“Let me think about this.”
“Take your time. She’s not coming anytime soon.”
“How do you know that?”
“Ladies don’t like such dirty behavior. She’ll wait as long as possible.”
“Most of them go during their meal time. I hope she doesn’t come with a crowd.”
“Would you?”
Scotty snickered, “You know me too well. No, I’d make sure I went alone.”
“So will she; Humans are funny that way.”
“Vring, I’m going to need your help on this.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t want the guard looking for her. I’m going to kill one of those grecks up in the trees and scatter its blood at the site where she enters the forest. I’m going to grab her and that’s when you roar and run out of the trees. “I’ll come right behind you. As big as you are the guard will have to know it’s a huge Torg that attacked her. He won’t rush in.”
“What if he burns the forest?”
“He won’t.”
“Why not?”
“Even guards need bathrooms.”
Vring started laughing.
“Let’s go into the trees. You turn around so you can make a fast escape and make as much noise as you can running through the brush.”
“I don’t think that will be a problem.”
Scotty chuckled, “Me, either.” He reached up and pulled his visor down over his face and they moved into the forest.
Juliette Larson felt her back hurting, but ignored the pain. She was sitting on the ground picking small yellow pods and putting them in a basket. She hated the pods; they were the same color as the Magrum. She thought about the dream that had come again last night. Why did she keep having that dream? She took a deep breath and glanced across the field at her parents picking pods. All they’ve ever known is backbreaking work. She looked at the sky and asked the Creator to save them from this horrible existence. She wondered why her family was being punished. Then she shook her head; it was because of the blasphemy of attacking the Creator’s Holy Realm. Her family had the misfortune of living on one of the planets that sent their ships to attack the Realm. But how long must she atone for those sins? “Please save us from this. I beg you. Please save us.” Julie continued working and though she tried to wait, she had to make a trip to the woods. She stood and held up her hand. The guard nodded to her.
Jingo and Cezee were circling keeping a close eye on the Human female. Jingo was amazed that she went all morning and never moved toward the trees. “That’s incredible. He had already had to land twice while Cezee circled without him. Finally she stood and said something to a guard. The guard nodded and she started toward the trees. “Let them know,”
“White Hair, she’s coming.”
Scotty thought, “I see her.” He moved to the edge of the trees she was approaching and took the greck he had shot and used his sword to cut it and spread its blood all over the bushes and surrounding trees. As she moved closer he moved next to a tree and waited. She walked in twenty steps and stopped. Scotty reached out and grabbed her from behind. She issued a loud scream and Scotty hit her under her chin and threw her over his shoulder.
Julie pushed a bush aside and walked into the forest’s edge. She glanced around and saw blood everywhere. “Oh, my God, what’s happened?” Then something grabbed her and she screamed. Then she felt the lights go out after a blow to her chin.
Vring heard her scream and released a Torg roar that rocked the trees. Then he rushed out toward the small clearing. Scotty ran after him carrying the young woman on his shoulder.
The guards jumped up, and the one next to the woods refused to move.
“Glex, what are you waiting for?”
The guard looked up at the huge yellow-skinned being on the hill and said, “Why don’t you come on down and see what you can find.”
“Didn’t you hear it run away? Go check and make sure.”
The guard gingerly but slowly eased forward toward the place where the female had entered the forest. He stopped every ten feet and listened as he pushed brush away, all the while expecting to be rushed. The Torg attacked in groups. Even though one had run away, there were probably more. He had gone about ten yards into the tree line when he saw the blood. He came running out of the woods and said, “It took her. There’s nothing left but a lot of blood.”
The guard on the hill laughed and yelled, “Does anyone else need to visit the trees?” Then he laughed even louder. Two Humans working in the middle of the field continued to pick pods and wept at the loss of their daughter. They cried quietly, and mourned the loss of another child. It was much later before they could hold each other and rock in each other’s arms as they wept.
Scotty ran out of the trees and ran up Vring’s arm to the binding. The female was regaining consciousness. She moaned and Scotty said, “Are you able to hold on?”
Julie opened her eyes and didn’t see anything, but felt something in front of her. “Can you hold on?” she heard.
She said, “Who are you?” and Scotty remembered his dream. “We’re going to get out of here, but you have to hold on to me and throw the cape on my back over you.”
She felt around and found the loose fabric and said, “What’s going on?!?”
“I’ll explain later, but if you want to live you’ll do as I ask. I’m not going to harm you.”
She put her head under the fabric and wrapped her arms around the being in front of her. She was surprised; it was another Human. Suddenly, she felt the ground under her start moving. She looked and saw she was flying about ten feet off the ground at a very high velocity. “Where are you taking me?”
“To freedom.”
She heard the word and wondered if her prayers were being answered. For the moment, she held on tight and whatever she was on accelerated and flew away from the fields.
After a few moments she realized she was on a living thing. She felt the wings flapping and the muscles under her flexing and moving. Then she heard, “Vring, are they doing anything?”
