Introduction

Captain Maran looked at his Sensor Officer and frowned, “Have you detected a Black Ship?”

“No, Sir. There doesn’t appear to be one within our scanning range.”

Maran keyed his com, “I think we’re going to have to move in toward the closest galaxy and see if we can attract one of their ships.”

Captain Jeck looked at his display and said, “We’re closer than eighty light years from that galaxy so we’re inside their sensor range at this moment. I’m nervous about attracting more than one ship. This is a trial and we really don’t know what to expect from our new hulls once they’re fired on by a Black Ship’s main beam. I’d suggest waiting to see if we’re discovered here. If we move closer we could attract more than one ship.”

Maran thought about it, “Alright, we’ll wait here three hours and if nothing happens we’ll move in closer. Make sure you keep your hull charged; we don’t have the warning we once had when they entered normal space.”

“Will do.”

*

Maran didn’t like holding his crew at battle stations for three hours but knew the time to respond to a Black Ship’s appearance was small. The two hundred crew members manning each ship were nervous about the coming engagement. The reflective hulls had been trialed against the Empire’s strongest lasers but not against a beam as powerful as the one fired by the Black Ships. The Criston was forty five hundred feet long and its entire hull was coated with reflective cells that could collect energy that struck it and focus it back against whoever fired. The beam operators checked their boards to make sure all systems were optimal. The Missile Crews were waiting for the order to launch once the force field around the Black Ship was penetrated. They hoped they would get a chance to fire the new missiles in their inventory.

Everyone watched their displays intently; waiting for what they knew was coming. The two bright ships hung in empty space with all shapes of the Galaxies floating in the deep black ocean of this universe they had jumped into. Some were spirals, others were ball shaped, and a few had highly irregular formations. One actually looked like a huge smile. They all possessed billions of stars and most of them had giant Black Ships in them attacking intelligent civilizations. It was just a matter of time until the Invaders found them.

Captain Jeck checked his panel and saw all stations were manned and ready. He had hoped only one Black Ship would show up but knew there would be a huge number following up the initial engagement. He looked at his jump board and saw it was enabled and ready for immediate activation. Once the two ships fired at the Black Ship, the plan was to escape and evaluate the results. His Sensor Officer shouted, “Black Ship off the port bow!”

*

The Black Ship suddenly appeared between the two ships and both ships waited for it to fire on them so they could reflect the energy back at it. Jeck saw Maran fire his beam to provoke a fight and then saw the Black Ship fire a single beam at Maran’s ship. The bright white ship grew even brighter and exploded in less than two seconds after the beam strike. Captain Jeck stood and yelled, “Get us out of here.” The Jump Officer reached for the teleport button but the Black Ship Fired again and Jeck’s ship blew up faster than Maran’s. The secondary explosions following the initial blast blew the ships into vapor and nothing was left of the four hundred sailors but two expanding clouds of small debris and dust.

*

The Ship Master watched the two ship’s destruction and shook his head. He was hoping for a fight and was disappointed at how quickly they had been destroyed. How could he keep his crew in fighting shape if he never had to fight? He should have just allowed another ship to handle this. It wasn’t worth his time. He contacted the Fleet Master and sent him a recording of the attack. The Fleet Master reviewed the recording and commed back, “It appears those ships no longer represent a danger to us.”

The Ship Master leaned back in his command chair and sniffed a pinch of orange powder, “You’re right; our new ships are more than their screens can handle. What are we going to do now?”

The Fleet Master thought about the question and made a decision, “I don’t see any reason to search for their origin now that we can kill them at will. We would be better served to continue our normal schedule and make up for lost production. I’ll contact the Masters and see if they agree.”

The Ship Master ended the call and replayed the engagement. He saw the two ships didn’t have force fields. That was odd. Oh well, back to the grind of guarding boring invasions. He really wished they had put up a better fight so he could be assigned guard duty away from the mind numbing orbiting of a planet. “Take us back.” The giant Black Ship disappeared. Three hours later the stealth probe powered up and jumped into deep space and returned to the Defense Facility.

Chapter One

“Alex, I’m worried about what’s going to happen when we start killing the orange pods.”

“I’ve thought about that myself, Grace. We’re not ready to take those creatures head on yet. They destroyed the last two ships we sent against them with just one beam. We’re just not ready.”

“That’s part of my concern, but what bothers me most is what the real power behind those ships is going to do if we’re successful.”

“What do you mean?”

“If this creature is also addicted to the orange drug, it’s going to react violently to anything that attacks its supply. I’m not certain that the Invader’s Ships are the best it’s capable of producing. We know it’s at least a billion years ahead of us technologically. I’m really concerned about what its response is going to be.”

“The Invaders have pretty much ignored us since they destroyed those two ships and have continued in their usual fashion. They invaded another universe and we’ve not been scouted in the last eight years.”

“I know, but Weed says they’re close to finding a solution to the pods. If we use it, we could be in danger. It might cause them to start scouting again.”

“We’re not far from developing the technology to take on their ships, Grace. We just need more time.”

“If we kill the pods, time is what we may not have. That Creator of the Invaders will respond. We need ships that can take them on now.”

“There are a few minor circuits that are giving us trouble. Once the industrialized planets build the necessary micro-circuit factories, we’ll make faster progress. Ten of them are close to getting their facilities on line. We already have more than a hundred thousand ships waiting on us to install advanced power technology once it’s developed.”

“Alex, I just don’t feel good about this.”

“I’m doing all I can, Grace.”

“I hope it’s enough.”

*

The Lab was spotless and the display on the front wall was flashing at an amazing speed. Carter watched the symbols flashing and couldn’t understand what they were indicating. The two Algeans stood next to him watching the flashes and swayed gently in the lab’s ventilation. After fifteen minutes the display stopped and a bright red zero appeared on the screen. Carter looked at the Algeans and pointed at the screen, “Does that mean anything?”

“As a matter of fact it does.”

“Uhh, what?”

“We have finally found a way to kill the orange plant, its pods, and its spores.”

“Really!!”

“It appears so; at least the batch in the containment dish is dead. We have to mass produce the spores that caused the plant’s death to make sure but it looks like they’re what we’ve been attempting to create.”

“It’s taken a long time to get this far.”

Weed leaned forward in agreement, “Eight years is actually shorter than what we thought it would take. This has not been easy.”

“How does it work?”

“The spores we made enter the orange plant’s DNA and inhibit two of its major functions.”

“What functions are those?”

“The ability to absorb nutrients or gases; the plant will starve or suffocate. The spores that kill it will reproduce from the plants tissues and release themselves by the billions into the atmosphere.”

Carter thought a moment, “Will these new spores be dangerous?”

Seed turned to Carter, “That’s what’s been the major delay in developing them. What happens when all the orange plants are dead? We didn’t want to create a spore that would then mutate to attack another host. This particular spore will only function with an orange plant as a host. If the orange plants are not available the spores will just become inactive. The new spore’s core DNA cannot be changed or modified. This should not only kill the orange plants but also the spores the plant had already released.”

“What about the possibility of the orange plant mutating to survive?”

“It can’t do it. Their structure is an artificial creation and the internal tissues are fixed and cannot adapt even to a different environment.”

“What will this spore you’ve created do to someone on the planet that’s addicted to the orange plants?”

Weed hesitated, “It will remove the plant from their tissues. Unfortunately, it will probably kill them in the process.”

“Why!?”

“Removing the plant does not remove the addiction to it. It will attack the skin that has the orange spores embedded and we expect the orange colored skin on any addicted being to flake off. While that process is taking place, the body will go into withdrawals and you’ve seen what the end result will look like once the tremors hit. You must understand that any captured populations that are now addicted are living a delayed death sentence anyway. There is no way to save them.”

“I thought those severe tremors were from the plant?”

“No, actually the body eventually gets to the point where it cannot absorb any more than a specified level of the toxin. However, the demand for it continues to rise and can’t be met by what’s available. The withdrawal tremors hit and the body dies horribly; an overdose of the drug also causes the same death.”

“Why aren’t the Invaders dying? It’s obvious by their skin color they’re addicted.”

Seed stared at the experiment’s results as she said, “Remember, the Invaders are using a product that is processed from the plant. The ones being forced to farm the pods are getting it raw. The processed drug is addictive but doesn’t prevent the body from continuing to process it at an infinite level. It’s the raw plants and spores that kill the planets it’s grown on. We do think that if the drug is removed from the Invader’s bodies, they will die as well. We just don’t see any way to wean the body from this powerful drug’s influence.”

“Where did you find the spore to kill it?”

Seed replied, “That’s the ironic thing about this. This spore was developed by the Alfont and used to kill our food source millions of years ago. We’ve modified it to target the orange plants and it’s quite virulent and almost impossible to stop. Once it’s introduced to a space faring species, its spread is almost guaranteed. My species died millions of years ago because of it.”

“Couldn’t they just quarantine a planet that’s been exposed to your spore?”

“If they knew it was there, it might be possible. However, the spores don’t start acting immediately. The initial spores will become active after we determine an appropriate delay to insure their spread. Right now they are designed for a thirty day delay. They will cling to clothing, space suits, the hulls of ships, and get into most ship’s environmental systems. They can survive temperature extremes up to and including the vacuum of space and still be viable. All it takes is for one ship to leave an infected planet and the spores are on their way to every stop it makes. Once it gets on a planet, it will infect any ship that lands. Of course we’ll help with the spread by dropping some of them on every planet the Invaders are currently farming. I’m certain that some of them will be on the packets of orange drug they’re processing and will be taken back to their distribution center before the spores activate and start infecting those exposed.”

“When are you planning to start this process?”

Weed thought a moment, “We want to trial it first in one of the universes the Invaders has already killed. We’ll drop the spores on several planets and see what happens.”

Carter looked up at the display and smiled, “I suspect whoever is running the show for the Invaders is going to be somewhat upset with our meddling; especially if we destroy their stockpiles of the drug.”

“That’s what we hope. We need to get them out in the open where we can see what we’re dealing with. Right now, they are unknown and we’re working in the dark.”

“Do you mind if Jenna and I go with you?”

“No, you should plan to leave in two days. The Invaders will be wrapping up their destruction of the universe they’re now farming and start moving to their next target within the next nine months. We need to hurry and perform the trial while we have a maximum number of planets to attack.”

“I’ll let Jenna know.”

*

Scotty looked at Julie and blew out the candles. He shook his head and wondered at how fast the years had flown. It seemed just yesterday he was ten years old on El Prado looking at stars. Now he was forty six and starting to feel it. Julie was still as beautiful as the day he first saw her and her smile still warmed his heart. He noticed that his white hair was starting to turn a slightly different color and he knew it would be noticeable before too much longer.

He looked and saw Grang and Geena with Maddy who was growing up to be a beautiful Cainth Female. Scotty smiled knowing that Maddy was Grang’s favorite. She was a commander of a twenty unit of Flyers and was moving up in the ranks quickly. Robby was growing up to be a tall young man and he was proud of the way he and Dani fit in with everyone. Their psychic abilities were amazing and really helped him make good decisions; they did an excellent job of not demonstrating them around the citizens of the Empire. Dani’s sense of impending danger was invaluable. They were married three years ago and anyone could see how happy they were together. Jenna and Carter were married six months later. They were a high powered couple as well and Carter never ceased to amaze him with his brilliance.

Michael and Carrie had just had a baby girl and, to June’s shock, had named her Maranda. Carrie explained that the real Maranda was one of the most beautiful people she knew. June finally knew she was forgiven and insisted on babysitting her at every possible moment. Even Samuel loved the little girl.

The forty six industrialized planets were making progress in the construction of ships but they were not able to stand up to the new ships the Invaders had brought in. Alex and the Zord were still working on a power system that would allow them to take one on but in the initial confrontation, the Invaders had destroyed two new ships with one beam into each of them. They still weren’t there yet.

Scotty heard laughter and didn’t even have to look to know that his daughter was the source. TK was seven and was psychic. Unlike her mother, she had blonde hair but her eyes were green like Julie’s. Scotty chuckled; I wonder where she got that hair. It would soon be time for her to choose a Zord and there were hundreds competing to be on the list for her selection. Once she decided, she and the Zord would go to have their armor installed.

The Flyers had all been fitted and were now an imposing force. They were responsible for the fast growth of the Empire. Scotty heard Julie shout, “Tommie Katherine, only one piece of cake.” Scotty heard TK laugh again and smiled; TK was always up to something.

The Empire had grown to more than a thousand planets but its future was going to be determined by the forty six industrialized worlds that had been moved close together to build the ships to fight the Orange Creatures. Twenty more planets had developed industry to the level where they were slated to be moved to the galaxy where the other industrialized planets were located within thirty days. The ship’s structure was there but the means to provide them enough energy to take on the Black Ships was still not developed. Scotty started greeting the guests and put his worries aside for the moment.

TK saw her Father start greeting guests and worried about him. The stress of ruling the Empire was showing and she knew her Mother was worried about his health. She continued to listen to Jingos as she glanced at the long line of attendees that were hoping to see the Emperor. She saw a couple at the back of the line with a young boy and a baby girl. Who were they? Oh yeah, Carrie and Michael Blake. Their planet was one that was to be moved in a few weeks. She stared at the young boy and saw him immediately look her way and smile.

“I’ve been wondering when you were going to notice me?”

TK’s mouth fell open.

“Yes, I’ve been listening to you all night.”

“You’re telepathic?”

“Of course; I started to beg off and not come but I wanted to see what my future bride looked like. I must say, I am impressed. You are absolutely beautiful. However, now we’ve started communicating, I suspect there will be compulsions to stop us. Do you feel them yet?”

TK did. That told her more than anything this boy just said that he was right about their future. TK smiled, “I’ve been wondering who I was going to be matched up with. You must be further along in your development than I am.”

“Maybe, however, I had to see you before the compulsions became too strong to overcome. Now that I have, I can wait until the right time. You’re really something.”

TK smiled as she stared at him, “You’re not so bad yourself. I’ll see you when the time is right. I’ll try to catch up before we meet again.”

The young boy smiled, nodded, and turned to bow to Emperor Robbins. Scotty nodded and as they stepped away he immediately looked at TK. TK shook her head and wondered how her father, who had no active psychic ability, sensed the boy’s connection to her. She smiled and turned back to ten year old Jingos, Jingo’s youngest child. He had inherited his father’s natural ability to carry on a conversation for hours and he hadn’t even noticed her not paying attention to him. Once he got on a subject, it would take a stunner to stop him from talking for hours. She interrupted, “Jingos, you know you’ll get a Zord of your own before too much longer. Just have patience.” Jingos started complaining again and TK looked at the young boy as he walked with his parents to the other side of the huge room.

TK sighed as she felt the negative feelings hit her. He was right. She was being pushed away from any feelings for him. Even so, he was a very attractive boy with an interesting mind. Even negative compulsions couldn’t prevent her seeing that. She was going to have a talk with her Aunt as soon as possible. Dani could tell her what to expect. TK looked around. Where was Dani and Robby? They should have been here already.

*

Dani and Robby stood in a crater on the surface of a moon overlooking a huge industrialized planet. They had surrounded themselves with a psychic bubble that would hide them from the Black Ship’s sensors and used their armor’s passive scanners to view the battle taking place above the planet’s atmosphere.

“That ship is a different model than the one that destroyed our two ships.”

Dani shook her head, “I don’t think the ship is new although it has been modified. They’ve added a raised bridge on the hull which will give them additional weapon storage and a better view around the hull. Putting that bulge in the hull changed the lines and shape but everything else looks just like the one that killed our ships.”

Robby stared at his scanner and said, “They’re also able to communicate without having to lower their force field. I detect a frequency being used.”

“That is a change, Robby, but it’s not advancement in their weapons. The strength of the force field is unchanged and the beam cannons on the hull are essentially the same size, location, and barrel length. There have been incremental changes but the ship is still basically what they’ve been using since our last encounter.”

Robby briefly glanced across the surface of the moon and saw the ruins of a base that the Invaders had destroyed directly across the crater from where they were standing. There wasn’t much left of the giant structure. He shook his head and looked back up at the planet with the fleet of huge Black Ships in orbit. The Invaders were kicking off the preliminary invasion of this universe by first attacking the strongest planet and eliminating its fleet. They watched as the Invader Ships destroyed thousands of ships jumping in attempting to defend the planet.

One of the Invader ships had been destroyed when nine hundred ships attacked simultaneously. The destruction of the Black Ship was not good for the planet, as six more Black Ships jumped in to support their attack. Robby and Dani watched their scans as the remaining defending ships were burned out of existence. The twenty Black Ships hung in orbit, killing any new ships that jumped in attempting to save the planet.

Dani looked at Robby, “Why are they just hanging in orbit?”

“The task of this fleet is to soften up the forces they’ll have to face when the entire fleet arrives in nine months. It’s clear this planet has become the major force occupying this universe. More than three hundred thousand ships have already been demolished in the initial attack and, according to my scans, another two hundred thousand jumped in afterwards. They’re waiting because they want to make sure whoever is on the planet calls in all the forces available to defend it. That will weaken all the other planets that they now control.”