She heard in her mind, “No, Jingo says the guard looked in the woods and backed out quickly. It appears you were right. They think she’s dead.”
“What about the guards on the hill?”
“Your favorite is laughing at her apparent death. You might want to hang on tighter; I’m going to make a pretty hard left turn in a moment.”
Scotty said over his shoulder, “Lean to the left when he turns, and hold on tight.”
Julie leaned left and held on to the rider in front of her. She still couldn’t see anything but shifting colors that hid everything. Then she heard, “All right, the land goes up from here and I’m going to go higher.” She felt the wings catch air and they went up quickly. She saw from under the cape that trees were far below.
“Vring, we need to make a stop.”
“Why?’
“I stopped our passenger from finishing what she came in the woods to do.”
“That’s ok. I don’t think I’ll be able to do that for a week.”
Vring started laughing.
Scotty tried not to, but started shaking with his suppressed laughter.
Julie felt the one she was holding on to laughing. She shook her head and said, “Who are you?”
“My name is Scotty Robbins. The one we are riding is Vring. And you are?”
“My name is Juliette Larson. You pack a mean right hand.”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t think of any other way to get you out of the trees without being seen.”
“You could have asked.”
“Would you have come with an invisible voice?”
Juliette thought and said, “You’re forgiven. You did what you had to do.”
Scotty wondered at how quickly this woman adapted to her situation. “Vring, are we far enough away now?”
“Yes, we’re over the horizon from them.”
Scotty reached up and pulled his hood back off his head. “You can come out from under the cape.”
Juliette pushed the cape aside and saw the one that had knocked her out. She was stunned by what she saw. It was him. She felt her heart start beating faster. It was him!
Vring said, “Him, who?”
Juliette jerked and Scotty said, “Vring is telepathic. He can hear your thoughts. What does he mean?”
“I’ve seen you in my dreams.”
Scotty looked over his shoulder at her and took a deep breath, “I saw you in a dream yesterday.” Scotty looked out over the land below them and said, “We’ll figure this out when we can stop. Until then we need to put some distance between us and that camp.”
“You can’t put too much to suit me. Why did you take me with you?”
Scotty said, “Because it is my intention to free everyone being held prisoner there and remove the oppressors from ever doing it again.”
Julie felt her heart stop. She thought, “Please don’t tell him my thoughts.”
She heard, “Your thoughts are troubling. How long have you been having this dream?”
“Can he hear us?”
“No, they are directed only at you.”
“Since I was five years old. He is the one in my dream.”
Vring looked over his shoulder at the young Human. This should be discussed with his father. Then he decided that he would wait until he could discuss it with her.
They flew until night was falling, then Jingo sent a message through Vring, “We need to stop for the night. I’ll have Cezee pick a place.”
Scotty said, “We’ll follow you down.”
Julie said, “Who are you talking to?”
“There are two of us. We’ll be landing shortly, so hold tight. I’m going to turn off my color shifting so you can see me better.”
Julie suddenly saw the blonde haired young man in a light green uniform riding in front of her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and held tight. He was very handsome, even more so than in her dream. She thought about the implications of that dream being real and again her heart beat faster.
Scotty felt her holding him and he could feel her closeness. She aroused him and it shocked him. No one had ever done that before! He turned red and looked straight ahead so she couldn’t see his embarrassment.
The ground came up quickly and Scotty said, “Isn’t that the Torg we shot yesterday?”
Vring chuckled. “Never waste, never want.”
Scotty sighed, “Jingo again?”
“Nope, Samuel.”
“Boy, you are the nosey one.”
“Learned from a certain rider I know.”
Julie listened to the back and forth and wondered just what it was she was sitting on. She could tell it was big but it also possessed a sense of humor. She held on as they landed.
Jingo jumped off Cezee as Scotty helped Julie down from Vring. Vring said, “Our guest is trying to determine what I look like, so I’m going to show her.”
Vring turned off his color shifting. Julie jumped back and fell on her backside. “Holy land of my fathers! What is that?!?”
Scotty gave her a hand and pulled her up as Jingo arrived. “That is a Zord. He has graciously allowed me to travel with him.”
Vring ran into the woods to join Cezee, and Julie was stunned at the quickness of such a giant beast. Jingo said, “It takes a little getting used to.”
She turned, saw the four-armed being approach, and said, “There are some of your species at the farm.”
Jingo started and said, “I didn’t see any.”
“The Magrum force them to wear shirts with only two sleeves. It seems they fear them if all of their arms are out.”
“As well they should.” Jingo looked at Scotty and said, “We could have retrieved one of them.”
“True, you can only act upon what you know.”
Jingo shrugged.
Scotty said, “This is Jingo and he’s the greatest warrior in the two communities. He is also my best friend.” Scotty turned to Jingo and said, “This is Juliette Larson.”
Jingo bowed and said, “It is my pleasure to meet you.”
Julie smiled and said, “You can call me Julie.”
Scotty smiled, “I’ll bet you’re wondering why we kidnapped you?”
“I do, but I can never thank you enough. You are an answer to prayers.”
Jingo looked at Scotty and saw he felt it, too. This was a mission worth doing. Her feelings were obvious and her smile was joyous.
Scotty nodded and said, “We are going to free all of the slaves being held by the Yellow Creatures. In order to make that happen, we need information about them. We were hoping you could help us.”
“I’ll tell you all I know. The Magrum are evil and their brutality is unmatched by anyone.”
Jingo said, “So they are called Magrum. We’re concerned about that ship they have next to the fields.”
Julie shrugged, “It doesn’t fly anymore. Its weapons are functional, though.”
“When did it stop flying?”
“I was ten years old when they tried to take it for another raid, but it wouldn’t lift. I heard their engineer say that the generator was low on power and that they would need to conserve it if they wanted to use the weapons.”
Scotty thought about what Julie said. Jingo asked, “How do they conserve its power?”
Julie thought a moment and said, “They no longer use the climate controls. On hot days they leave the doors open so the one inside manning the weapons doesn’t suffer from the heat. On really hot days, the weapon operator will sit outside the ship next to the door.”
Julie thought and said, “I have seen the Evil Duke’s symbol on the tail, but the model number on the front is odd.”
“What do you mean?”
“The model number is SR101059. I think the ship wasn’t built by the Duke.”
Scotty said, “You’re right.” He looked at Jingo and said, “Do you think Timmy can find out about it?”
Jingo tilted his head to the left and said, “If anyone can, Timmy would be the one.”
“Or Tesa.”
Jingo nodded, “Yes, or Tesa.
Scotty turned back to Julie and asked, “How many of them are there?”
“Not as many as you would think. There are about fifteen thousand that managed to live through their parents’ upbringing.”
Vring who had been listening in asked, “Upbringing?”
Julie shook her head, “Those creatures have a violent temper. I’ve seen the adults kill many of their children for no apparent reason. One was killed for asking a simple question. Not many of them make it through their childhood.”
Vring looked at Cezee, and they both knew these beings deserved death for harming children.
“Where do they live? I didn’t see any buildings.”
Julie shook her head, “Jingo, they are dug in behind the hills next to the fields. They keep us in an enclosed compound in front of their homes.”
“How many guards watch you at night?”
“One, just outside the compound, and fifteen or more on the hill.”
“Why don’t you try to escape?”
“The reason that guard didn’t go into those woods was because everyone is familiar with the Torg. They come close to the back of the compound at night. Many of them charge the compound after dark. The fence is electrified, but they still try to get at us. Besides, where would we go? The dead lands surround us. We are in a trap that has no exit.”
Scotty looked up at the stars and said, “How many of those blasters do they have?”
“I’ve only seen three in the last five years. Two of them are at the field every day, and one at the entrance to their community. I was told that they once had twenty or more, but that was long ago.”
“What do the other guards use? I saw them holding some kind of weapon.”
‘It looks like an ancient, I think it’s called, rifle. It fires a piece of metal at high velocity and is very accurate for about five hundred yards. They can only fire them once every four seconds or so. I think they have to reload after each shot.”
Jingo looked at Scotty and said, “You were right. She’s worth the risk.” He turned to Julie and said, “We’ll continue this later, but we should eat before it gets too dark. Thank you for helping us.”
Julie smiled, “If you are going to free my parents, I’ll do anything you ask.”
Scotty smiled. She still had parents. He envied her. They brought their food pouches down and prepared a meal as they listened to the Zord feed close by.
Julie kept stealing glances at Scotty, wondering.
After eating Jingo said, “You have the first watch. I’m taking a nap.”
“Go ahead.” Scotty walked out to the clearing, sat down next to a tree, and leaned back on its trunk. He looked up at the stars and felt their pull.
Julie walked up and said, “Do you mind if I join you?”
“No, have a seat.”
Julie looked up at the stars and said, “So many, so close, yet so far.”
Scotty looked at her quickly, “Where did you hear that?”
Julie looked at him and said, “I heard it in my mind when I was just a child. It is so true.” She looked up again and said, “We were once all together. Now we’re isolated from each other. It’s such a tragedy.”
Scotty looked at the sky and said, “Yes it is. Maybe we can do something about it.”
She looked at him and thought. “Can it be true? How can it be true?” She moved next to him, lifted his arm, snuggled under it and fell asleep.
Scotty was shocked when she came next to him but he had to admit, she felt nice under his arm. Jingo looked at them through barely open eyes as he pretended to sleep. Scotty didn’t show his normal discomfort around this female. He was staring at the stars and he wouldn’t do that if he was on edge. Could this female be the one for him? He needs love in his life. Jingo closed his eyes and feel asleep seeing his baby girl’s face.
Vring listened in on their thoughts and decided that the female’s thoughts would remain private. He saw no way for her dream to become reality. He thought a moment and realized he also never thought the eggs could be defended either. He paused and thought “Naaahhh. Never happen.”
The group mounted the next morning and Julie heard the other Zord ask, “Hey, Vring; do you want me to carry the extra passenger on the next leg of the trip?”