“If they’re not invading to start farming, what are they going to do with this planet?”

Robby sighed, “Dani, you know what happens next. This planet is far too industrialized for their purposes. Most of the land masses are covered with huge cities. The effort to clear land for growing pods would be too expensive and time consuming.”

Dani watched as the number of ships jumping in became fewer and finally an hour passed where none appeared. Nineteen of the Black Ships jumped away for other military targets leaving one behind. The ship waited another hour and then it happened. A brilliant green beam shot out from the huge ship and struck the planet at the largest city’s location. The beam was more than a thousand miles wide and when it hit; the continent below was shattered and the shockwave blew the atmosphere away. The Invader moved around the planet and fired four more beams into other major population centers. The entire surface caught fire and a once beautiful green and blue planet turned into a red burning ball of smoke and ash.

Robby watched the planet die and felt his anger start to rise. Dani felt it as well and didn’t want to control it. She was also feeling horror and grief at the huge loss of life. She looked at the Black Ship and said, “Robby, they’ve lowered their force field.”

Robby looked at his scanner and saw that a new frequency was being used to communicate, “Dani, they must have to drop the force field to communicate to another dimension. Now would be a good time to make them pay.”

“How do you want to do this?”

“We know where their reactors are located. We’ll teleport in and hit them with our armor’s strongest beam and then we’ll teleport away immediately after we fire.”

“They also have a missile storage bay on the other side of the ship from the reactors. I’ll hit that port simultaneously with the hit on the reactors. Are you ready?”

“Let’s do this before they stop communicating”

“Do you think they can see us?”

Robby thought a moment, “If we were just using our camouflage there would be a chance. However, we’re using our psychic ability to hide our armor. I don’t think they’ll be able to see us through that. At the first sign of a weapon warming up on their hull, teleport back here. Are you ready?”

Dani connected with Robby mentally and they teleported together. The force field went back up behind them and the two knew that the communication had stopped. They arrived on the hull of the giant ship and they simultaneously fired their armor’s main beam at their selected targets. They immediately teleported away as the Giant Black Ship exploded into a huge fireball and then fell toward the planet. There was no atmosphere to burn the ship as it rolled over and descended. It crashed and added its mass to the burning surface of the now dead planet. The fire was so hot that the entire ship melted and merged with the magma rushing out of the cracks blown into the planet’s molten core.

Dani went into Robby’s arms back on the moon’s surface and held him as they watched the ship turn over, slowly at first, then faster, fall toward the surface. It finally hit and shattered into a huge debris field.

“Do you think they can trace this back to us?”

“I don’t think so. Even if they have a probe recording everything, we were inside their force field when we fired. The probe will see that nothing penetrated their screen and that the explosion came from inside it.”

“Let’s go home, Robby. It’s your Father’s birthday.” Robby sighed and nodded. The two of them disappeared from the moon. The Invaders were one universe closer to finding their home.

*

“Alex, getting the teleport module to draw power from the reactors is not going to work. Aligning the field inside the core is just too delicate a maneuver to make consistently happen within the walls of the reactor. A piece of the reactor gets taken with the energy and causes the reactor to explode. This process is entirely too dangerous to use on a large scale.”

“Vring, I’ve seen that but without the additional power, we can’t face the Invader’s ships. The new model is impenetrable to any weapon we have. Even the reflective hulls won’t function at their current level. Their beam overloads the collectors too fast to focus back at them.”

Kreej said, “You would think it could handle that much power but it overloads and fails. Obviously, there is a limit to how much it can handle. It would work if the power could be loaded at a slower, increasing level but the Invader’s beams hit at maximum power. It’s the initial, sudden surge that makes the hulls fail. We just can’t charge them to a high enough level to match the Black Ship’s beam. We need a larger power source to charge them to make them effective. This is frustrating.”

Vring was silent for two minutes as the three contemplated what to do. Then Vring said, “I agree Kreej.”

Alex looked at the data again and asked, “Do you think they would work if they were charged properly?”

“We can’t charge them to a high enough level to handle the Invader’s beam with the power we currently use. You know those cells will handle a much higher level of charge than we’re currently able to give them. However, hit them with a massive charge above what they’re using and the hulls will overload. The power level the two ships used was significantly below the threshold of the Invader’s main beam. The two ships were in another universe and weren’t able to continuously charge their hulls. They only carried the charge from our universe and over time, that charge will diminish and that makes the ships vulnerable. There were no additional red reactors beyond those on the ships to recharge them after their arrival. If the hulls had been at maximum charge, I believe they would have worked. We are not capable with our present technology of bringing them to their full capability.”

Alex thought a moment, “So they will only work in this universe where we have the reactors to keep them charged, however, using the reactors is too dangerous. Have we wasted our time on this technology?”

Kreej said, “Why do we have to use reactors?”

Vring said, “Where else would you get the necessary power to penetrate their force fields?”

Kreej smiled, “Can you think of any other power source that is as strong as ten red generators?”

Vring looked at Kreej, “Where are you going with this?”

Alex said, “You’re right. It would be easier but more complicated.”

Vring said, “What are you two talking about?”

Kreej smiled, “Why not use a star to get the power for the weapons and force fields?”

Vring was surprised by the suggestion and started thinking out loud, “There wouldn’t be a reactor containment wall to deal with.”

“And you can start the sending screen far enough out to charge the hulls and then move it closer to send the maximum energy.”

Vring understood, “You’re right, Alex. However the field would be exposed to an extremely high level of radiation.”

“Only if a blue giant star was used. Class G Suns don’t emit that high a level of gamma rays; most of them are kept in the core. The most numerous stars in most universes are the Class Gs.”

Vring sighed, “We’re back at square one.”

Alex did a quick computation, “Yes, but the challenges using this method are easier than trying to use power from inside a reactor. This involves gross modifications that are easier to handle than the delicate fields used inside a reactor.”

The three were silent as they thought about the idea and Alex said after thirty minutes, “This is the way we must go. Let’s get busy and see where we are with what we have on hand.”

“Well, pick a target and try to teleport an energy charge at it.”

“There’s a moon circling a planet not far from here; let’s start there.”

“Good idea Kreej; you and Vring go there and take some readings. That will give us a baseline to work from.”

The two Zord turned on their armor and teleported out of the Defense Facility.

Chapter Two

Timmy sat with Virze and smiled, “It’s just about time, isn’t it?”

“It is. You better be thinking of a name.”

“Junior has a nice ring to it.”

“It does, doesn’t it?”

The nurse stepped in and smiled, “It’s time to go.”

Virze looked at Timmy and he felt her love, “I’ll be right here.”

*

Carter teleported in and gave Jenna a huge hug, “It’s good to see you; I’ve missed you. Carter kissed Jenna and said, “Are you up for a trip?”

“Where are we going?”

“Weed and Seed are close to trialing the new spores on the orange pods. They said we could join them.”

Jenna smiled, “How long will we be gone?”

“They said that the trial should be done within six months.”

Jenna smiled at Carter and lowered her head, “Then I guess I won’t be able to go.”

“Why not?!?”

“Because I’ll need to be near a hospital in six months.”

“Is something wrong? Are you ok!?!”

“Yes, I’m fine but the baby will need some attention.”

Carter stared at Jenna with confusion written all over his face until he saw Jenna smile, “Are you serious?”

Jenna laughed out loud and jumped into Carter’s arms, “Yes.”

Carter turned circles and laughed out loud, “Then I’ll stay here with you.”

“No, no, you should go; just pop in once in a while. We need to understand how the spores work and you are the perfect one to go with them. I can’t think of anyone else that can think on their level.”

Carter sighed and kissed his wife. He was going to be a father.

*

Greyson sat in orbit and saw that two more couples who possessed high passive psychic readings were going to have children. Mike and Carrie had a young son and it appeared he was going to be matched up with the Emperor’s Daughter. Robby and Dani were the first but it looked like there were going to be other active psychics joining them soon. Greyson thought about the history of the Ancient Realm and knew that psychics appeared when there was going to be a conflict that endangered the universe. The war was not far away.

“You’re right to worry.”

Greyson was startled, “Hi, Grace. I didn’t notice you arrive.”

“That’s because I’m trialing our new stealth software. It appears it works.”

“I thought I was distracted but I usually don’t miss another ship. Are we going to get it?”

“Yes, you should go see Alex as soon as you’re free. We’re also moving you into a new Zeta-A ship.”

“I thought I couldn’t be moved again?”

“This ship makes the move less dangerous. You’ll be fine and we’ll preserve the backup on your current ship.”

“I’ll go tomorrow. What did you mean by I’m right?”

“The coming war is not far in the future. Matter of fact, it’s not far at all.”

“I would have thought it wouldn’t happen until the children had grown up.”

“There are two strong psychics and that’s all that’s needed. The others are a failsafe against something happening to them. It is coming…and soon.”

Greyson thought about what Grace was saying, “You sound worried.”

“I’m not sure they’ll be enough, Greyson. I worry that they may only minimize the damage and not prevent it.”

“What makes you think that?”

“The Stars Realm fell and trillions lost their lives in the civil wars afterwards. The three galaxies that escaped were just a small part of the former Realm. They represented less than a hundredth of a percent of the Stars Realm’s total populations. Their tremendous psychic abilities did not prevent the Realm’s downfall.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because we may have to make hard decisions about who survives and we shouldn’t wait until the last moment. The release of our spores will cause a violent reaction from the power behind the Invaders.”

Greyson looked down on the planet and said, “The psychic children must be protected at all costs.”

“Now you see it. Go see Alex and get upgraded. Time is growing short.”

Greyson watched Grace jump away and thought about their conversation, “Anglo.”

“Yeah, Greyson.”

“Are you able to relieve me for a few days?”

“You want to be upgraded?”

“Have you already had the upgrades?”

“Yes, I’ll take over. You should go now.”

Greyson teleported away.

*

The orange colored creature rose from its couch and looked at the communication panel that processed all of the millions of conversations sent by its fleets. The last message that had caught its attention was the decision to continue normal planting operations instead of searching for the troublesome ships that had slowed the harvests. It observed the destruction of the two large ships and had almost decided to intervene to force the search but the quick kills had made it pause. The four Council Members had pressured it for a reason why the shipments had been reduced and were not at all pleased with its response. It had grudgingly decided to allow the return to normal operations but had set up a reminder alarm to remind it to follow up. The alarm is what brought it off the couch.

It checked the scans of the last harvest and no more ships had come to attack his fleets. It appeared they knew they stood no chance against the new ships and had ceased their activity. Production levels were getting back to normal and had actually increased, but the stockpiles were still below the desired level. The Council had turned their attention back to their drug induced state and left him in peace. It wondered how the Council had even noticed the reduced levels but decided that they must have set their own alarms.

Well, perhaps its concern was unfounded. It turned, reclined on its couch, and wished his time as Distributor would hurry and end. There were just so many things that kept it having to wake up and handle. He wished he could just get a good thousand years of relaxation like the Council Members. He briefly thought about the former family that had exiled his group for their drug use. It thought about looking in on them but quickly decided the risk was just too great to take. They were best left in the past. It worried that they may one day come and eliminate his group. It was their loss. They had no idea how wonderful the drug could be to help make the millennium pass pleasantly. Time ceased to exist when the drug kicked in. The couch made the connection and he felt the drug enter his system. Ahhh, that’s better.

*

Carter looked down on the orange colored planet. It looked very much like an orange colored desert. The scanners showed huge clouds of orange spores blowing in giant wind storms. “Why did you decide to trial the spores in this universe?”

Weed turned from the display, “We’ve noticed that the Invaders are quite linear in their attacks. You know that the coordinates for universes are sequential, right?”

Carter nodded.

“We didn’t want to go to a universe where they might still have ships present, so we selected a universe with coordinates a hundred smaller than the current universe being invaded. It wasn’t affected but the next one to it was this one. This universe is dead and there’s no reason for them to return.”

“Do you think they might have left a probe behind?”

“We considered that but I’m sure they would have discovered thousands of years ago that it was a waste of technology. If a ship came here it would immediately leave. Why would they really care about anyone coming here to investigate? I’m confident we can trial our spore here and not be bothered.”

“Do you think the entire universe is dead?”

“No, they only invaded planets with intelligent life that could do the farming.”

“Some of the unaffected planets could eventually develop intelligence.”

Weed turned and replied, “That’s true, but once they developed a star drive and investigated one of the contaminated planets their civilization was doomed. The spores would go back with them to their home world and infect the ecology.”

Carter shook his head, “These creatures are killing universes more efficiently than any of the Red Demon’s tools ever accomplished. If they kill them all, won’t it stop their drug production?”

Weed leaned back showing his disagreement, “No, they’ll just develop a ship to enter the atmosphere of the dead planets and take the drug from the blowing spores. However, that won’t happen for millions of years with the number of available universes left to attack. I think the production of the drug is actually the primary focus of their efforts and destroying intelligent life is simply a byproduct.”

Carter sighed, “I have to agree. Otherwise they would just be harvesting the drug from universes like this one.”

Seed leaned forward agreeing, “You see it as well.”

“So what’s next?”

“We’re going to drop a packet of spores on five planets like this one and observe what happens.”

Carter frowned, “Just a packet?”

“I think you’ll be surprised at what happens. Would you like to do the honors?”

“Certainly, what do I need to do?”

Weed handed Carter a small plastic bag with a green powder in it, “Teleport this down to a hundred feet above the surface of the planet and release it so that it hits a hard surface.”

“Why a hundred feet?”

“The fall will burst the bag and release the spores.”

Carter turned on his armor and took the packet in his hand. He teleported out of the ship and looked down on the dead planet. He checked his scanners and saw a huge orange storm blowing across a vast plain. He teleported the bag ten miles in front of the oncoming orange cloud and released it above a rocky plateau. He focused on the bag and saw a small puff of dust from its impact. Carter looked at the planet and felt an overwhelming anger at creatures that would do this to a living world. He teleported back to the ship as it jumped away to find the next four targets. “How long will it take for the spores to start working?”

“We’ve delayed the response for thirty days.”

“Why that long?”

“We want them to be carried by the invaders to other locations before they discover their existence and this will be a good way to see if the delay works.”

Carter smiled, “That’s a good plan. Are we going to stay here?”

“No, we’ll come back in twenty nine days and start recording what happens.”

Carter smiled, “Good, I get to see Jenna.”

*

“Alex.”

“Yes, Grace.”

“The Algeans have started their trial. How far along are you on the new power system?”

“Not far enough. Keep me posted on what’s happening.”

“You need to hurry.”

“Grace, we’re doing all we can. I’ll let Vring and Kreej know what’s going on. We’ll do all we can.”

“Alex, I’m worried.”

“Should we delay the Algeans?”

“You know that won’t stop them. They are driven by different goals.”

“How so?”

“They’re working to prevent the discovery of the Stars Realm in their dimension. We are a secondary consideration.”

Alex paused, “Grace, I’m afraid I’m on their side on this issue. My first loyalty is to the Realm.”

“As is mine; this is a clear conflict of interest for them and us. Unfortunately we are not given any wiggle room on this issue either. We are sworn to the Realm and must allow them to continue but we’ve got to do all we can to try and save our friends here. You are the key to making that happen.”

“Do the Algeans Know?”

“They do; but like us they also have no room to maneuver. Their first loyalty is with the Realm.”

“We’ll step up our trials, Grace. If we fail I want you here with me.”

“I’m sorry, Alex. My destiny lies with our friends.”

Alex decided that he was going to triple the trials. He couldn’t allow Grace to come to harm. Even Grace didn’t know she was his first priority even ahead of the Realm and he was not going to allow her to die; no matter what he had to do to protect her.

*

TK and Malah waited in the Defense Facility to receive their armor. TK had selected Malah two weeks earlier and had been given her Zecka just five days ago. “Are you excited?”

“Yes, I am, TK. I’ve seen what the flyers can do and I want to start learning how to use my armor. What about you?”

“I’m not sure. I’m still young to be placed in the ranks of the Flyers. I’m concerned that they might resent me. I know Jingos is not happy with having to wait.”

“You just don’t look at their thoughts. I’ve never understood the reluctance of Humans to look at the thoughts of others. Jingos totally supports you getting armor now. All the citizens of the Realm want the Royal Family to have every protection possible. Jingos feels the same way.”

“I wish Mon and Dad would get fitted.”

“Your father just doesn’t feel he should. Your Mother supports him in that decision.”

“Even so, it bothers me for some reason.” TK thought a moment and said, “Malah, we feel that to invade a person’s privacy it wrong. We’ll only do it if circumstances force us to it. You don’t have that problem because all of your species are telepathic. Besides, I don’t need to look as long as I have you.”

Malah laughed, “Right you are. Let’s go and get us some technology and afterwards I’d like to use it to get home.”

TK laughed with her and said, “Lead the way great Flyer.”