Julie didn’t want to change. She heard, “Get outta here. She weighs less than my claws. Besides, Jingo will talk her to death.”
“Hey, I heard that!”
“No kidding. Sorry, gotta go.”
Vring lifted and Cezee rose right behind him.
Scotty was shaking and Julie asked, “Are you ok?”
“Yes, I’m trying to not let Jingo see me laughing. That Cainth can talk.”
Julie started chuckling, “I’ve seen that.”
“Scotty?”
“Yes, Vring?”
“Jingo just asked me a question and I didn’t know how to answer him.”
“What was that?”
“He seems to think that Red Hair is going to have to come back with us when we move against the Yellow Skins.”
Scotty said, “I am not going to allow her to be placed in danger. Why would he think that?”
“Hold on, I’ll ask.”
“He says that we are going to need to get the slaves to work with us to avoid them being slaughtered by the Yellow Skins. If we don’t use her, it could get complicated making a plan to avoid a huge loss of life.”
Julie listened to the back and forth and said, “I will come back. Even if I die, the effort will be worth it. You can’t make me stay behind.”
“Yes I can!” Scotty paused and sighed, “But he knows better than I what we should do.” He paused again and said, “Julie, I don’t want to see you harmed.”
Julie saw he liked her more than just a friend. She smiled and said, “Then close your eyes. I’m coming back.”
“Scotty, if she is, then she needs a Zecka.”
“You’re right. I’ll get Kess working on it when we get back. I still want to see if we can come up with another plan.”
“I’ve seen his initial plan and it appears to be sound. Someone is going to have to communicate with the slave compound that cannot be seen by the guard with the blaster. Do you think they will recognize your voice?”
Scotty remained silent. He didn’t want to risk losing Julie. The thought frightened him. He shook his head not understanding why.
Julie held on to him and saw his tension. “I’ll be careful, Scotty. I don’t want to lose you, either.”
Scotty’s tension vanished. He looked over his shoulder and saw her looking at him. He reached down to his waist and squeezed her hand, then turned and watched the ground flying by far below. Julie held tighter and put her head on his back.
“Vring are we going to stop for the night?”
“We think we should go straight to the community and rest there. The Torg herds in this area close to our home are still enormous. If you’re ok with it, we think we should fly straight through and rest a day at home.”
Scotty looked down and saw huge numbers of Torg and said, “You’re right. How long before we arrive?”
“We’re going to pick up speed and arrive there at midnight. We have enough energy to make the trip. We will need some time to rest after the effort, but one day should do it.”
Scotty looked over his shoulder and said, “Are you all right? Do you need a break?”
“No, I’ve grown accustomed to Vring’s motions and I’ll be fine until we arrive.”
“You don’t need to go to the woods?”
Julie punched Scotty in the back, “I said I’ll be fine. Besides, I’ve found going to the woods can lead to pretty good things.”
Scotty felt his heart beat faster. “Hang on, Julie! When Vring says he’s going to pick up speed, he’s not kidding.”
Vring said, “Ready?”
Scotty leaned forward and Julie ducked behind him, “When you are.”
Julie lost her breath. The Zord accelerated at an unbelievable rate and the ground below became a blur. She heard Cezee say, “Show off!”
Vring laughed, “We’ll see you at home.”
Scotty saw the three mountains ahead in the moonlight and knew they were getting close. He was tired and he knew Julie had to be exhausted. Vring said, “Bleath and the elders are waiting for you at White Hair. We’ll stop there and then go rest, ok?”
“That’s fine. It’ll be good to see your father.”
Julie held on as Vring slowed and began gliding toward the center mountain ahead. “Why did he call it White Hair?”
“I’ll explain later. It’s not really important.”
Vring said, “Mr. Modesty here doesn’t want to tell you that we named it for him.”
“Vring!”
“Ok, ok.”
“Named after you?”
“Yes, we helped them with an issue. The other two mountains are named after Jingo.”
Vring snickered in their thoughts.
“Vriiing?”
Julie smiled. Scotty was being modest. “I wonder what he did.”
They landed and Scotty introduced her to the largest creature she had ever seen in her life. It was larger than any creature she had ever imagined, and she had imagined some huge ones. As Scotty talked with the Giant Zord, she walked away and found a rock to sit on. She was there about an hour when she felt a small nudge, turned, and saw a ten-foot-long Zord staring up at her. Julie smiled and knew this was a child, “Yes?”
She heard the child being tentative, “May I ask you a question?”
“Certainly.”
The small Zord looked up the hill at Scotty and then looked at Julie, “Are you White Hair’s mate?”
Julie laughed and said, “No. He rescued me from the lands north of here.”
The small Zord showed his disappointment and turned to go. “Hey, why are you so disappointed?”
The Zord turned and said, “All of us that survived the Night of the Torg, long to carry White Hair’s children when we grow up.”
“Why?”
“The honor of being a chosen flyer of his children would be the greatest honor we could ever have.”