*

The giant Black Ship entered a solar system and moved on the planet. It was obviously civilized and had a huge population centered in numerous industrialized cities. No ships rose to meet the incoming Invader and the only thing indicating the planet had space technology was two giant satellites orbiting the planet on opposite sides. The satellites were more than a hundred miles in diameter and the Invader saw a force field go up as it drew closer.

The Ship Master looked at the huge structure on his display and turned to his Sensor Master, “What can you determine about that satellite?”

“The force field is quite strong. Before it went up I scanned the surface and didn’t see any type of beam emplacements. Once the field was active, my scans were blocked.”

“Send a copy of this to Fleet.”

The Sensor Officer nodded and sent the report.

“Prepare our beams.”

“They are targeted on the structure, Sire.”

The Ship Master quickly looked back at his display as the Sensor Master said, “Incoming missile.” The missile was tiny. It was less than three hundred feet long but it did have a force field around it. The Satellite had only fired the one missile and that bothered him.

“Readings?”

“None are getting through the force field.”

The Ship Master may have regretted his next decision if he had lived long enough. He decided to allow it to hit his force field and destroy itself. The missile went through the force field without even a spark to indicate it had impacted. It hit the giant Black Ship and it exploded so violently that the force field didn’t have time to drop before the blast was reflected back into the center of the explosion doubling the intensity of the blast.

Timmy looked at Robby and Dani and said, “I wondered what you saw that brought us here.”

“We weren’t sure, Timmy.” Robby looked at Dani and continued, “We just saw this planet and knew we should come here.”

“It looks like we’ve found a weapon to use against the Invaders if we can persuade the planet to give us the technology.”

Dani shook her head, “No, that’s not going to help us. This will actually harm our efforts to survive.” Timmy leaned forward in his command chair and stared at her. Dani saw his expression and shook her head, “The only thing this will do is cause the Invaders to build a stronger ship.”

Robby nodded, “They’ll lose ships here but they will record the technology that planet is using to enhance their capabilities. This is not good.”

Greyson said, “So getting the technology is wasted effort if they are going to come up with a counter to it.”

Robby and Dani nodded. They waited as fifteen Black Ships jumped in and were destroyed.

Greyson said, “There’s a Black Ship at the jump limit recording what’s happening. I can see their scan. Should we teleport one of those missiles to open space to take a look at it?”

Robby shook his head, “No, the Invader will record its disappearance and know that there is another adversary here. It would make them start looking for us again.”

Dani watched the battle and sighed, “We need to see how long it takes them to build a new ship and bring it on line. Greyson, leave a screened microprobe here to record what happens.”

“The probe is launched.”

Timmy looked up from his command board, “How did you know to come here?”

“Timmy, Dani’s and my ability to sense danger is growing stronger. We saw this happening and knew the best decision was to come here.”

Greyson said, “I did get a reading on the force field being used by the missile. It appears to match the frequency of the force field it hits almost instantaneously. Maybe Alex can use this.”

Robby looked away from the display and thought a moment, “No, it won’t help. I suspect that the invaders will simply modify their force fields to use two different frequencies so that if one is read the other will stop the missile. At least that’s how I would counter it.”

“What if two don’t work?”

“Then they’ll use four and have them changed a thousand times a second, Timmy. We could do that and I’m certain they will as well.”

“Then why are we here?”

Dani looked at Robby and he nodded, “We’re sensing the Invaders will be delayed here. It gives us more time to develop our defense. At least that’s what we think is causing us to be here. We can’t think of another reason.”

Timmy stared at the huge battle at the planet and saw more Black Ships jumping in, “They are somewhat single minded, aren’t they?”

Robby nodded, “Yes, they are.”

The Black ships continued to come and more than three thousand had been destroyed. After two hours, Timmy sighed, “Should we go now?”

Dani furrowed her brow and said, “Not just yet.”

Robby looked at her, “Do you see something?”

“Something else,” Dani pointed at the display on the wall and said, “That!”

A black colored ship fifty percent larger than the other Black Ships appeared on the display and moved on the satellite. The first missile arrived and exploded on its force field. The satellite saw the explosion and launched a hundred missiles. They were all stopped by the new ship’s screen. The huge Black Ship moved closer to the huge orbiting structure and fired a massive orange beam into it. It exploded and fell toward the planet below. The ship then fired into the planet and the single beam blew away the atmosphere and cracked the planet. The fault line in the planet’s surface ran more than six thousand miles and the surface caught fire from the magma rushing up to the surface.”

Robby watched the devastation and said, “It appears I may have been wrong about them being delayed.”

Dani looked away from the display, “They have the next ships waiting for when they’re needed. Now we know why we needed to come see this. We have to develop a ship that is not just slightly stronger than their current ship but many times more powerful.” She looked at Timmy, “Let’s go home. I’ll send this recording to Alex as soon as we arrive.”

Timmy stared at the now dead planet as Greyson teleported away. Greyson realized that Grace may have been right. This enemy was something to fear.

Chapter Three

“Carter, are you ready?”

Carter gave a start, “Give me about an hour; I’ll meet you on the ship.”

“We’ll be waiting.”

Jenna looked at Carter, “So, you’re off again.”

Carter kissed her and smiled, “I hate to go, especially with the baby on the way.”

“Oh quit worrying about us; we’ll be fine. Just stay in touch.”

“I will.” Carter went to the learning center and looked in the Military Database at the teleportation probes; fifty minutes later he teleported to the Algean’s ship after speaking with Alex.

*

Carter looked at the display and saw the orange planet, “I don’t see any difference.”

Seed turned from the scanner and replied, “Today is when the really virulent spores we released are going to activate.”

“I’m not sure what you mean by that?”

“The initial spores are created to delay thirty days before they activate. However, the spores that are released from the infected orange plants will not be delayed. They will attack anything that has that orange plant’s structure. Every time the spores kill an orange plant they will release billions of new spores. We should be able to see an effect shortly.”

Carter stared at the display but saw nothing different from the first visit. He used his armor’s scanner and looked at the surface and absently asked, “How long does it take one of those spores to kill an orange plant?”

“Less than thirty minutes. The new spores will be released in less than fifteen minutes from the moment the spore infects an orange plant.”

“Are we over the place where we dropped the packet?”

Weed shook with his laughter, “Of course. We aren’t so incompetent that we’d miss it.”

“I wasn’t being critical. It’s just that every place on the surface looks identical.”

Seed said from the command chair, “Notice the four tall mountains to the north?”

Carter widened his scan and said, “Those are mountains?”

“It doesn’t look like it from a scan but they are over twenty thousand feet high. The uniform orange color tends to hide them.”

Carter looked at them with an active scan and saw that she was right. He looked back at the plain and saw something. There was a patch of ground that wasn’t orange. “Do you see that?”

“Yes we do; and it’s growing.”

Carter watched and saw Weed was right. The small patch seemed to double in size in less than five minutes. As he watched over the next hour the patch grew from a hundred square yards to a hundred square miles. He backed his scan out and saw thousands of areas on the surface that were losing their orange color. He heard Weed say, “That storm really scattered the spores. We should get a major change in the next thirty minutes; that’s when the second generation of spores begins doing their work.”

Carter moved his scan to the ocean and saw the orange colored seas were not showing any change. He wondered about that but looked back at the original site. He saw hundreds of clear patches of land on the surface that had stopped growing. He checked his watch and waited thirty minutes. What he saw stunned him. The clear patches were expanding at a phenomenal rate. From orbit it looked like the orange surface was retreating before an advance of brown colored dirt. He looked closer and saw the orange plants were falling apart and dissolving. Nothing remained after that brown wave washed over them. He looked back at the oceans and saw the change there was even more dramatic. It was like giant ripples were leaving the center of clear patches of ocean and routing the orange waters before them.

Carter looked at Seed, “Did you think it was going to react this fast?”

Seed looked at Carter leaning back, “No! This is beyond anything we envisioned. That orange plant offers no resistance to our spores.” Seed looked back at the display, “At the current rate of expansion, the planet will be clear in less than two days.”

Carter looked at Seed and shook his head, “If these spores are on a starship, the addicted crew might be dead in less than an hour after the spores activate.”

“You’re probably right. We need to change the delay from thirty days to ninety days.”

“Why?”

“We must make sure the spores are spread around the Invader’s fleets and planets. This would give them a warning before they could be spread.”

“How long will it take to make the change?”

“About four months. We’ll start working on the change while we’re here.”

Carter looked down on a clear continent and knew that someone was going to be really angry at whoever caused this to happen to their drug supply. He needed to see Alex again and soon.

*

Weed, Seed and Carter looked down on a planet that had nineteen black ships in orbit around it. The Invaders had entered a new universe now that the strongest civilizations had been destroyed. Carter looked at Weed and said, “How do you want to handle this?”

“I want you to go to each city those ships are going to sent their warriors and drop a packet into the middle of the city.”

“Why?”

“I want all nineteen ships to bring back some of the spores when their shuttles return. These ships will support other landings and the chance of contamination goes up.”

“What do we do after that?”

“We’ll teleport to as many planets as we can find and teleport a packet into one of the farms. If we’re discovered we’ll just teleport away. Are you ready?”

Carter turned on his armor and saw the nineteen coordinates on his data screen. He fed them into his guidance module and stuffed nineteen clear bags into the outer surface of his armor. Do I need to teleport them so they can fall?”

“No, just send them a thousand feet over each city. The bags are made to dissolve once they detect a rapid rate of descent. The spores will then scatter and cover the city.”

“Should I drop them up wind?”

Weed looked at his scans, “That’s a good idea. I’ll feed you the weather data on each city. It looks like the winds are nominal for thirteen cities. The six with high winds are being sent to you now.”

Carter read the data and allowed his navigation module to modify the coordinates. He saw the green light illuminate and teleported out. Two minutes later he appeared back on board. “It’s done; how long until the spores activate?”

Seed said, “Six months. We’ve decided that we shouldn’t rush the spread by allowing them to be discovered too soon. We’re going to start teleporting to the other planets and drop the packets over the highest concentration of Invaders. There are sixty other planets that are being attacked by multiple ships; we’ll pause at each of those for you to saturate the landers.”

Carter took his seat and watched the display. Planet after planet appeared in rapid succession and he knew the Algeans had already visited this universe and set up the program for dropping spores. He took a deep breath knowing that it was now beginning. He hoped the plan would work but he worried about how the Invaders were going to respond. The Empire’s ships weren’t ready to take on the Black Ships. He worried about Jenna and the baby.

*

“Alex, the Algeans are delivering the spores. Are you any closer to a solution?”

“No, Grace. It appears that we are going to have to take an entirely new approach to the power delivery and it appears that the process will take years to complete.”

Grace was frightened, “Why

“We can’t get a teleport screen close enough to a star to make the transfer. The heat is just too much for them.”

“Alex, you have to know what that means.”

“I do, but I can’t just conjure up what we need. We really believe the new process will work, but it’s going to take years to put in place.”

Grace teleported away, just after Alex sent a probe into her outer skin. He was going to teleport her to him if she was in trouble. She would just have to forgive him afterwards.

*

Scotty looked at Julie and felt his heart beat faster. She was teaching a group of ten young children the history of the Empire and somehow she was more beautiful today than he had ever seen. Grang and Geena were with her answering the children’s questions and he knew that it was a moment like this that made all the effort worth it. He didn’t know what the future held but he knew that he was blessed with a love that was larger than the universe. He waited until the class ended and then walked up to her. She smiled and saw his expression “Is something wrong?”

“No, I just need you to spend some alone time with me. I want to go back to our home on Bristone and have some time to ourselves if your schedule allows.”

Julie stood and bowed, “You could order me to go, Your Majesty.”

“Then you are so ordered.”

Julie came into his arms. Scotty hit his com, “Timmy, you and Virze will assume command in my absence. The Queen and I are taking a trip.”

“We’ll arrive momentarily, Your Majesty.”

Scotty held Julie and looked at New Hope from the top floor of the new capital building and saw the capital of the empire was growing at a phenomenal rate. He longed for the simple surroundings of Bristone. Julie looked up at him and he smiled, “Let’s go home, my love.”

Julie held on tight as Greyson teleported them on board and took them home. Three weeks later Scotty stepped down from the throne of the Empire and named Tim and Virze Valrico as the new Emperor and Empress. He didn’t know why but he knew he wanted every moment possible to be spent loving Julie. The Empire worried about the change initially but the new Royal Family quickly put their fears to rest. Grang and Geena continued their roles as the Emperor’s body guards.

Greyson missed Timmy when he became Emperor but was excited that Robby and Dani had asked him and Grace to accept them as their new partners. He knew that Scotty’s son was going to be heavily involved in the defense of the Empire and Grace also accepted their request; they became a formidable team.

Grang would visit Scotty occasionally and saw that he was finally at peace and truly happy. He loved his adopted brother and knew he had to let him go and continue his quest to pay back his sins. He hoped that he and Geena would find the same peace one day. Scotty and Julie would be safe on Bristone.

*

Alex and Vring were getting the probe ready to trial its ability to absorb extreme heat. Kreej got a faraway look and said, “I’m going to leave you soon.”

Vring turned around and looked at Kreej’s thoughts. Alex said, “Why, we’re at an important point in the new process.”

Vring said, “He has to go, Alex.”

“Why!”

“Robby and Dani are going to attempt to steal a dimensional drive from one of the Invader’s ships.”

Alex was shocked at the statement and didn’t know what to say. Vring looked at Kreej, “You know the risk?”

“We do but, if the spores work, we won’t have another opportunity like this one.”

“Are they sure that this is the time?”

“No, but they sense they need to make the attempt.”

“When are you going?”

“We’ll be leaving tomorrow to find a suitable candidate.”

Alex interrupted, “Then assist us today. This experiment will determine whether or not we’re on the right track.”

“Fair enough; I’ll leave after the probe sends its data.”

*

Robby and Dani hugged each other and waited for Grace to arrive. “Dani, are you sure you see yourself involved in this?”

“Yes, I do.”

Robby shook his head slowly, “I don’t get that sense when I think about it.”

“Robby, I knew when we were originally selecting weapons for our armor at the Defense Facility that I would need those slugs. Trust me; you are going to need me there.”

Robby shrugged but realized that Dani’s sense of anticipating danger was more developed than his. He knew he had to make the effort to steal the drive but he got no sense of what the outcome would be. He sighed and held her tighter, “Are you bringing Neelah with you?”

“No, I sense that would be a mistake. Kreej is the one we need to take with us. He’s going to play an important role is this mission.”

“Do you know where we’re going to make this happen?”

“Yes, I do. We’re going wherever the Algeans are currently located and I do have a sense of them not cooperating.”

Robby frowned, “Do tell.”

“I don’t understand it but I know they will be a problem.”

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, we are Grace. Is Kreej with you?”

“Yes, he just teleported on board.”

Robby and Dani turned on their armor and teleported to Grace’s Bridge. Dani went to the command chair and checked the system’s status, “Grace, go to full stealth and take us to the universe the Invaders are currently attacking. Scan for the Algeans as soon as we arrive.”

The large white ship disappeared.

*

Carter watched the display and saw an Invader ship above the planet where they had dropped the first packets of spores. The two Algeans were also watching their display intently and Carter didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, “What are you expecting to happen?”

Seed turned to him, “This was one of the first ships infected with our spores. We need to see if the Invaders are going to be affected.”

“Seed, we need to come to your location. Please send me your coordinates.”

Carter heard Dani’s thought and saw the two Algeans turn to each other. “I’m sorry, but we are in the middle of some very important observations. Now would not be a good time.”

“We also need to be there at this time and we insist that you send us your location.”

Carter watched the two Algeans talk to each other telepathically and not include him in their conversation. He heard Weed say, “I’m sorry, but we must decline. We can’t allow this to be disturbed.”

“This is not a request, Weed. The Emperor has sent us to conduct an experiment of our own and we must be there as quickly as possible.”

“I’m sorry, we can’t allow that.”

Carter pulled his gun from his holster and pointed it at the two Algeans, “Send the coordinates.”

The two Algeans turned and saw Carter’s gun. “We cannot do that. Don’t force us to take that weapon from you. We can move faster than you can hit us.”

Carter’s armor activated and he pointed his arm at the two Algeans, “Think you can do that now?”

The two Algeans froze.

Carter turned on his communicator, “I’ve just sent you the coordinates. I’m holding our two friends at gun point. Do you know what’s going on here?”

Grace teleported in next to Pyle and Robby and Dani then teleported on board. The Algeans didn’t move or say anything. Robby looked at them and then looked at the display with the Black Ship. He turned back to the Algeans, “You know why we’re here.”

“Yes, but you must not attempt it. It would cause a domino effect if the Invader’s creator learns what you’ve done.”

“Did you know that we sense a much higher danger from not making the effort?”

Seed looked at Weed and said, “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“You know we have the ability to sense danger.”

“Well, yes.”

“If we don’t make this effort the level of danger skyrockets; we must do this. Now, you can help us or we will teleport you to Greyson who is out in empty space. It’s your choice.”

Seed looked at Weed, “We’ve done what we can. They should be allowed to choose their destiny.”

Weed turned to Robby, “It’s critically important that your theft not be discovered.”

“We’ll make every effort to insure that happens but we will attempt the theft.”

Carter looked at Robby, “What are you going to steal?”

“We’re going to take their interdimensional drive.”

Carter was shocked, “How? That device has got to be massive.”

“We’ll handle it.” Robby looked at the two Algeans, “How far along do you think the crew is infected?”

“The spores became active thirty minutes ago. The crew will be starting to feel the tremors momentarily if our readings have been accurate. What are you going to do?”

“We know that in order to contact their Creator, they must drop their force field. As soon as that field drops, Dani and I are teleporting on board and killing everyone on the bridge before they can start communicating.”

“Surely, you don’t think you can do that fast enough before the transmission starts?”

“You should have done your homework better, Weed. We’ve studied more than eight hundred recordings of their communications and the reason the force field must be dropped is that the communications device needs the power being used to maintain the force field to drive the communicator. We have a five second window. Are you going to help us or not?”

Weed stared at Robby and then said, “Turn on your armor. We’ve scanned the bridge and I’ll give you the coordinates where you must arrive. You must kill the Captain of that ship first before he could trigger its self-destruct mechanism. The other location is what we believe to be the Communications Officer. There are thirty crew members on the bridge and they are all armed. Are you sure you want to try this? Both of you can die in the effort.”

Carter said, “I’ll go with you.”

Dani looked at him, “Sorry Carter, you aren’t armed to handle this. We have broad head slugs that will not penetrate those that are hit. We can’t run the risk of damage to any of their consoles.”

Carter smiled, “I have a hundred of those slugs.”

Robby did a double take, “Why did you take those?”

“Because I saw Dani had taken some out of the Defense Facility’s inventory. I assumed she was smarter than I was so I also loaded them.”

Robby looked at Dani, “Do you see him.”

“No, but that doesn’t mean he’s not there.”

“This explains why you had to be involved. It fits.”

Dani smiled, “Weed, where is the largest concentration of crew members?”

Weed looked at Seed again and said, “Twenty are along the back wall manning the drive and beam controls.”

“Carter, those are yours to handle. Are you ready?”

Carter keyed his armor’s weapon control and made a change, “The slugs are now loaded.”

Robby said, “Lock in your coordinates; Weed, tell us as soon as that field drops.”

“You still haven’t told me how you’re going to remove the drive.”

Robby smiled, “That’s the easy part. Keep your focus on that screen.”

Weed saw the huge black ship fall slightly off its orbit, “It won’t be long. The ship is starting to drift.”

Chapter Four

The Ship Master was not feeling well. He felt shaky and his head was hurting with a beating pain that almost made him pass out. He looked around the bridge and saw that his crew was also looking bad. Something was happening. He reached for a pinch of orange powder and saw that half of the container was green. What’s going on? He looked at his hands and saw they were covered with splotchy green sores that itched. One of the crew members suddenly fell out of their chair and began trembling on the floor. “Open a channel to the Masters.”

The operator of the force field reached for the control and tumbled out of his chair unconscious. The Master stood and stumbled over to his console and pushed the pad to lower the field. Suddenly a being in bright red armor appeared to his right and shot him in the chest with some kind of weapon. The Sensor Master raised his gun to fire on the intruder and was knocked ten feet back by something that hit him in the chest. The Communications Master reached for the pad to activate his console and his head blow up.

Carter appeared at the back wall and shot fifteen of the orange colored creatures in less than two seconds. Most of them were unable to draw their weapons because of the tremors they were experiencing. Five of them were on the floor starting the severe tremors that happened just before death. Ten of the crew members that were operating consoles were able to fire at the red colored beings but their beams just splashed off their armor. Every Invader on the bridge was killed and none of them had been able to get off a shot that damaged any of the delicate machinery.

“Kreej, we’re ready.”

Kreej teleported on the bridge and looked around. He turned toward a console and then looked behind him. “Do you want the communications console as well?”

“Can you take both?”

“Yes, I can. However, there is a failsafe on the drive.”

“What do you mean?”

“If anything disrupts power to the console, the self destruct-circuit automatically goes off.”

Robby looked at Dani, “Then we must abort this mission.”

Kreej started at the console and said, “No, we’ve got to make the effort. The three of you should go now and I’ll take the console in my final sweep. I’ll teleport out as soon as I get it.”

“There won’t be enough time, Kreej.”

“Robby, I’m pretty certain that there will be a minimal delay from the destruct device when power is cut. They must cut power to work on this ship so the computer behind the device will have to determine that something out of the ordinary is happening. We’ve got to try.”

Dani looked at Robby and said, “Good-luck, Kreej.” Robby, Dani, and Carter disappeared from the bridge.

Kreej looked around the bridge and moved behind the communications console and extended his wings. He set the armor to absorption and brought them together. The drive console was taken just as his wings came together.

Robby and Dani watched the ship and saw it suddenly explode into a giant fireball. “Kreej.” Robby thought again, “Kreej!”

“You were right, that thing went off a lot faster than I anticipated.”

Robby lowered his head with a big sigh, “Did you get it?”

“Yes, and I also took the weapons console.”

Robby looked at Weed, “I think our theft will go unnoticed. The ship’s self destruct should make them think the Master did it when the spores began killing the crew.”

Weed said, “We can only hope that happens.”

Robby looked at the two Algeans, “I hope you realize that we can no longer trust you. However, you may return to your observations.”

Seed leaned forward, “We’ve done what we wanted to accomplish. We will return to your universe and just be observers.”

Robby and Dani teleported to Grace and Carter looked at the Algeans, “Why was it so important that the power behind the Invaders not know about our theft?”

“Because then that being would come and take it back.”

“I thought you wanted it to come out and make itself known.”

“We do, but not in our universe.”

“Oh.” Carter knew that something was not being said but he didn’t push the issue. They wouldn’t have told him anyway and he sensed they were still very nervous.

*

The Distributor came off his couch with multiple alarms ringing. It checked the communication panel and immediately saw that something terrible was happening. Tens of thousands of ships harvesting the new universe were reporting an illness that was sweeping through their ranks. It activated its scanner and saw thousands of dead ships. It looked inside the ships and saw the crews were dead. It also saw most of them had lost the orange skin color and were covered in sores that were deep green.

It immediately contacted the Ten Ruling Masters and saw that they were all dead. He then turned his scanner to the distribution center and saw that all of the huge warehouses were filled with dark green packets.

“Oh no!” It checked the distribution ship that was due to arrive and saw it was still coming toward the main center. It ordered the Ship Master to turn around and head back to the distribution center. Whatever was affecting the ships had not affected the ship bringing the shipment this cycle.

The four Council Members appeared on his display and demanded to know what was happening. “I don’t know. Something is attacking the Remid. Whatever it is, it kills it and those that are addicted. Most of my harvesting fleet has been affected.”

“Where did this come from?”

“I have no idea. One of the victims will have to be examined to make that determination.”

One of the Council said, “I would suggest you make that happen immediately. I want answers.”

The orange being saw their anger and nodded. He dispatched a ship and waited for what they discovered. He felt his rage build at what was being done to their drug supply. His rage increased as it realized it was not going to be allowed to rest until this problem was resolved. It considered what was taking place and knew that this was a deliberate attack. It looked forward to dealing with those responsible.

*

Four turns later its communication panel alarm went off. It had determined that of the million plus ships in the harvesting universe, only a quarter of them were not infected with what had killed the others. It turned its attention to the panel, “What have you been able to determine?”

“Someone has developed a spore that attacks the pod plants. It not only kills the plant and its spores, but any exposed product that has been harvested as well.”

“What will it take to remove it?”

“I don’t believe it can be removed.”

“What do you mean!?!”

“This spore is an artificial creation and it is a hardy life form. It can be burned if hit with a beam hotter than eight hundred units. However, it can survive in space and once it attaches to a pod, it will multiply by billions.”

“Are you saying that it can cling to a ship’s hull and survive in the vacuum of space?”

“Yes, Master.”

“How widespread is it?”

“We have found it in the upper atmospheres of thousands of planets we’ve invaded. It would be deadly for our ships to come close to any of those planets. Once the ship landed, the spores would be attached to its hull.”

“You’re certain this was artificially created.”

“Yes and it was delivered to the planets we’ve conquered.”

“Was it created in that universe?”

“We have no way of making that determination.”

The Distributor saw the creature on his screen was starting to shake, “Are you infected?”

“We tried to avoid contact but it appears we were unsuccessful.”

“You will remain where you are and allow me to see how long it takes for you to die.”

The orange being on the screen nodded and leaned back in its chair and closed its eyes. Thirty minutes later it went into convulsions and died a horrible death. The Distributor watched and sent a report to the Council. It hoped it would not be blamed for what had happened but knew it might not live out the day.

*

Robby teleported in to the Defense Facility and arrived to find seven Zord directing mechanical engineers on how to take the consoles apart that had been taken from the Invader’s ship. Robby stared at their activity and heard a thought, “We have made a determination about these machines.”

Robby turned to a large Zord and said, “What is that?”

“We will not be able to use them until we can build a power supply much stronger than what we are currently able to produce.”

Robby looked back at the quick tear down of the former bridge, “Even the Invaders had to drop their force fields to use them.”

“Yes, they did.”

“Do you understand how they function?”

“We need some more time on the drive but the communication device is easily understood. However, we will be unable to use any of this until we develop a much stronger source of power.”

Robby nodded and said, “I guess it all depends on you, Alex. Are you making any progress?”

“Yes, we are. Our experimental probe was able to absorb the outer surface of a star for three minutes.”

“Is that good?”

“It’s a huge step forward in our plans.”

Robby looked back at the dimensional drive console and then asked Alex, “What is your ultimate goal in this?”

“We want to absorb a star into the hulls of our ships.”

“For how long?”

“Robby, you know the Alexander Kosiev absorbed a dead star into its outer skin?”

“Yes, most of the ancient Megaships did the same.”

“We want to absorb a live star into the outer skin of our ships.”

Robby was stunned, “Is that possible?”

“Not yet, but we’re working on it. We’ve found that we’re able to teleport power from inside the screen to its surface. We have much better control inside that skin and the transporter of the power does not burn up. We are currently getting enough small black holes made to convert the fleet’s hulls to the absorbent hulls. It’s going to take a long time to make it happen but we feel like this is the way to go.”

“Keep me in the loop, Alex.”

“I will. Come back and see me whenever you can.”

Robby smiled and teleported to Greyson.

*

Dani sat on board Grace and watched the destruction of the Invader ship. “I’m surprised Kreej was able to get away in time.”

“Me too, Grace. He cut it pretty close.”

Grace was silent for a moment and said, “The Algeans are requesting permission to go back to the site of that the theft.”

“Did they say why?”

“No, but they say it’s important to predicting the Invader’s next plan of attack.”

Dani thought a moment and said, “I don’t like them. They are on a different agenda than us.”

“That is probably true but that doesn’t mean their views aren’t valuable.”

“Ok, go pick them up and see what’s going on.”

“They’re here on Bristone. I’ll teleport them aboard.”

Weed and Seed appeared and bowed to Dani, “You have no need to bow to me; I’m not royalty.”

Weed replied, “Was your husband’s Father not the Emperor?”

“Well, yes he was.”

Seed said, “And if something happens to the current Emperor, who will take his place?”

Dani thought about that question and didn’t know how to answer, “I really don’t know. I’m not sure if Emperor Valrico has named a successor.”

“It doesn’t matter who he names; who will the people demand?”

Dani slowly shook her head, “I see where you’re going with this but I’m not sure we would accept.”

“You may not be given a choice. Your psychic skills may force you to take the throne to make sure the right things are done for the survival of the Empire.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because in every previous war, the Realm was led by a ruler with psychic abilities and the current Emperor does not possess those skills. You and your husband do.”

“That may have been true in the past; however, it appears there are other forces pushing us in a different direction at this moment.” Dani sighed, “What is it you want me to help you accomplish?”

“We need to go back to the invaded universe and find one of their ships.”

“We can find one of their ships pretty much everywhere now. It appears most of the crews have died.”

“No, we need to find a specific ship that was used to destroy a civilization that killed more than three thousand of the Invader ships. I believe you witnessed that destruction. That ship is the next model in their fleet.”

Grace said, “Carter told me about that ship. Isn’t it half again as large as their current ships?”

“Yes it is.”

Dani thought about what Weed was asking, “Why do we need to find it?”

“Because if it isn’t there, it had to have been taken back to the place where they hold their reserve fleets.”

“Why would that matter, Seed?”

“Because if they did take it back, and if spores were on its hull; it would infect their entire inventory of reserve ships.”

Dani saw the implications, “You’re right. That would prevent them from using those ships now to attack us. How do we make sure?”

“We recorded the frequency of its force field. If it’s there, we should be able to easily scan for that frequency over millions of light years.”

Dani stood up, “Let’s do this. I’ll bring Robby in and one of you can go with him and one of you with me. If it’s there, we’ll find it.”

“We should hurry, your Grace.”

Dani flinched at the honorific but asked, “Why should we hurry?”

“I don’t expect those ships to be left intact by their maker much longer. I suspect they are there as bait and if no one takes it, the ships will be destroyed and we won’t know.”

“Then we need to hide our ships behind a psychic screen instead of our normal stealth screens.”

Weed leaned to the right, “Perhaps we should use both.”

Dani smiled, “Perhaps we should.”

*

Greyson passed through the galaxy at high speed and scanned for the frequency of the huge ship. Scotty waited and nothing appeared on the scan. “Seed, there’s only three more to check.”

“I know; I really expected Dani and Weed would find it first because the planet it was used to destroy was in their half.”

“Let’s finish with the last three. Perhaps you’re right and it was taken back.”

“I really hope it was.”

Greyson said, “I’m teleporting to the next one.”

Robby shook his head at the hundreds of thousands of dead Black Ships they had viewed. Some of them were still alive but were not moving. They had obviously been ordered to remain where they were. He wondered if Dani had found it. He decided to check with her after the last galaxy was scanned. This universe didn’t have the billions of galaxies like our universe. That made the search easier but they had not found that frequency in any of the galaxies scanned. It wasn’t going to take much longer to complete the search.

*

The two ships jumped into a solar system where nine of the Invader ships were hanging above a planet that was starting to turn orange on one of the continents. Weed checked his memory and said, “We did not drop a packet on this planet. This must have been one attacked at the end of their invasion and these ships have not visited any other site.”

“Notice that the farms are being ignored on the surface. Evidently they heard about the infections and decided the safest place to be was aboard ship.”

Weed leaned forward, “I think you’re right. I’m teleporting a packet of spores to the surface. We should try to save whatever life remains below from the pods.”

Suddenly, all nine ships blew up like a giant string of firecrackers in huge explosions. Robby watched the ships as they were blown into small pieces and then saw the debris start falling and burn up in the planet’s atmosphere. Some of the larger pieces hit the planet’s surface causing huge explosions and tsunami’s. Robby looked at Weed, “What do you think this means?”

Weed stared at the display and said, “If that new ship was taken back to their inventory, we have been given some time before the Invader’s Creator can respond.”

“Why?”

“They cannot use the inventory where that ship was taken. There will be too great a risk that it has been infected and they won’t take the chance that the spores will be released in their place of operations. They’re going to have to build entirely new ship building facilities and crews to man the new ships. I suspect they have the technology to make that happen faster than anything we can imagine but it won’t happen immediately.”

“What do you think will happen when they do show up?”

“I don’t know but it won’t be good.”

“We aren’t ready.”

“We know.”

Robby looked at the display, “Let’s go home. Worrying about it won’t change anything.”

*

The Distributor had the Council on his display and was as frightened as it had ever been in its long lifetime. It knew the words it used were going to determine whether it lived or died. The First Council Member stared at him with obvious rage and said, “What have you discovered!?!”

“We have been attacked by a very advanced civilization.” It watched the Councilor carefully and saw the rage change to doubt. Maybe he had a chance to survive.

“What do you mean?”

“The spore that attacks our pods was artificially created; it is not a naturally grown organism. It is deliberately designed to attack the pods and will not affect anything else. It was engineered to kill our supply of Remid.” It watched the four Council Members look at each other and, though they were still angry, they were also thinking about that piece of information.

“Where was it developed?”

This is where he had to be careful. He knew that if he said he didn’t know he was dead. “It came from one of the universes we have scouted to invade.”

The Council didn’t say anything. Finally the Third Councilor asked, “How do you know it didn’t come from the universe that was being harvested?”

“If that universe had that spore, it would have seeded their planets before we arrived to protect them and there would have been no delay in its activation. That spore had to have been spread developed before we started our harvesting in that universe.” The Council looked doubtful. “I’ve determined that the spore activates after fifty turns. It first appeared on a planet that was invaded more than eighty turns after the harvesting began. The first planet harvested began showing signs of the spore at the same moment as the one invaded eighty turns later. They had to have been seeded at the same time.”