Julie looked up the hill at Scotty and saw how the Zord gave him huge respect. She turned to the small Zord and asked, “What is the Night of the Torg?”
“You don’t know?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Would you like to see what White Hair and Four Arms did?”
Julie stared at the innocent creature and said, “Yes, if you have time.”
“I always have time to show his great gift to my people.”
Then Julie was in the nesting ground hearing the massive roar of the Torg herds. She watched Scotty as he faced the giant beasts and rushed to save his fellow archers time and time again. He was absolutely amazing with that bowgun. Jingo was also amazing, but she saw it was Scotty that spotted trouble and rushed to stop it. Finally, the vision stopped and the young Zord said, “Only two of us survived the prior two cycles. He saved us all. He and his descendants will always have our love and respect.”
Julie looked at the Zord and said, “Thank you. Is that the reason they named the mountain for him?”
The young Zord looked up at the mountain peak and Julie could see his reverence, “Yes, it is.”
“What is your name?”
“Kreej.”
She watched the small Zord walk back to a large group of similarly-sized Zord, and she saw their disappointment. She turned and looked at Scotty still talking with the Giant. She had doubted that he was going to defeat the Magrum. Now she had seen him fire his bowgun and she knew he would defeat them or die in the effort. Tears came to her eyes. “He is so much more than my dream. I didn’t know that kind of bravery existed.”
Vring listened to her and felt her heart. He looked up at Scotty and back at the Red Hair. “Zreeg?”
“Yes, Vring?”
“I want to share something with you.”
“Go ahead.”
After a few minutes Zreeg said, “Do you believe this dream?”
“I was certain it could not be true, but now I don’t know.”
Zreeg was silent. Later that night he said, “Vring?”
“Yes.”
“I am going to be her flyer. I will not let her come to harm. You will have to defend White Hair.”
“I was hoping you would say that. I can’t protect them both if things start happening quickly.”
“It will be my honor.”
“Thank you, Zreeg.”
The young Zord came back and nudged Julie, “Yes?”
“They may be at it for a quite a while. Would you like to lay down on my wing and rest?” The Zord spread his wing next to her and she smiled. It was cold on the ground and she moved and gently laid down on the Zord’s wing. It was very warm. Another small Zord came forward and covered her with its wing. It was so soft, warm, and comfortable between their two wings. She fell asleep quickly.
Scotty found her between the young Zord’s wings sleeping soundly. He looked down at her and saw how beautiful she was. He saw she was immediately comfortable with the young Zord. And wonder of wonders, those extremely shy youngsters felt immediately comfortable with her. She possessed a gentle heart like his mother. She was also brave. Scotty felt his heart come alive. The Small Zord sensed his emotions and their excitement rose. Could it be true? The White Hair may be choosing a mate. That means children. Their excitement was felt by the elders up the hill. Bleath looked at the youngsters, “I wonder what has them excited?”
The three Zord flapped occasionally while flying toward the two communities. Julie was on Zreeg. He had landed next to them as they were preparing to leave and announced that he was Julie’s flyer. Scotty looked up at Zreeg, “Why have you made that decision?”
“I understand that she will be going back to free her family. She needs her own protector and she needs to learn to fly. Now is a good time to start that process.”
Julie looked up at the giant Zord and smiled, “You are very gallant, brave flyer. I am humbled by your choice and I am honored to be your rider.”
Scotty and Jingo stood there with their mouths open. Where had she learned to talk to Zord in their terms? Zreeg put his front leg forward. Julie sat on his claws and was lifted to his back. Where did she learn to do that? Jingo looked at Scotty and said, “That is one remarkable Human female. Most of the ones I know would never get that close to a Zord, even though they know they’re our friends.”
Scotty agreed. He was a little disappointed that she wasn’t riding back with him, but Zreeg was right. He was going to be too busy to make sure she was safe. He couldn’t fight effectively with another rider. He knew Zreeg would take care of her.
They lifted and turned toward the two communities. After two hours Julie thought, “Zreeg, why did you really choose me?”
Zreeg was caught; he didn’t want to tell her the truth.
Julie said, “If we’re going to be a team we must be honest with each other. I have seen the Night of the Torg and I know why the Zord treasure Scotty. I know you are here because by looking out for me, you are actually looking out for him.”
Zreeg decided, “White Hair is falling in love with you. No one has ever touched his heart; you are the first. I have seen your dream and, though I doubt it happening, you are also being drawn to him. I cannot risk you coming to harm and hurting White Hair with your loss.”
Julie remained silent for a long time. “Zreeg, I understand that your warriors once attacked the two communities. Why did you stop?”
Zreeg said, “Because White Hair saved Vring.”
“Can you show me?” Suddenly, Julie was there watching a giant Torg charging while the Zord watching was trapped by a giant limb. She watched as a much younger Scotty nursed the injured Zord back to health. She laughed as Jingo almost broke a leg trying to run from the initial meeting with Vring and his father. Zreeg continued and shared with her all that had happened since. It was when she saw Scotty’s mother being killed that she grew frightened. She knew Scotty was going after Grang. He was so dangerous and he had that blaster. She thought to Zreeg, “If it comes down to it, we must make sure he is safe. My life means nothing compared to his.”