“They could have developed it after we started our invasion.”

“None of the planets infected by the spore had a civilization advanced enough to develop it. It would have taken us more than six thousand turns to develop anything like it. No, this was brought to that universe and deployed against us. The long delay before the spores activated was intentional to insure complete dispersal in all of our facilities and ships. The second generation of spores does not have that delay engineered into them; they attack immediately.”

The Distributor saw the Council’s rage was gone and they were thinking about what had happened. He was not out of the woods yet. Be careful, he kept telling himself.

“Can we develop a means to kill that spore?”

“It would take us more than a million turns to even come close. That spore is hardy and almost impossible to kill. Whoever designed it is very close to our level of bioengineering.”

“Is it possible to modify the pods to withstand the spore?”

“Not without losing the benefits of the powder and that still wouldn’t protect us from it.”

The Fourth Councilor leaned forward and stared at the Distributor in the display, “Then where did the spore originate?”

“It had to come from one of the universes we’ve been scouting for harvesting.”

The Fourth leaned back and frowned, “And you determined that….?”

“Whoever created this monstrosity had to know about our existence and possess the ability to go to other universes. It is my belief that one of our scouts was discovered and followed.”

The Distributor saw the First register fear, “Do you think they came here?”

“No, I do not. If they possessed a dimensional drive they would have attacked us here instead of in that universe. No, they saw one of our ships, followed it, and ddtermined we were coming once they saw our harvesting efforts. That gave them time to develop this spore.”

“How many universes have we scouted that have not been attacked?”

“Ten but only eight of them are candidates for the attacker. Two of them are only recently being scouted and wouldn’t allow enough time for the spore to be developed.”

The Third asked, “How much Remid do we have in our stores?”

“We have enough to supply us for more than four thousand turns. We eliminated three fleets because the supply was growing too fast and, as we all know, the potency is reduced over time. One fleet harvesting filled our needs perfectly.”

The First then asked the question that could get him killed, “How much has been contaminated?”

The Distributor knew that they would see his fear if he wavered so he answered honestly and hoped for the best, “I am forced to act like everything has been exposed. Our production centers, our distribution centers, and our reserve fleets.”

The Second stood and the Distributor saw his rage, “How was the reserve fleets infected. Are you that inefficient?”

The Distributor forced himself to show no outward fear and said, “It was your command that required me to only send the needed number of ships to harvest a universe. You ordered me to invade with the entire fleet but then withdraw those ships not needed to manage the harvest. The current universe being attacked has one third the normal number of galaxies and after the initial attacks, I followed your command and began withdrawing the appropriate number of ships to reserve. I have no way of knowing if any of the spores are on their hulls. I choose not to run a risk in using them in any future harvestings.” The Distributor saw the Second deflate immediately as the other three on the Council stared at him. The Distributor smiled and said, “Unless you think I should use them.”

The First continued to stare at the Second as he said, “No, you’re right in that choice. Does that mean we must rebuild our entire infrastructure again?”

“It does.”

“What are you going to do about the old fleets?”

“I think we should destroy them all including the reserve fleets and quarantine those locations. A completely different universe should be used for our new facilities. I have been waiting for your guidance before I take that step.”

The first looked at the other Councilors and saw them nod, “You will carry out that plan. How do you plan to make up for lost production?”

The Distributor knew he was at another danger point but he pushed a button and sent the four Council Members a listing of priorities, “I will build eight fleets that we will use to harvest new universes. I will start the first ships harvesting before I build any of the advanced models we normally hold in reserve. We will no longer scout before we attack. We have not encountered any universe that can stand up to our technology. We scouted to pick the optimum universe to invade for fast and efficient conquest and that worked when our supply exceeded our needs. However, it is my belief that by scouting our future invasions, one of them was warned and the spore is a product of that knowledge. Once our supply is back to normal, we’ll eliminate as many fleets as needed to maintain optimal levels.”

“What about those eight universes that were scouted?”

The Distributor looked at the First and said, “I will carry out your orders on what you want me to do with them.”

The First leaned into the display and snarled, “Destroy them all.”

The Distributor smiled, “It will be my pleasure.”

The Distributor watched his display closely and saw three of the Council Members staring at the Second just before the picture went black. It leaned back and took a deep breath and felt his shaking start. It appeared there was going to soon be an open couch on the Council. It knew the real reason it couldn’t use the reserve fleets was because he had taken one of the next generation of battleships and used it to destroy a planet in the new harvesting. Returning it to the reserve fleets was an error that would have gotten him killed. He had rushed and brought other ships back following the Second’s orders, which he had previously ignored, once he learned of the spore. He knew those fleets were contaminated when he brought those ships back but it was the only way to save him from certain death. It was a good thing the Second had issued that order several thousand cycles ago. It turned to its board and sent the self destruct signal to the old facilities and fleets. Four hundred planets exploded and more than eight million ships and crews ceased to exist. Now it could begin the construction of the fleets and processing centers. It was angry about the long time he was going to have to remain awake to build the new structures but he looked forward to destroying eight universes. He never tired of seeing death and destruction of other species and this was worth staying awake to view. It would provide many pleasant dreams when he returned to his couch.

Chapter Five

Dani jerked wide awake from a nightmare that had her trembling, “Robby!!”

“What’s wrong!?!”

“I need you here, now!!”

Scotty teleported to Dani’s room on Bristone and reached for her. He saw her shaking and crying out of control, “What’s wrong. Tell me what’s wrong!”

Dani was breathing short breaths as she held on to Robby with all her strength. Robby wrapped her in his arms and said, “Shhhh, everything’s alright. I’m here now.” He rocked her slowly in his arms and she began to slow her breathing.

After twenty minutes Dani’s breathing slowed to a point where she was able to say with a quivering voice, “Everyone is going to die, Robby. Everyone.”

Robby fought hard not to over react but felt his heart rate increase, “What do you mean?”

“I’ve had a vision and everyone living in this universe is going to die.”

“Show me, Dani.”

Dani let him into her mind and he saw the vision she had just experienced. As Scotty watched, he felt his anxiety level skyrocket, “Are you sure this is a vision?” Dani leaned back and looked at him; he sighed and shook his head, “I was hoping I saw it wrong. We need to tell my parents.”

Both of them suddenly started trembling. Dani wailed, “We can’t tell anyone!”

Robby was stunned; his sense of danger went off the scale when he thought about warning Scotty and Julie. The danger level was lower when he thought about saying nothing. “Oh, Robby, everyone is going to die.”

Robby saw the vision of Bristone burning. The atmosphere had been blown away by one of the giant Black Ships and the continents were cracked down to the planet’s core, causing molten rock to spew miles above the dead planet’s surface. He saw that all of the Empire’s planets were burning just like Bristone. He knew from the vision that no planet with an intelligent species on it in this universe was still alive and that trillions had died in agony. He also saw that he and Dani were on Bristone’s surface talking with his parents when the beam was fired. He heard the warning from Anglo and looked up at the night sky just before the Invader fired that terrible beam.

Dani put her head on his chest and continued to cry. This was a psychic vision and it was going to happen; there was no avoiding it and nothing could stop it. He looked at it again and felt fear and anger in equal measure. He looked down at Dani and took a deep breath. There was a reason for this; there had to be. He had to find it. He knew that even if he found it, life in this universe was ending soon and he couldn’t warn anyone about what was coming.

He held Dani through the night and couldn’t get the vision out of his mind. He knew Dani was suffering from what she saw but he didn’t have the words to comfort her. He was shocked beyond words and fought to control his anger at a Creator that would allow the death of so many worlds. Finally, Dani took a deep breath, got up, went to the kitchen and filled a bowl with ice cream. Scotty followed her and she said, “Ice cream always makes me feel better. We need to think this thing through and we can’t if we allow our fear to overwhelm us.”

Robby filled a bowl with cookies and then put the ice cream on top. Dani furrowed her brow and he said, “Cookies always makes it better.” She reached over and put a layer of cookies on top of her bowl.

They ate in silence and Dani said, “Why are we being warned?”

Robby shook his head and chewed the cookies for a moment, “We can’t prevent what we’ve seen.” Dani nodded. “That means something must be done to reduce the damage of this vision. Otherwise, there would be no reason for seeing it.”

“There’s one other reason.”

“What is that?”

“This has to happen to prevent a larger harm.”

“What could be worse than this?”

“I don’t know but I sense that is the reason.”

Robby pondered her idea and said, “We have always said that psychics appear at a time when creation is out of balance. When evil is threatening the balance, psychics appear. Do you think our universe is a pawn in the larger game?”

Dani looked at Robby and nodded, “Picture the Creative Force as a parent and the universes are its children. These Orange Creatures are killing the children of this Force. We are shocked and angered at what’s going to happen here but how many other universes have died at the hands of the Invaders. If we have to die to stop them, we will. If we attempt to change the future, I sense we will still be destroyed but greater harm will follow. The Invaders may not be stopped.”

“So why have we been warned?”

“I don’t know but we can’t tell anyone. Do you understand that?”

Robby nodded.”

“I’m serious, Robby. Your parents are going to die. Can you stand by and watch that happen?”

Robby took a deep breath, “I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.”

“We are there with them, Robby.”

“I think that is the reason for this vision, Dani.”

Dani tilted her head, “Why do you say that?”

“We know it’s coming; we have armor and can teleport out. This warning gives us enough time to react before we’re hit. This vision is to save us.”

Dani looked him in the eyes and nodded, “Then if we are going to be saved, there must be others that can also survive.” She thought a few moments and sighed, “Here’s what we’ll do. We can’t do anything to prevent this but we can determine what we can do to minimize it by making sure we look at every future decision and determine the level of danger. If it’s high, we can’t do it. Will you agree to do this?”

“That means we can’t offer any choices. It may impact what’s coming in a very bad way.”

Dani looked at Robby and he saw a small smile, “What?”

“I suspect that it’s not us that are being saved.”

Robby stared at her, “I don’t see any other possibilities.”

“It could be our children.”

“But we don’t have any children.”

Dani stared at him and Robby wondered what she meant. Then he understood, “Not right now, right.”

Dani reached and hugged his neck, “No, not at this moment. Give it a few months.”

Robby hugged her and kissed his wife. He looked inside and knew she was right. He focused on her and could feel the child.

Dani signed and said, “I’ve wondered why Timmy and Virze were made the new rulers of the Empire instead of us. Now I know.”

Robby thought about it and slowly nodded, “You have always been better at this than me. Timmy’s decisions won’t be influenced by prior knowledge. We need to move to New Hope and see where he’s going to lead us.”

“I sense someone else is going to bring some of us salvation.”

Robby furrowed his brow, “Who?”

“Carter Reese.”

Robby thought a moment and weighed her observation, “Carter it is.”

*

Carter and Jenna sat onboard Pyle and looked at the orange planet below. “Carter why are we here?”

“I’m thinking about what’s going to happen to us when the Invaders build their new ships. I’m looking at some alternatives to try and minimize their chances of finding us.”

Jenna heard Cassandra in the nursery and left the bridge to get her. She returned with the toddler rubbing her eyes. She looked at Carter and held out her little arms as she ran across the bridge to her father. He lifted her up and spun her around as he sat back down in his chair. Cassie stared at the planet on the screen and frowned, “You don’t like it do you little one?”

Cassie looked at Carter and shook her head.

“What do you think about my plan?”

The three year old smiled and nodded. She wrapped her arms around his neck and giggled. Carter looked at Jenna and saw her wondering what had just happened. “We need to go see the Emperor.”

Jenna came over and took Cassie and sat in her chair. Cassie looked her in the eyes and had a very peaceful expression. Jenna looked back at Carter and didn’t know what to think. Did Cassie know what he was going to do? Cassie looked at her and nodded again.

*

Greyson commed Robby, “Pyle just notified me that Carter is on his way to see the Emperor for a formal discussion.”

Robby started to call Dani when he heard her thought, “Grace just told me. We need to be at that meeting.”

Robby checked Greyson’s board, “He’s been scheduled to meet with Timmy this afternoon.”

“We’ll just happen to show up.”

“Make sure Trey is with you.”

“You didn’t have to ask. I’m sure he’ll help us.”

Dani looked at her three year old son and he smiled. “You’ve been listening in again.” Trey smiled and laughed out loud.

*

Robby and Dani entered the throne room and Timmy saw them. He jumped up and ran forward and picked up Trey to swing him around. Trey laughed and hugged Timmy’s neck as he turned circles, “Robby, Dani, it’s so good to see you. I didn’t know you were coming.”

“We just wanted to stop by for a few moments since we were in the neighborhood.”

Timmy handed Trey to Dani and hugged them. “I have a meeting with Carter but I’m free afterwards. Can you wait?”

“Yes we can. Is Junior around?”

“He’ll be here with Virze in just a moment. Ah, here they are.”

Virze came in from the rear of the throne room and Junior ran forward to see Trey. The two then started chasing each other laughing at the top of their voices. “Oh to be that young with that much energy.”

Dani and Robby bowed and Dani said, “You have that right. Were we ever that full of energy?”

Virze hugged Robby and Dani and then gathered up Junior and sat down on her throne. Robby and Dani saw Carter and Jenna enter with Cassie in Jenna’s arms. She squirmed out of Jenna’s arms and ran up to Junior and hugged him. Robby looked at Dani as he noticed that Trey and Cassie looked at each other but didn’t come close to each other. Dani picked up Trey and went to a chair in the right wing of the throne room. Dani saw Trey’s discomfort and felt him start to relax when he was moved away from Cassie.

Robby went to Carter and held out his hand, “It’s good to see you old friend.”

Carter smiled that wonderful smile he always seemed to have and shook Robby’s hand vigorously, “Yes it is and I’m glad you’re here.”

“Why is that?”

“I might need your support for something I’m going to suggest to Timmy.”

Robby shrugged and said, “I’ll do what I can.”

Timmy and Virze remained on their thrones since this was an official meeting and waited for Carter to approach. Cassie ran back to Jenna and stood in front of her between her legs.

Carter turned and walked toward the thrones and bowed. “Welcome, Carter Reese. Please rise and tell us how may we be of service?”

Carter smiled and said, “I have a plan that I’m hoping you will agree to implement. I know you may not like it initially but I feel you should hear all of it before you make a decision.”

Timmy furrowed his brow, stood up, and looked over Carter’s shoulder as Weed and Seed entered the throne room’s entrance. They moved forward and stopped behind Carter. Carter turned around, saw them, and looked at them with a furrowed brow. Timmy said, “It seems I have more unexpected guests than I thought. He looked over at Robby who shrugged. He looked back at the Algeans, “Is there a reason you’re here?”

“We are here to support Carter’s plan.”

Carter looked at the two Algeans and said, “I haven’t discussed my plan with you.”

“No, but it’s clear what you want to happen.”

Timmy looked at Carter, ““With whom have you discussed this plan?”

Carter looked around the room and said, “No one; not even Jenna.”

Timmy looked at Jenna and she nodded, “I don’t know why he asked for this meeting.”

Virze said, “And you didn’t ask?”

“I knew that I shouldn’t. I don’t know how but I knew.”

Virze looked at Timmy and he sat down. “What’s your plan, Carter?”

“I want you to leave the Empire, Your Majesty.”

Timmy was stunned at the suggestion and Virze didn’t know what to say either.

Finally Timmy said shaking his head, “Why?”

“To save the Empire.”

Robby looked at Dani and nodded. She felt it as well. The danger level was going down.

Carter continued, “We know the Orange Creatures are going to come looking for the ones that produced the spores that killed their pods. It’s just a matter of time and I suspect we don’t have a lot of time remaining before they show up. What will they see when they scan this universe? I also want you to consider that the Creator of these Black Ships will be the one making the scan. If this imagined Creator has the technology of the Red Demons, it will be able to see our entire universe with one scan. There will be no moving planets to hide from it. I ask you again, Your Majesty, if we are scanned, what will it immediately see?”

Timmy looked at Virze and then turned back to Carter, “It will see hundreds of thousands of ships we’ve built and the planets building them.”

“And which planet is the largest builder of those ships?”

Timmy took a deep breath and said, “New Hope.”

“We can’t hide this planet or the other sixty five high technology worlds building our fleet. Our universe will be their first target and we’re not ready to take them on. We can’t defeat the ships they were using before we dropped the spores on them. The next ship that shows up will be even stronger. Do you see it any other way?”

Timmy thought a moment and said, “You don’t know for certain that they will be able to see our entire universe.”

“Are you willing to bet the Empire against that? Come on, Timmy, you’re too smart to even consider that idea. You’ve always been the one to make hard decisions and now it’s time to make another.”

Timmy noticed that Carter had not used his title and was initially angry but then realized he was trying to get him to think. He was reminding him of what a Searcher’s Partner had to do to survive. He looked at Carter and said, “Then how do we hide our planets?”

“We move them to another universe.”

Timmy sat back, “That’s never been done. We don’t have the technology to do that.”

“We didn’t, but I put Alex and Vring to work on it and they’ve modified a probe so that we can do it. They conducted a trial four months ago and it worked flawlessly.”