Zreeg was ecstatic. This female was worthy. “Zreeg, I mean it.”
“I know, Red Hair. Let us hope that moment does not happen.”
Julie liked Zreeg. She knew that she had found her heart. She looked over at Scotty laying back on Vring and felt the bonds between them. So different, but so alike. She needed to learn how to shoot a bowgun.
They arrived at the communities and Vring issued a loud scream as they approached. Julie saw the thousands begin running to the clearing below them. They gathered and sat in a circle around the fire in the center. After the communities were gathered, the three Zord turned and dove toward the clearing. Julie was proud that she rode Zreeg effortlessly and actually enjoyed the flight down.
The communities were shocked at the red haired female riding a Zord. The young women in the crowd were stunned. She made it look so easy. They also noticed that Scotty dismounted, ran to the young woman, and assisted her off her Zord. Many were jealous at the attention he was giving her.
Jing and Samuel watched the young female flying on the Zord and looked at each other. When Scotty ran and assisted her, they looked at each other again and shared a look. Jesa waited as Jingo arrived, but she also saw Scotty’s attention on the red haired Human female. Then Jingo was there covering her and Maddy with kisses. Julie saw Jingo rush up to a Cainth female and young baby and start kissing them. “Look at that, Jingo’s a father. I bet that baby’s already talking.”
Zreeg said to her privately, “His mate is brave beyond words. She insisted he go with White Hair to your lands. Those two are bonded.”
“I can see that, Zreeg.”
Scotty helped her down even though she didn’t need his help. She allowed it because she wanted every female in the gathering to know he was off limits. She took his hand and he led her to Samuel and Jing. The older women in the crowd saw that this stranger had won the heart of their son. They were determined to see if she was worthy. They looked at each other and could see that Scotty had finally found someone. They withheld their judgment until they could meet her.
Scotty said, “Jing, Samuel, this is Juliette Larson. She was one of the prisoners being held in the northern lands.”
Juliette bowed to the two leaders and looked them in the eye, “I am honored to meet you. I thank you on behalf of my friends and family that you are going to free. Your help is more than we can ever ask for, but I know we will honor your effort to free us. I am amazed at the bravery of your warriors and the great spirit and ideals of your communities. You represent all that the Ancient Holy Realm taught us.” Juliette knelt in front of the two leaders and lowered her head.
Jing and Samuel looked at each other and smiled. Jing said, “Please rise, Juliette. We thank you for your honor, and now we know our quest is worthy. We see a kindred heart in you.”
Juliette stood and smiled at the two leaders, then stepped forward and hugged them both. Jing was surprised but now he knew; she was worthy of his Human son. Her openness was refreshing.
Scotty smiled and said, “We are going to take her back with us. We need a Zecka made for her.”
Samuel looked at Scotty, “Are you sure we should allow our guest to go back into that danger?”
Scotty looked at him and they saw his reluctance, “I don’t want to do it, but if we don’t, there will be many lives lost. Zreeg has chosen to be her protector. You know we will do all we can to make sure she’s not harmed.”
The two leaders looked up at the giant Zord standing and staring at Juliette. Jing looked out over the community and yelled, “Kess, may I see you for a moment?” The community watched as Kess walked up and Jing talked with her. Kess looked at the female, then took her out of the clearing. The older women were going to have a discussion with Kess about this stranger.
Kess walked toward her home and said, “It’s unusual for a female to don warrior’s clothing.”
Juliette smiled, “Are you not willing to fight for your loved ones if they are placed in danger?”
Kess jerked her head around and said, “I will kill anyone who threatens my family.”
Juliette said, “It is always the females that know the value of their loved ones. We would be the most dangerous to anyone that tries to harm them. I can do no less, Kess. I don’t choose to don the Zecka, and I know I’m not worthy to wear it. But if it will save my loved ones, I will wear it. I would fight naked if I had to.”
Kess laughed, “So would I. Come and let us make your Zecka. I see you understand its holy nature.”
“It is the skin of one of my protector’s ancestors. I will honor it with my life. It deserves it.”
Kess nodded and knew; Juliette was worthy of the light haired Human. She also knew no one had better step in on her territory. She sensed the bravery of this small Human female.
Jing looked at Scotty after Juliette had left with Kess and said, “Have you now found a mate?”
Scotty looked at Jing and said, “Are you always this blunt?”
Jing and Samuel looked at each other and Jing turned back to Scotty, “Absolutely. Now have you chosen a mate?”
Scotty grew angry, “Jing, there are two people that make that decision. I’ve only known her less than a week.”
Samuel said, “He’s chosen her.”
Jing replied, “Yep, he has.”
Scotty said, “Hey, you two! Things like this don’t happen this quickly. She doesn’t know me well enough to even consider me.”
“Let’s ask her.”