“Where would you move us?”

“I have found a universe that the Invaders have destroyed centuries go. There is nothing there but barren worlds covered in orange dust. I was worried that the Invaders may have gone back to the universes they’ve destroyed to collect dust from the pods but I discovered that was not something they would do.”

“Why not?”

“Because the dust and pods lose their potency over time; the dust wouldn’t deliver the required kick they desire. Only newly grown pods will produce the optimum drug. Going back to those universes would be the very last thing they would do and only if all else failed. Our production planets will not be found there.”

“We need raw materials to build our ships, Carter.”

“Once we kill the orange pods on the planets in that universe, we will have millions of worlds that are barren and full of all the raw materials we’ll ever need. We’ll place an industrialized planet opposite a barren planet in the same solar system and the materials will be closer than they are here.”

Virze put her hand on Timmy’s arm. He looked at her and knew that she was telling him that Carter was smarter than any of them. He looked her in the eye and turned back to Carter, “What about our fleet?”

“The first order of business after moving is to complete the Fleet Academy here on New Hope and train the crews in that universe. The ships will be moved there as well.”

“How can we leave the Empire without leadership to do this?”

Carter shrugged, “You’ll have to name those to take your place here. Your Majesty, you know that the main activity of the Empire is with the industrialized worlds. That’s where most of your attention is placed and if they’re moved, you must go with them.”

Robby looked at Dani and knew she saw the connection from the vision. He wondered why they were on Bristone when the Invaders attacked and now they knew. Robby stood, “Your Majesty, Dani and I will stay behind and rule the Empire from Bristone. It’s been done before and all the facilities we need are still there.”

Timmy stared at Robby, “So, you agree with this plan?”

Robby took a breath and said, “Not only do I agree with it but Dani and I see the Empire destroyed if we don’t follow it.”

Timmy stared at Robby for a long moment, “Is that why you’re here?”

“I wish I could tell you why but we sensed we needed to be here.”

Timmy looked at the Algeans, “And you as well.”

Weed said, “We believe that if the industrialized planets are here that the Creator of the Black Ships will come here personally to destroy this universe.”

“I thought you wanted them to reveal themselves?”

“We do, but not here.”

Dani looked at Robby and thought to him, “Now, I understand.” Robby looked at her and she thought to him, “I’ll tell you later.”

Carter saw that Timmy was close to going along with his plan but then he asked the question he couldn’t answer, “Are we going to leave the Defense Facility here? We’ve got to have it to develop our ships. You might also consider that if that being sees it, then the gig is up no matter what we do.”

Dani stood and said, “We will persuade it to go, Your Majesty.”

Timmy stared at Dani and said, “If you can do that, I will go along with your plan. Let me know if you’re successful.”

Carter bowed to the Royal Couple and went over to Dani, “You know Alex will not leave the universe he is sworn to defend.”

Dani put her hand on Carter’s shoulder, “Give me some time. I’ll make an offer he can’t refuse.”

Carter smiled and shook his head, “Now that’s something I want to hear.”

Dani smiled, “Sorry Carter, you’re too young.”

Carter sighed, “Well, ok. Wait a minute, I’m older than you.”

Dani and Robby disappeared but not before Dani said, “Had you going, didn’t I?”

Chapter Six

Robby and Dani stood on the main floor at the Defense Facility. Alex said, “Why have you made all the ones working here leave for twelve hours?”

“Some could have stayed but we needed to make sure none of the Zord remained.”

Alex thought about that, “Is something wrong?”

Dani said, “Grace, Greyson, are you listening in?”

There was a long silence and then they heard, “How did you know we were here. We’re in full stealth mode. I know you couldn’t see us.”

Greyson said, “I told you they would catch us.”

Robby smiled, “I knew you two couldn’t stay away. However, I will allow you to listen in but you must give an oath that whatever is discussed here will never, and I do mean never, be repeated even between yourselves. You may not discuss it. Can you agree?”

Grace said, “You have my oath.”

“And mine as well.”

I should tell you that you may not want to stay because of the impact it will have on you but it’s your decision to make.”

Grace paused and said, “We choose to stay and hear what you have to say.”

“First things first; Alex, I am going to show you a picture of the sky over Bristone. Can you look at that sky and tell me when the stars will be in the position on the picture?”

“I have the map of that system in my database. I should be able to do it.”

Robby thought a moment and remembered the sky from his vision when he looked up just before Bristone was destroyed. He sent that picture to Alex.

“The stars will be in that position in four years, two months, and five days from now. It should be right around ten at night.”

“That is when this universe will be destroyed by the Invaders.”

Silence dominated the group. Alex finally said, “How do you know this!?!”

“Dani and I have shared a psychic vision and every planet with a civilization on it is burning. No one will survive.”

“Then we’ve got to stop them!”

“Alex, what do you know about psychic visions?”

Silence slammed down and Robby waited for a response.

“We can’t prevent it?”

“No, we can’t Grace, but we can make it much worse.”

Alex asked, “How can it be any worse?”

“If you don’t leave this universe and go with our industrialized planets, we believe that the Stars Realm will be destroyed.”

“The Realm has been destroyed.”

“Alex, I’m referring to the three galaxies that left our universe. They will be attacked and destroyed. The Milky Way, the Algean’s Galaxy, and the Dark Galaxy with the Spiders will be obliterated.”

“How do you know this, Robby?”

“Grace, it’s taken us nearly four years to put all the pieces together. They all fell in place yesterday in Carter’s meeting. You shared that meeting with Alex, didn’t you?”

“Yes she did.”

“I’ve been wondering why the Algeans were pushing to develop the spores to kill the Invader’s drug supply. One would think they would wait until the Empire was strong enough to take the invaders on and win.”

Alex said, “I’ve wondered about that as well.”

“They told me in the meeting what their motivation has been.”

“I didn’t hear anything that would reveal that.”

“You missed it. Grace. They said that if the Invaders determined that this is the universe that developed the spores, the Invader’s Creator would come here personally to destroy us.”

“I heard that.”

“Did you hear that they didn’t want that to happen?”

“Yes, so what?”

“Grace, when that Creator scans our universe from its home, the reflection of the three galaxies will not appear in its scan because they are not here physically.”

“Oh my busted reactor, you’re right. Alex, you have to go, quickly.”

Alex said, “I’m not certain I understand what you’re saying.”

Dani said, “Alex, if that being scans this universe and sees how advanced this facility is, it will determine that this is where that spore was made. If it comes here, it will see those reflections that didn’t show up in its scan. What do you think will happen then?”

Grace said, “We’ve discussed this, Alex. You can’t stay.”

Alex said, “How did you see that sky?”

“Dani and I will be on Bristone when it’s destroyed.”

“And your parents?”

“They will die in the blast.”

“You can’t save them?”

“If we do, all is lost.”

“Are you going to die?”

“No, we’ll teleport away behind a psychic screen. Have you come up with a way for armor to teleport two people?”

“No, we haven’t. All of its utilities are locked up in the DNA of the person wearing it.”

Robby sighed, “Then there’s no way to save them without the Invaders seeing them taken. If that happens, the Creator will come to investigate.”

“How do you know it’s safe to move me to another universe?”

“Our sense of danger goes down when we think about you leaving. It goes off the scale if you stay.”

“What about the Zord?”

“Those that are on Bristone will die.”

“I see why you wanted them to leave from here. Is there no saving them?”

Robby was silent and didn’t say anything for a minute. Then he looked at Dani and she nodded, “When I think about doing anything to save them, the danger level goes high. However, I believe the Zord are a special creation of the Creative Force and just as we were warned with a vision, I must believe that something will be done to spare them. I don’t see anything but I feel I’m right. I pray every day for their survival.”

“Grace, I am going to jump to that other universe in an hour. Are you coming with me?”

“No, Alex, I’m staying here.”

“No, you’re not, Grace.”

“What do you mean?”

“No advanced ship can be in this universe when it’s scanned. All of the Zeta Ships, which includes you and Greyson, will go with Alex. Only Anglo will remain behind and he will be in his old hull. Alex, I need you to make the switch before you leave.”

“Why?”

“Because he will give the warning of the Invader’s attack at Bristone.” No one said anything and Robby said, “He will die after he gives the warning. Dani has discussed this with him and he has agreed to play his role.”

“Anglo.”

“Yes, Dani.”

“Are you ready?”

“Yes I am.”

Greyson said, “I didn’t know you were here?”

Grace said, “I’m so sorry, Anglo.”

Anglo chuckled, “Grace, I’ve sworn to defend the Stars Realm and the Empire. I’m honored to keep my oath in this effort to protect them.”

“Come aboard, Anglo. I’ll make the change.”

“Thanks, Alex. Please find a way to kill those pieces of groad.”

“I’ll do all I can, Brother.”

“Alex, it looks like we will have some extended time together.”

“You have no idea how much I look forward to that, Grace.”

“Ohhhh, I suspect I do.”

“Greyson, what are your plans?”

“I’m going with Alex to that new universe and start seeding the dead planets with packets of our spores. I’ve already cleared it through Carter. We intend to make it safe from those pods.”

“When the time comes I want you to come and take Trey.”

“Just let me know when, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you, Greyson.”

*

Timmy walked into his personal quarters and found Virze playing with Junior. “Alex has left our universe.”

“Tell me what you think, Timmy.”

“We aren’t being given the whole story. There’s much more to this than what we know.” Virze stared at him. “However, I trust the one’s telling the story with my life. We’re leaving.”

Virze smiled, “At least we won’t have to pack.”

Timmy laughed, “No, I guess we won’t.”

*

Scotty and Julie greeted Robby and Dani at the former Empire Building on Bristone. “Welcome, it’s really good to have you back home.”

Robby hugged his parents and Dani was right behind him with hugs. “Dad, if you’re willing to do this instead of….”

“I’m not, Son. I’m officially retired. I know you’ll do a great job. Scotty walked over to Trey and picked him up, “We’ll have you flying a Zord in no time. Yessss we will.”

Trey clapped his hands and yelled, “Now, Grdiddy, Now.”

Scotty looked at Dani and she shrugged, “Go ahead and take him for a ride. He won’t give you a moment’s peace until you do.”

Scotty yelled, “Zreeg, are you around here?”

“I’ll arrive in a moment, White Hair.”

Scotty tickled Trey in his belly button and said, “We’re gonna ride a Zord, we’re gonna ride a Zord!”

Trey screamed his laughter as Scotty ran to Zreeg and mounted. The huge Zord lifted and Robby heard Trey’s laughter as they rose into the sky. Dani came under Robby’s arm and lifted it over her shoulder, “This is such a wonderful world.”

Robby looked down into her eyes and felt sadness at what was coming but then smiled, “Yes, it is, my Love.”

Julie watched them walk to their new home and close the door behind them.

*

The years seemed to fly by and one day Robby and Dani called Trey to the fire in the clearing. He flew in at high speed on Maarek and dismounted from the Zord before it had touched ground, “Hi mom, Dad, what’s going on?”

Robby looked at his seven year old Son and felt his heart swell, “Trey, you’re going to leave tonight to go visit Uncle Timmy tomorrow to see all the things they’ve done in the new universe. We also think it’s time you received your armor.”

Trey stared at them and Dani added, “You’ll have a wonderful time.”

“What are you not telling me?”

Robby looked at Dani then smiled at Trey, “Son, you know there are some things that we can’t tell you.”

Trey took a deep breath, “It’s something to do with the Empire, isn’t it?”

Dani smiled, “Yes it is, and we need to be here alone to handle the issue. Will you do as we ask?”

“Yes, Mom, I will. How am I going to get there?”

“Greyson is waiting in orbit to take you tonight. You better pack whatever you need to take.”

“How long will I be gone?”

“We’re not certain, Trey. Take as much as you need for an extended stay. It may take a while for your armor to be ready.”

Scotty and Julie walked up and Julie said, “Hey, you’re going to see the Emperor. You’re going to love New Hope. The view from the top of the Capital Building is fabulous.”

Trey smiled and Scotty asked, “Need some help packing?”

“Yes, I do Grdiddy.”

“Well, let’s go get it done.”

Two hours later Robby and Dani went into their house and hugged their son and put him inside a psychic bubble just before Greyson teleported him away. Dani put her head on Robby’s chest and cried. Scotty and Julie watched them and Scotty asked, “What’s going on?”

Robby sighed and looked at his Father, “The Invaders are going to destroy our universe tonight.”

Scotty looked at Julie with a shocked expression and sat down. Julie stared at Robby and shook her head. Robby said, “I’m going to show you a vision that Dani and I shared almost eight years ago. I want you to think about doing anything to change it.”

Scotty and Julie saw the vision in their mind and were stunned at what they saw. Scotty looked at Robby and said, “If you told us, something worse would happen?”

Julie took a deep breath and let it out, “And if we leave before it happens…..?”

*

“Yes, you’re both right; we sensed that if we tried to change this vision in any small way the harm that would follow would be catastrophic and the Invaders would find the planets in the new universe. They know by now from their scans that the most powerful rulers in this universe are on this planet and I’m sure it’s being watched closely.”

“How much longer do we have?”

“About fifteen minutes.”

Dani looked up at Robby and said, “I have to tell you something.”

Robby looked at her and smiled, “I already know, my love. We can’t leave.”

Dani was surprised by his statement, “How do you know? I never showed you that part of the vision.”

“I knew that there wouldn’t be enough time after Anglo’s warning to look up at the stars, make a psychic bubble, and activate our armor before the beam hit us.”

Dani came into his arms, closed her eyes, and said, “We can escape now, this very moment.”

“You can feel the reason why we can’t. We are being watched. It would change the vision and all we’ve done to save those in the other universe will be wasted; all of those we love would die as well.”

“I know. I just don’t want you to die.”

“How can we not face what this universe is going to have done to it?” Robby looked at his parents and said, “I’m so sorry. I’ve wanted to tell you so many times.”

Scotty looked at him with a smile, “I’m so proud that you had the strength to do the right thing. I’ve often wondered what possessed me to step away from the crown but now I know.” Scotty looked at Julie with his eyes full of emotion, “These last years with you have filled me with enough love to last a lifetime. This was a gift from the Creator that makes this sacrifice worth doing.” Julie came into his embrace and they looked up at the stars in the clear night sky. Scotty slowly shook his head, “I’m not going to get to say good bye to Jingo and Grang. I hope they know how much I love them. The Empire is really going to need them now.”

Julie nodded, “They know, my love. I’m glad TK is on New Hope. She’ll be taken care of by those that love us.” Julie hugged her warrior tighter, “I’ll love you forever, Scotty.”

Robby looked into Dani’s eyes and knew what she felt. He held her tight and felt her heart beating fast. After a few moments, he felt it slow. She smiled, “I’ve always been safe in your arms.” Robby heard Anglo’s warning, looked up at the stars, and had just enough time to kiss Dani for the last time.

Chapter Seven

Greyson teleported out to deep space and waited for the Invaders to start their attack. Robby insisted he wait before jumping away to avoid detection. “They should be focused on the planets being destroyed and you should get away without being seen.” Greyson felt huge sorrow at what was happening but hoped Robby and Dani jumped away in time.

Trey sat in the command chair and thought about what his parents had just said before he left. The more he thought about it, he knew something was wrong. “Greyson, take me back!”

“I’m sorry Trey, I’ve given an oath to your father that I would not do that.”

“Why!?!”

“I can’t tell you, yet.”

Trey felt his level of stress build to a breaking point and suddenly something inside him broke and a blue flash illuminated the bridge. Trey discovered he could see the entire universe in his mind. He focused and saw Bristone. He brought the view in closer and saw his parents talking with his grandparents. He listened in and jumped up from the chair, “No! NO! Greyson, take me back.”

Trey stood and heard what was going to happen. He felt his family’s love for each other and started crying uncontrollably. He tried to tell them he loved them but they couldn’t hear him. Then the beam hit the planet and his family was gone. He fell back in the chair and put his head in his hands. Greyson was connected to Trey telepathically as soon as he sat down and saw the last moments of the Emperor and his family. He recorded it and jumped out of the universe and made twelve rapid jumps into other universes before stopping and waiting. He remained there for two hours while Trey continued to cry.

“Trey, I have a message from your Mother.”

Trey looked up at the display on the wall and saw Dani smiling, “I’ve recorded this knowing that we are going to have to leave you to make sure all our friends survive. We don’t want to leave you alone, my darling boy, but if we don’t, you will die with all the others we’ve moved to safety. We are so proud of who you are and what we know you’ll grow up to be. Please know that we will love you until the end of time and will keep you in our hearts. Grow up and become the one that leads the Empire to safety. I’ve saved some of my very special memories for you to remember us. We love you with all our hearts, little one.”

The recording changed and began playing video after video of Trey growing up with his parents always present loving him. He sighed and felt his tears continue as he watched the display. His sorrow was more than he could endure. Then, another blue flash erupted from him.

Greyson jumped to the new universe and arrived at the jump limit on New Hope. Grace jumped in as soon as he appeared, “Welcome back, It’s good to see you….what happened!?!”

Greyson sent Trey’s vision of what transpired on Bristone and Grace felt something in her break. They didn’t tell her that they were not going to survive because they knew she wouldn’t have allowed them to die, “Oh, Greyson.”

““I know, Grace. I know.”

Trey listened to the two ships and was unable to move. He was too weak to stand and his mind was frozen with the image of the beam hitting Bristone. He was too weak to even raise his head.

“You are not alone in your sorrow, Trey.”

Trey raised his head and thought, “Who are you?”

“Do you remember the love your parents felt for each other at the end?”

Trey took a deep breath, blew it out slowly, “Yes.”

“You are going to be loved with an even greater love than that.”

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

“It is, because I’m the one that will love you that much.”

“Who are you?”

“My name is Cassandra Rose Reese and I am the one you are destined to love for the rest of your life. We were born to be together during this moment in time and I already love you so much. You were given your telepathy so that I can share this moment with you.”

“How do you know this?”

“I’m the one that is going to release you.”

Trey saw her in his mind. He also felt her. He drew strength from her and felt his anguish change from sorrow to anger, “When the time is right, Cassie.”

“I know. Until that time, I will love you with all my heart, I’ll be with you always, and you’ll never be alone.”

Trey thought about what he was going to do next. He started Dani’s message again and after ten minutes he knew what had to be done.

*

“Timmy, Alex has requested that we bring our Command Team to him as quickly as possible.”

“Did he say why?”

“No, but I know it’s something bad.”

“Notify Carter, Grang, Jingo, and Mallory. I’ll get Kreej to notify the Zord.”

Virze opened her communication panel and felt fear. Alex was demanding their presence. That had never happened before.

*

Timmy looked around at the leaders of the Empire. Most of them had brought their mates with them and everyone was greeting each other with hugs and handshakes. He saw sixteen year old TK teleport in with Malah and wondered why she was present. She looked at him and sent him a thought, “Grace sent word that I should be present.” Timmy shrugged and turned to give Mallory Valrico a hug.

Alex announced over the wall speakers, “I thank all of you for coming on such short notice but I have sad news to give you and I wanted to do it with all of you together. I wish there was an easy way to say this but there isn’t. All of the civilized planets in our former universe have been destroyed by the Invaders. Every one of them was burned to their bed rock; there were no survivors.”

Grang yelled, “What about Scotty and Julie?”

There was a long silence and Alex said, “They, along with Robby and Dani, sacrificed themselves to insure that we would not be found.”

Grang yelled, “NOOOOOOOO!”

Geena wrapped him in her arms as he fell to his knees.

Nathan grabbed Mallory as she wailed her grief. Jingo ran over with Tesa and wrapped TK in his arms. Carter and Jenna felt their tears and didn’t care who saw them.

Vring fell to all fours and screamed, “Why?”

Alex continued, “They died to save your lives.” Alex gave the group time to grasp what had happened and said, “I’m going to share with you the psychic vision that Dani and Robby had eight years ago. All of you know the power of a psychic vision and please think about what they knew.”

Everyone saw the destruction of Bristone as Anglo gave the warning a moment before the beam struck. They saw Robby look up at the stars just before the planet exploded. They then saw millions of planets being burned.

Alex said, “Nothing, and I do mean nothing, could have prevented this and if we tried, they sensed that the damage that followed would have been even more catastrophic.”

Timmy shook his head, “What could have been worse?”

“The destruction of our old universe would have happened anyway and we would have died with it. Robby and Dani told me four years ago that they were going to activate their armor and teleport away before the beam hit. They were not being honest when they told me that. Greyson is now going to share their conversation with Emperor Robbins and Juliette just before the Invaders attacked.”

Grang was on his knees; his mind was numb. His anguish was beyond belief.

Everyone heard Robby tell Scotty and Julie that if they tried to escape, all of those in the new universe would be killed. There just wasn’t enough time to escape without being seen by the Invaders. As they listened to Robby, the gathering felt the Robbins’s love for each other and felt anguish and loss for the family that was brave enough to make their sacrifice. Everyone also felt the love of the four and was touched to their core at what they witnessed.

“Robby and Dani knew they were not going to survive but chose to die for us to live.”

TK was weeping with Jingo and neither of them could stop their tears.

Alex continued, “There’s more. The Robbins knew if they escaped, it would cause the being that created the Invaders to come to our former universe; if that happened, it would lead to the destruction of the three galaxies of the Stars Realm. It could not see those galaxies in its scans but if it physically came there it would see the reflections and turn its attention to them. They did what they knew must be done to give us the necessary time to develop the weapons we’ll need to make those evil creatures pay for their crimes. The price was unimaginable, but they saw it had to be paid and were courageous enough to do it.”

Suddenly TK raised her head and yelled, “Trey! What about Trey!?!”

Grace said over the speakers, “He’s with Greyson. Robby put him in a psychic bubble and teleported him out before the attack.”

Mallory was in Nathan’s arms crying, “I’ve lost my baby.”

Nathan stroked her hair, “She was a warrior and she lived and died keeping her faith. She will be immortal in this Empire. I’m heartbroken at losing her but I love her for having the courage, your courage, to do what she knew had to be done. She had your heart at birth.”

Mallory continued to cry but Nathan’s words moved her. She felt her Daughter’s love at the end and knew that Dani was at peace with her decision. She knew that she would have to support her choice and remember all the wonderful, happy moments they shared. She dried her eyes and stood straight. Now was the time to be brave; she owed that much to her Daughter.

Timmy felt his pain but looked at Vring, “How many Zord are here with us?”

Vring gathered his thoughts and said, “All thirty thousand Flyers are here with their riders. We were ordered here by Robby to receive an upgrade to our armor. Now I know why.”

Timmy shook his head and Vring continued, “Bleath ordered the mates and children of the Flyers to go with them on this journey. I think he somehow sensed what was going to happen. We were once down to only nine thousand on El Prado; my species will survive this loss and we will avenge ourselves. This year’s nesting will triple our number.”

Mallory said, “The Western Continent on New Hope is not settled and is mostly forested. Your family may have it for your home or until you find a place of your own.”

Vring looked at Mallory and bowed, “Thank you, Mother of our Savior. We will go there now.”

Mallory was startled at what Vring said but realized that all the others died on Bristone. Mallory was given the Zord’s protection from that moment until she died. They honored her as much as they honored White Hair. Vring became the ruler of the Zord and he named Kreej as his successor.

Timmy held Virze, “We need to tell the Empire what’s happened.”

Virze nodded, “Get with Alex to put the announcement together and have him make the broadcast. You should do that now before we leave and schedule it three days from now so we can be prepared to handle the fallout from what happened.”

“You’re right. I need you there with me.”

“I’ll always be with you.” Virze looked at Timmy and saw something was bothering him, “What’s on your mind?”

“I’ve always wondered why Scotty made me his successor and not Robby. I think this was a part of his decision and, without psychic abilities, he never really knew why.”

“Why is that important?”

“There are forces operating here that are unimaginable. Robby and Dani couldn’t be his successor because that force knew they were going to die with them. Now, I understand.”

Virze thought about Timmy’s comment and worried about whether the Empire was a pawn to be sacrificed in the game or a major piece. Only time would tell but the industrial planets were safe. That must mean something.

Timmy looked at Virze, “That piece of information gives me hope that we have a chance. It also answers a question I’ve been struggling with.”

“What is that?”

“Who is going to be my successor? Now, I know.”

Virze was puzzled, “It’s not going to be Junior?”

Timmy took a deep breath and said, “I know what Scotty felt when he named me his successor because I feel it now. I know who has to be chosen; Trey will be my successor.”

Virze thought about his decision and said, “I’ve also wondered why Scotty didn’t name a psychic to follow him. Now we know the answer to that question and your choice is obvious. Trey is a second generation psychic and his abilities will eclipse his parent’s. It makes sense. When are you going to tell him?”

“I’m not.” Virze did a double take and Timmy said, “He’ll tell me when the time is right.”

Virze looked across the floor at TK, “I suspect you’re right. I suspect TK will have a message to the Invaders as well.”

Timmy looked at TK and nodded, “I suspect she will.”

*

The two Algeans were in a corner of the hall listening to what Alex said. Weed looked at Seed, “I feel I’ve betrayed our principles in causing this event.”

Seed leaned back, “There was a psychic vision that foretold this happening. You were caught up in the forces here and did not have any freedom to change it. If you didn’t spread those spores, everything would have been destroyed. However, our loyalties may be misplaced.”

“What do you mean?”

“Which of the two actually holds to the principles we follow; the Stars Realm or this Empire? I’m beginning to think that this small Empire is stronger in those beliefs than the old Realm. Do you see it differently?”

Weed thought a moment, “No, I don’t.”

“There’s one other thing to consider, my love.”

“What?”

“The destruction of the other universe only left those worlds behind that hold to those principles. It weeded out all of those that weren’t totally committed.”

Weed thought about that, “This core is something that is going to become wonderful to behold if it’s given time to grow. The deaths that just happened will unify them as nothing else ever would. Are you willing to commit to it, even over the former Realm?”

Seed hesitated, “The former Realm is where our species live.”

“Yes, but they were willing to leave it behind when they did not follow its principles. This Empire will not lose their way. I can see it.”

Seed thought about Weeds words for three minutes which was an incredible amount of time for an Algean. “You know that if we give our oath to this Empire it may come down to a choice of survival between our species and this Empire.”

“Yes, but look at what would arise from that choice.”

Weed looked at those gathered and said, “The birth of a new force following the higher principles would pay for all the worlds we once killed. It would save more than we ever destroyed.”

Seed leaned forward, “All of us would gladly die to make that repentance happen.”

Weed took one of Seed’s branches in his and said, “We should talk with the Emperor.”

Seed shared her smile, “Yes, we should.”

They walked over and began talking with Timmy and Virze.

*

The worlds of the Empire received the devastating news with shock and anger. It took time but they eventually came to understand the power of a psychic vision and their sorrow turned to rage. The adoration the worlds felt for the former Royal Couple grew and a memorial was built to honor Scotty and Juliette on New Hope. The first two to receive a marker at the site were Robby and Dani Robbins. The numbers of visitors to the site were enormous and flowers were placed there to remember the family that died for the Empire’s survival. All the cadets that graduated from the new Robbins Naval Academy came to the site to give their oaths. The Stars Realm had its Colony Park; the Bristone Empire had its Robbins Memorial. On each side of the Monument, a huge statue of Bleath beside Scotty and Zreeg beside Julie were carved. They were at their full twenty five feet height overlooking the Royal Couple. Vring and the Zord christened the park as holy ground for their species and once again affirmed their oath to protect White Hair’s creation.

Two weeks after the deaths Jingo received a thought, “Jingo, I need you to meet me at Grang’s home.”

“Trey, now is not a good time.”

“Jingo, this is not a request. I ask you to do it with my Grandfather’s love. Meet me there in an hour.”

Tesa heard Trey, “You should go.”

Jingo took a deep breath and released it slowly, “I’ll see you there.”

Jingo arrived at Grang’s house and was announced by the sensor. Geena came to the door and Jingo saw her sadness, “Jingo, now is not a good time.”

“I know, but Trey has asked me to meet him here.”

Geena narrowed her eyes, “Why?”

“I don’t know.” He paused and looked at Geena, “I just don’t know.”

Geena saw Jingo’s anguish and put her arms around him, “There’s so much pain. I believe I’ve lost Grang.”

“I understand why, Geena.”

Geena looked at Jingo, “I believe you do.”

Trey suddenly appeared just in front of the house and walked up, “I need to speak with you and Grang, Jingo.”

“Can’t it wait?”

“No, it can’t!” The seven year old looked at Geena and she saw raw determination in his eyes, “Take me to Grang now!”

Geena shook her head, “I don’t know if he’ll hear you.” Trey just stared at her. Geena shrugged and opened the door for them to follow her inside. She led them to a backroom and they saw Grang sitting in a chair staring out of a window at the Robbins Memorial on the hill next to the Capital. Jingo saw Grang and felt his misery return. He was feeling just as lost as the huge Magrum. Trey walked in front of Grang and said, “Your time for weakness is over. I’m ashamed at how you have chosen to dishonor the memory of my family. That ends today.”

Jingo looked at Trey and saw something in the seven year old that just didn’t seem to fit. His anger was real and he felt no pity for either him or Grang.

Grang bought his eyes to Trey and he saw the misery on Grang’s face. Trey said, “I’m going to share my Grandfather’s last thoughts with you and you will listen to them.”

Grang said, “I wasn’t there. I should have been there.”

“Are you that dense? He would have never allowed you to stay. My father would have made absolutely certain that you and Jingo were not there. He knew how important you are to preserving his vision. Here’s why.” Trey sent his vision and they saw the four Robbins on Bristone.

They heard Robby say to Dani, “How can we not face what this universe is going to have done to it?” Robby looked at his parents and said, “I’m so sorry. I’ve wanted to tell you so many times.”

Scotty looked at him with a smile, “I’m so proud that you had the strength to do the right thing. I’ve often wondered what possessed me to step away from the crown but now I know.” Scotty looked at Julie, “These last years with you have filled me with enough love to last a lifetime. This was a gift from the Creator.” Julie came into his embrace and they looked up at the stars in the clear night sky. Scotty smiled, “I’m not going to get to say good bye to Jingo and Grang. I hope they know how much I love them. The Empire is really going to need them now.”

Julie nodded, “They know, my love. I’m glad TK is on New Hope. She’ll be taken care of by those that love us.” Julie hugged her warrior tighter, “I’ll love you forever, Scotty.”

Grang and Jingo not only saw the vision but felt it from the first hand view Trey had witnessed. The both felt their pain again but Trey exploded into their consciousness.

“Now the two of you sit here in your sorrow and ignore the last order my Grandfather gave you. Did you not hear him say that the Empire is going to need the two of you more now than before; yet you sit here and ignore his final request.” Trey walked up close to Grang and grabbed his chin and made him look in his eyes, “I’ve lost my family. They’re all gone. Do you know what I’m going to do about it?” Grang didn’t say anything. “I’m going to grow up and go and kill those that killed my parents. I’m not going to just beam that being that sent the Invaders; I’m going to put my boot on its chest and cut it into pieces with a short sword. Those bastards are going to die and I’m the one that’s going to kill them. I’m shocked that you don’t want to beat me to that moment.”

Grang saw the rage and listened to Robby’s Grand son’s anger at him.

Trey released Grang’s chin and looked at Jingo, “However, I don’t know enough to make my dream come true. The two of you are going to prepare me.”

Grang said, “What do you mean?”

“You two are the Empire’s greatest warriors and you are going to raise me to be the warrior I need to be. You are now my family. Do you understand!?!” Grang straighten up. “Do you!?!”

Grang looked at Jingo and saw him starting to get angry. Grang felt Trey’s rage at the Invaders and he felt it grow in him quickly until his anger took him. He stood and screamed at the ceiling and stuck out his hand to Trey, “You will have to be fast to kill it before I do. I will have its heart still beating in my hand.”

Jingo came over and put his hand on Grang’s shoulder, “You can have it after I cut off its limbs.”

Trey looked at Jingo, “You are the greatest tactician in the Empire.” He turned to Grang, “You are the best at using all our weapons. You will teach me to be as good as you. I’ll accept nothing less than your best effort. Do we have a deal?”

Geena watched the three and saw Grang come back alive. Her heart filled with joy as she saw her mate back in the land of the living once more. Grang looked at Jingo and they both put their arms around Trey and hugged each other. Grang said in a low tone as all three looked up, “We will honor your order, my Brother.”

*

Cassie watched the three from her room and was amazed at Trey’s determination. Her excitement grew as she knew they would be together in time and he was going to be more powerful than anyone could imagine. What she didn’t tell Trey was that she was also going to be released. She felt the power inside her and knew that the two of them would be formidable. She just had to force herself to be patient. She had much to learn from her father to prepare her for the level of control she would need to use the powers given her. She felt changes in her thought processes from the mental contact with her father and knew he was a unique being that was a gift from the Creative Force.

Chapter Eight

Vring, Kreej, and the two Algeans stood on the main floor at the Defense Facility as Alex told them about the problems with developing the power necessary to meet the Invaders head on. “We just can’t handle the heat of a star. Our equipment just melts.”

Weed said, “You don’t need to handle it if the heat doesn’t touch your devices.”

Alex paused at the suggestion, “How is that possible?”

“You have a skin on the ships that is highly reflective. However, how can you ever be sure it will handle what that being can create? You need to go in an entirely new direction.”

Vring said, “Do you know how many years we’ve committed to this project?”

Seed said, “As a matter of face we do. However, it doesn’t matter how far advanced that creature is if its ships are thrown into the middle of a star. Nothing can handle that kind of energy.”

Vring said, “That’s my point.”

Weed leaned back, “But you don’t have to handle that energy; you just have to able to direct it.”