“No you don’t!!”
“Now there you go, challenging the wisdom of your chosen leaders. You should know better than that.”
Scotty shook his head and stormed off.
Samuel looked at Jing and said, “Should we ask her?”
“Absolutely.”
“Let’s go.”
The two dismissed the gathering and left for Kess’ home. The entire community had been listening to them and decided to follow to see what was going to happen. Jing walked up and knocked on Kess’ door.
Kess heard the knock while she was writing Juliette’s measurements down, “Answer that and tell them we’re busy.”
Juliette answered the door and saw Jing and Samuel along with most of the community behind them. Kess came to the door and said, “What are you two up to this time?”
Jing looked at Kess and said, “We want to know if Juliette is going to be Scotty’s mate?”
Kess yelled, “You meddling bunch of old timers! What kind of question is that? Get away from here!”
Juliette said, “Why do you want to know?”
Kess was shocked into silence. She looked at Juliette and saw she was calm under the scrutiny of the crowd.
Samuel looked at Jing and said, “Scotty is the son of every family in our communities. After his parents died we all adopted him.”
“Did you ask him this question?”
“As a matter of fact we did.”
“And his answer was?”
“He said you don’t know him well enough to consider him.”
Juliette looked out at the crowd slowly shaking her head. She smiled and said, “I had a young Zord, he fought for and saved, show me his bravery in defending him during the Night of the Torg. They love him. I listened to the parents of the young Zord and they also love him. I listen to Vring’s thoughts and he loves him more than I can describe to you. Jingo would die for him and their love for each other is clear.” She looked over the heads of the two leaders, “I look at all of you who are here because you also love him. You should know by now that anyone that spends more than ten minutes with Scotty will love him. His heart is that good. He has it wrong. It is I that hopes he will consider me. I also love him even though I’m undeserving.”
Scotty walked forward out of the back of the crowd and pushed his way through to Kess’ house. Juliette saw him coming. He walked up to her, pulled her close, and kissed her.
Jing looked at Samuel and said, “See? I told you he chose her.”
Scotty looked at Juliette and said, “I have been waiting for you.”
Juliette said, “I have seen you my whole life. Now I am home.”
The community began cheering and the old women had seen enough. This child was strong enough to match their son’s bravery. The young women were disappointed and knew they had to look elsewhere for a mate. Scotty went into Kess’ home with Juliette. Kess remained outside and joined some friends. “We can finish her Zecka later.”
Jesa looked at Jingo and smiled. Jingo was getting emotional. “What’s wrong, Jingo?”
“You should have seen how the young Zord adore her. She is so much like Madeline. I wish she were here to see her.”
Jesa saw the tears in the corner of Jingo’s eyes and said, “She is, Jingo. She made him wait for her. Now she can rest and not worry about him.”
Jingo stared at the door, then turned with Jesa and Maddy to go home and show them how much he loved them.
Scotty and Juliette were on Scotty’s favorite hill staring up at the stars. Juliette was lying next to him and enjoying the feeling. Finally, she decided, “Scotty?”
“Yes, my Love?”
“I’ve not told you about my dream.”
Scotty turned and looked at her.
“I’ve had the same dream since I was five years old.”
“Yes?”
“I am with you on a star ship and we are looking down on a planet; it’s not El Prado.”
“How do you know it’s not El Prado?”
“There are no wastelands anywhere, and there is no evidence of it ever having cities.”
“Is there anyone else there with us?”
“Yes, but they always remain just out of my vision.”
Then how do you know they’re there?”
“Because I hear them say, “The weapons are ready, your Highness”. They were talking to you.”
Scotty shook his head, “Juliette, that dream can’t be real.”
“That’s what I know, but I’ve had it so many times and it seems so real. When I saw your face for the first time on Vring, I knew I have known you my whole life.”
Scotty didn’t know what to say.
Juliette said, “I can always feel my emotions in that dream. I loved you so intensely it hurt. It’s what I’m feeling now, Scotty”
Scotty pulled her close and said, “Let the future be the future. We have each other and this moment is where we live. Each day is a miracle, and to worry about the future is wasted time. Live in the moment; it may be all we ever have.”
Juliette held him tight and said, “I’m amazed at your heart, Scotty. I’ll love you forever.”
They held each other tight as billions of stars overhead waited patiently for the conqueror lying on the hill with his mate.
Jingo saw Scotty and Julie in the forest. Scotty was teaching her to use a bowgun. “How’s the rookie doing?”
Scotty turned and said, “She’s making progress.”
Julie punched him in the ribs, “Hey, I’m doing pretty good.”
Jingo looked at the target a hundred yards away and saw three of the five arrows in the center circle. Did you shoot any of those?”
Julie said, “No, he did not.”
Jingo whistled, “She’s doing better than many of our archers.”
“Her aim is good, but she’s slow on reloading.”
Jingo said, “Show me.”
Julie raised the bowgun and fired it. She pulled an arrow from the quiver on her back and fired again. The first arrow hit the center circle. The second was just outside it. She had reloaded the second arrow within two seconds of the first hitting the target. “Scotty, there’s no way she could have learned this so quickly. We have archers that have practiced the bowgun their entire life that aren’t this good.”
Scotty smiled, “She appears to be a natural.”
Julie looked at her bowgun and said, “These are remarkable, Jingo. You just look at your target and the arrow goes where you look.”
“No, it doesn’t, Julie. I can count on half my fingers how many archers can shoot by feel. Two of them are present.”
Julie looked at Jingo and then at Scotty who nodded. “Then how do you explain this?”
Jingo lowered his head and thought about how she could have developed so quickly. “Julie, how much time have you spent talking with Vring?”
“Quite a lot. He’s really interesting, and funny. He knows so much.”
Jingo looked at Scotty and said, “Scotty, he was in our minds during the Night of the Torg. He listened to our thoughts and was also in our minds during the most intense fighting. I think he transferred our thought and physical processes to her during their communication.”
Scotty thought about what Jingo was saying. “Zreeg has also seen me hunt Torg with him. I suspect that Zreeg is the one that shaped her mind for this. He has also seen the Night of the Torg.”
Julie thought about what they were saying, “It was Zreeg.”
Scotty and Jingo looked at her, “I remember him showing me, in great detail, the Night of the Torg. I could actually feel you fire your bowguns. It was so real. Now when I have a bowgun in my hand I get the same feeling as that vision. It feels… I don’t know…right.”
Scotty looked overhead, “Is Zreeg around?”
Julie thought, “Zreeg, will you meet me at the archery range?”
“On my way.”
The three waited in silence until the giant Zord landed. Scotty looked up and said, “Zreeg, have you heard what we were discussing?”
“Yes.”
“I want you to do something for me.”
“What is that?”
“I want you to focus on the thoughts you’ve seen when Jingo and I fire our bowguns. I want you to really get them in your mind and then send those thoughts to Julie.”
Zreeg was silent and Julie looked at Scotty with a questioning look. Julie heard, “Listen closely, Rider.”
Julie felt hundreds of arrows leaving Jingo’s and Scotty’s bowguns. She felt what they experienced, and felt the sense of touch for the arrow and the bowgun. Over and over again she felt the sensation and saw the arrows flying at the target. After twenty minutes they heard Zreeg say, “I’ve given it to her.”
Scotty looked at Julie, pointed at the target, and said, “Give it another go.”
Julie turned and faced the target. She felt different. She reached over her shoulder and pulled an arrow, and it felt as natural as one of her fingers. She smoothly loaded it and fired. Almost faster than Scotty and Jingo could see, she pulled and fired two more arrows before the first hit the target. All three hit the center of the circle with the third splitting the first arrow. She watched and knew that the second was fired just a little quickly or all three would have hit together. Scotty and Jingo were amazed. She was faster than them and they knew it. Scotty looked up at Zreeg and said, “Do the same thing to me.”
Scotty felt the sensations and let them take over his mind. He felt every shot and saw where the arrow was going to hit as he fired it. Zreeg finally said, “You have it all.”
Scotty suddenly turned and fired five arrows at the two hundred yard target and watched as all five were split by the next arrow coming in. Scotty had his bowgun down watching before the first arrow hit. Jingo said, “It’s my turn, Zreeg.”
Julie felt her power with a bowgun. It felt right in her hand. She knew the air pressure had to be raised five pounds to make it really accurate. How she knew was a mystery but she knew it was true.
After Jingo was done Zreeg said, “I hope you know that this process will not work on most of your community.”
“Why not?”
“Because most of their minds are not open enough for me to reach the part that controls this movement. The only one that can benefit is the one called Blake.”
Jingo said, “I’ll go get him.”
Scotty said, “That would be wise.” Scotty looked up at Zreeg, “I can understand why Jingo and I are open. Why is Julie able to use this process? She hasn’t had near the mental contact as Jingo and me.”
Zreeg looked at Julie and said, “She is open naturally.” Zreeg paused and said, “Just as you are, White Hair.”
Scotty thought about what Zreeg said and then remembered, “Zreeg, will you fly over the learning center and see if Timmy and Tesa are there?”
The giant Zord lifted and flew north over the deep woods.
Jingo came back with Michael Blake in tow and said, “Where’s Zreeg?”
“He’ll be right back. I had him go check the learning center for Timmy.”
“I’m glad you thought about that. I’d forgotten.”
Julie looked at them and asked, “Who’s Timmy?”
Jingo laughed, “He’s our resident genius. He lives in the learning center downloading everything that catches his interest.” Jingo looked up and saw Zreeg returning.
“The two are at the learning center.”
“Jingo, I’m taking Julie to go visit the learning center. You help Michael with Zreeg.”
“Pack a lunch. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned to Michael and said, “Go pull those arrows out of the targets. I have a new technique I want to teach you.”
“New technique?”
“Trust me, you’ll love it.”
Scotty and Julie smiled as they headed back to the community.