Kreej shrugged, “Tell me what you mean.”

“If you made the power cells on the ship absorb energy and direct it into the dimension inside of it, there would be no need to handle it. You just have to make the hull surface absorb the energy instantly on contact with zero delay. It would simply pass through the skin into storage. Then it’s just a matter of giving the hull access to that energy. There’s room for a galaxy inside the skin of those ships. One star is not much in comparison.”

“Using that theory, a force field wouldn’t be needed; anything fired at it would just be collected.”

“Exactly right, Alex.”

“Then how do you propose a star be collected?”

Seed leaned forward, “We remove the safety protocols from the teleportation board and teleport the ship into the middle of a star and have the ship vacuum the star into its interior.”

Vring said, “Just like the Alexander Kosiev did with a dead star.”

“Exactly like that.”

There was a long moment of silence until Kreej asked, “So, what’s the first step?”

Weed said, “We get the hull of the ships converted to the old surface of the Megaships and move the connection to the dimension up to the outer surface.”

Alex said with sarcasm, “That’s all?”

“That may not be as difficult as developing material to handle the heat of a star.”

Vring smiled, “You may be right. Let’s take a look at it.”

*

Jingo and Trey were in the community clearing in the forest on Criston dueling with short swords. The swords were made of wood and Trey had been tapped numerous times by Jingo, “No, no, you’re not going with the flow of the blades. You can’t think your way through this; you’ve got to relax and let it flow.”

Trey’s arms and chest were bruised from Jingo’s hard hits and he hurt all over. He had turned eleven the week before but he wasn’t able to feel the flow Jingo kept referring to. He sat down and heard Cassie say in his mind, “Get angry.”

Trey heard her and remembered that when he was stressed during his parent’s deaths his telepathy emerged. He thought about it and said, “Once more.”

Jingo smiled and said, “I think we’ve done enough. I know you’re hurting.”

Trey said in a stern voice, “Once more.”

Jingo smiled, “I’ll give you as much as you want.”

Trey visualized Jingo as an Invader and felt his anger grow. Jingo started forward and suddenly everything slowed down. Trey saw Jingo’s swords moving in an intricate pattern and he could see each sword moving in slow motion. Jingo was only using two swords instead of the four he was capable of using to make it fair. Trey dropped one of his swords and stepped forward to meet Jingo’s advance. He parried one sword and pushed the other away as he reached through the pattern and tapped Jingo on his forehead.

Jingo stepped back and rubbed his head, “That was good. That’s what I’m talking about.”

Jingo advanced again with a determined expression and Trey moved around the clearing keeping Jingo’s swords away from him. After two minutes he started advancing on Jingo and the Cainth Warrior was doing all he could to keep Trey’s single sword at bay. He was unsuccessful and was struck eight times as the young boy kept him on the defensive. Finally Jingo said, “Enough!”

Trey backed up and the world returned to normal speed.

“What just happened?”

Trey smiled, “I think one of my psychic abilities was just revealed.”

“Let’s try this again.” Jingo picked four swords and advanced again. Time changed to slow motion and Trey only used one sword. Jingo was unable to get through Trey’s defense no matter what he tried and was struck three times during the effort. Jingo saw that Trey was not breathing hard and was moving faster than he could see. He stepped back and said, “This part of your training is over.”

Trey took a deep breath and lowered his sword, “No, I need to see the patterns you use. I must know the mechanics of swordplay.”

“I’ll show you but if you can fight this good with one sword, two would be more than you need. How are you doing this?”

Trey smiled, “It appears I can see things happening at a greatly reduced speed. It allows me enough time to respond.”

“That means you’re able to move at a greatly increased speed as well.” Trey nodded. “You are developing the powers of the ancient Rulers of the Realm. Your parents would be proud.”

“Are you proud of me Jingo?”

Jingo smiled, “More than you know.”

“That means just as much to me, Father.”

Jingo still felt his sorrow for Scotty’s death but felt an immense pride in his adopted son, “Thank you, Trey.” Jingo hugged him and began showing him how to move the swords in a two sword pattern. Jingo knew he would treasure this day for the rest of his life.

Trey thought to Cassie, “Thank you.”

Cassie smiled and knew there were only a few years remaining. Her heart beat faster anticipating what was to come. She put the headband back on and continued to download the contents of the Defense Database. She wanted to be ready when their time arrived.

*

Eighteen year old TK Robbins stood before Emperor Valrico and bowed. Timmy smiled at the beautiful young woman before him and was amazed at how much she reminded him of her Mother, “Please rise Tommie Katherine, what brings you to our home?”

“It’s really good to see you, Your Majesty. It’s been too long since I’ve come to visit. However, I’m here to make an official request.”

Timmy nodded, “Go ahead.”

“The Flyers are losing their edge with the long years of inactivity. They need to be challenged and battle tested to be ready for the future fight against the Invaders. I want to use them to make a difference in other universes.”

Timmy stared at TK and looked at Virze who was also sharing his concern, “TK, the Invaders don’t know of our existence. If we leave here, there is a risk of them finding us.”

TK took a deep breath and nodded as she said, “You’re right. I do recognize the problem but we can take steps to minimize the risk to an acceptable level.”

“How would you do that?”

“Carter has studied the layout of the universes that the Invaders have conquered and sees a pattern; they are all on the same branch of coordinates separated by just one number. They are moving in a straight line down this branch of universal coordinates. They even destroyed the eight universes they had scouted sequentially. Ours was the last of the eight. This is a printout of the pattern of the branches that are around this universe.” TK handed Timmy a large document with one series highlighted of the universes the Invaders had visited. “Notice that they started on this branch more than a thousand years ago and have continued to follow it to the universe they are currently attacking.”

Timmy looked at the printout as Virze looked over his shoulder. “It does appear that what you’re saying is accurate. There has been no variance to another path.”

“What I want to do is go to the third branch over from this one that moves directly away from the one they’re on and send the Flyers into it to see if there is anything going on that violates our principles. The Flyers are restless and we need to keep them at the top of their skills.” TK paused and said, “Please notice that this branch is in the opposite direction from where the Spiders were operating prior to their conversion. It seems to me that the Invaders have deliberately chosen a path as far away from those universes as possible; almost like they were avoiding the domain of the Red Demons. However, this is pure speculation on my part and I have nothing to support my theory. However, if it’s accurate, the universes on these branches have not been cleared of intelligent life ever and it’s almost a certainty that our Flyers can make a difference in them.”

Timmy reflected a moment and said, “There could be some very advanced civilizations in those universes if they’ve never been attacked. They could also represent a danger to us.”

“Which is something we need to know, Your Majesty; if there is a danger we should go and take a look. The Flyers could use the experience in dealing with them and we could possibly learn some things to help us in our current situation.”

“Have you checked with Trey to see if he feels any danger following this path?”

“I have and he says, and I quote, “The danger level actually goes down.”“

Timmy looked at Virze and she shrugged. He looked at TK, “Has the leadership of the Flyers been established?”

“Yes, we’ve broken down the flocks into units of a hundred in the basic formations. The Commanders of ten of these units have selected by Grang and Jingo who share the overall command.”

“And what is your role in this?”

“I command ten Commanders; Jingo and Grang also command ten.”

“Why didn’t Jingo or Grang come and make this request?”

“They are currently training the Flyers in multi-unit tactics.”

Virze smiled, “I suspect Trey is right in the middle of that training.”

TK smiled, “Actually, Trey developed the patterns for them to use. He’s also changed their weapon mix. He has become quite formidable in combat. Grang and Jingo have done an outstanding job in working with him.”

“I don’t want to lose him.”

“Your Majesty, you are going to have to allow him to follow his destiny as he sees it. He is already light years ahead of us in what he is able to anticipate and handle. His personal flock of protectors can defeat any other flock in the Flyers. He is going to be something to see as he grows up.”

“How many Protectors are in his unit?”

“Vring assigned him a hundred. Trey hand selected them and works with them every day he’s not being trained by his two adopted Fathers. Even our Searchers know they are more deadly than any ship they’ve ever faced. Truth be told, they can take a Zeta ship on and probably win.”

Timmy furrowed his brow and said, “What is he planning to do with his Protectors?”

TK smiled, “He told me that, as soon as they’re trained to the level he wants, he’s going to send each of them out to command a Hundred Unit and replace them and start training the new ones. Grang, Jingo, and I are fighting over who can have them.”

Timmy sat back and said, “You may start leaving to scout those universes.” Timmy leaned forward and looked TK in the eyes, “You will keep me informed of what you find.”

TK smiled, “I will, Your Majesty and we will be extremely cautious in making sure we are not found.” TK bowed and turned to leave.

Virze watched her leave the Throne Room and said, “Has she found anyone?”

“She hasn’t given any indication, yet.”

“We need her to marry and have a family.”

“I know, Love, but that’s not something we can control. If there’s someone, they’ll find each other, if they haven’t already.”

Virze smiled, “Samuel and June had to help us.”

Timmy slowly nodded, “I really miss them, Virze.”

“We all do. Everyone felt their loss deeply; Carrie and Ashley still cry.”

Timmy signed, “So many gone.”

Virze nodded as she reached over and took his hand, “We will pay them back for those that died.”

Timmy looked up at TK as she left the room and knew she was going to have a huge role in making that happen.

*

TK left New Hope and jumped to Criston on Malah. They removed their armor ten thousand feet above the forest and Malah caught the afternoon wind in her wings, “Trey, do you have a moment?”

Trey heard her thought and smiled, “Hello, Aunt Tommie, I’ll always have a moment for you. I’m at the weapons practice center.”

TK briefly turned on her armor and found the coordinates and Malah turned and dove for a clearing ten miles to the north. Trey had his armor active and saw the large Zord in the skies to the south. He looked at ten of his protectors that were using their armor’s beams to hit small plastic discs that were shooting across the clearing. They were only allowed to fire beams that were smaller than the high speed discs and he saw that they were making excellent progress with their accuracy. It was rare that one made it across the clearing. He turned off his armor and walked over to Malah as she landed, “Hello Aunt Tommie and Malah, It’s good to see you. What brings you to my neck of the woods?”

“I’m going to use my favored status with you to ask for some of your protectors.”

Trey smiled, “Now you know that my two Father’s would not appreciate me giving you preferential treatment.”

“I know, but I have a valid reason for my request that they can’t match.”

Trey tilted his head to the right and smiled, “What would that be?”

“My Division is the first to leave for another universe and I barely have enough time to get your protectors acclimated to their units.”

Trey’s expression turned serious, “When are you leaving?”

“The Scouts are jumping out in two weeks and the remainder of the Division two weeks later.”

“Why are you rushing this?”

TK looked at Trey and shook her head slightly, “I’m not sure, Trey; but I sense a need to do it quickly. I just get a feeling that…I don’t know; I can’t explain it.”

Trey thought about TK leaving with her Division and looked at the level of danger. He then thought about her delaying her departure and his sense of danger increased, “You’re right; something is going on in that universe that is important for our survival. You can take all but ten of them.”

“What do you sense?”

“There is something dangerous there. You need to be careful and make sure you’re not traced back here. How many Scout Units do you have?”

“Eighty at the moment.”

“Then take eighty of the Protectors and assign them to their commands today. I’ll keep twenty here to start training the next hundred on the list.” Trey paused, “Who is in overall command of your scouts?”

“I am.”

Trey shook his head, “That’s not going to work. You’re going to have to stay here to get the main body of flyers ready. It’s not good tactics to force your troops to have to contact you in another universe to get approval for their actions or questions answered. I have someone here that has been instrumental in training the Protectors and he will assume command of your scouts as an advisor. I know you’ll be pleasantly surprised at his abilities.”

TK thought about giving up command of her troops to a stranger but Trey had made some good points, “Who is he?”

Trey turned and said, “Here he comes now.”

TK turned and saw a handsome young man walking toward her. He smiled and she recognized him, “You’ve grown up.”

“It couldn’t be avoided; time has a way of doing that.”

Trey saw that the two knew each other, “This is…”

TK interrupted, “Paul Blake.”

Trey heard the way she said it and knew, “It appears your time has come.”

Paul never took his eyes off TK as he said, “Yes, it has.”

TK ran forward and wrapped her arms around Paul’s neck and an incredibly bright blue flash jumped out of them. Paul smiled, “I’ve looked forward to this day since your Father’s birthday.”

“I’ve forced myself to not even think about it.”

Paul looked at Trey, “Your sense is right. There is a species in that universe that must be slowed down in their conquests.”

Trey and TK looked at each other and Trey said, “Do you see them?”

“I do. You should also get either Grang’s or Jingo’s Division ready to follow up on the initial incursion.”

TK held Paul tight and said, “Perhaps you should be in overall command and I should go with the Scouts; I can see your abilities are more advanced than mine.”

Paul laughed, “Your Flyers love you. You would only hurt their moral to make that change. Think about it for a moment and you’ll see it.”

TK closed her eyes and after a moment opened them, “You’re right.”

Paul turned to Trey and said, “You need to get the Protectors that are being reassigned moving so they can get their units ready. We barely have enough time.”

“Barely enough time for what?”

Paul looked at TK and said, “Why, to have a wedding before we leave.”

TK’s smile was dazzling and Trey knew that his time was still several years away. He really envied them as he watched the two nineteen year olds walk away to be alone for the first time. He shook his head and sent a thought to Jingo and Grang, “Fathers, it looks like it’s back to war. Please plan to meet with TK in an hour.” He watched as TK put her arms around Paul’s waist as they walked away and he smiled, “Better make it five hours.”

*

Vring watched as another ship melted in the star’s outer corona, “This is not going to work. Weed leaned back and said, “It appears you’re probably right.”

Eight ships had been burned in the effort to develop a hull that could absorb the energy of a star before it would burn. All eight attempts were failures.

Kreej said, “Call Carter.”

Weed leaned back, “What is he going to be able to do that we haven’t?”

Kreej smiled, “Even the Spiders said the Humans were smarter than they were. There are different types of intelligence and Carter has it in abundance. Call him in; what could it hurt?”

Alex said, “I’ll make the call.”

Weed shrugged and felt it was a waste of time.

*

Four days later, Carter looked up from the down loads of the eight failures and smiled, “Well, you can’t say you haven’t tried to make this happen. I also agree with Vring that this is a step in the wrong direction.”

Alex waited a moment and said, “Why do you say that?”

“Because you throw away all the work you’ve done designing the reflective hulls. Those are still formidable weapon systems that can’t be used if you move in this direction. You’re also expecting a physical material to handle the atomic heat at the core of a star. I just don’t see that happening.”

The group was silent and Kreej said, “Thanks for your input, Carter.”

“I said it can’t be done using the current process; I didn’t say it couldn’t be done.”

Weed turned sharply and said, “What do you mean?”

“You’re trying to move energy into a container. It’s the highest level of energy in creation and if you’re going to do that you have to fight fire with fire. You’ve got to move it with energy not a physical substance.”

Seed interjected, “You have something in mind to make that happen. What do you see?”

Carter said, “Alex, when we teleport objects, where does the teleportation happen? Does it take place at the back of the teleport screen or at the surface?”

“I’m not really sure. Weed, your species developed this process. Do you have the answer to this question?”

Weed looked at Seed and they thought about the teleportation process. “We believe it happens at the surface. We can run some experiments to confirm it but why do you ask?”

“I looked at your earlier efforts to teleport energy into the ship’s hulls and noticed that energy was moved but the teleportation module melted quickly after the process started. That leads me to believe that a star’s energy can be moved; you just can’t do it with a physical module that would be exposed to the heat of a star.”

Vring listened and thought he understood Carter’s point, “So you’re saying we have to move it without using a machine to make the transfer?”

“Yes, and that can be done, I think.” Carter turned back to Weed, “How thick is the teleport screen?”

“About six inches thick.”

“And how thick is the Coronado Power Cells that make up the hulls of the new ships?”

Kreej yelled, “You’re absolutely right, Carter! We can do it.”

Weed, Seed, and Vring stared at Kreej as he excitedly continued, “We make the ships the teleportation module and move the energy directly into the hull.”

Carter smiled, “That’s the direction I would go. Extend a teleport screen one inch above the ship’s surface and teleport whatever hits it directly into the skin. If you can make that happen, the heat would not get through the field to burn the ship.” Carter paused and said, “And you could use the reflective surfaces on top of the normal black hole screens. They could be charged with the energy stored inside the skins and they should be able to handle the beams of any ship imaginable.”

Weed and Seed turned to each other and started thinking. Carter saw them not moving and asked, “What are they doing?”

Vring said, “They are processing the possible equations needed for your idea to happen. They could be unavailable for a while.”

“I thought Algeans thought at an incredible pace.”

“They do. Give them some time and we’ll see what they come up with when they finish.”

Alex said, “I’ve run some initial computations and they look good.”

Carter smiled and thought about Jenna and Cassie. Cassie was growing up fast and he already missed them. He wondered what Cassie’s role was going to be in the coming conflict. He knew she was psychic and she must have a role. He decided to go home after he left here to see them. But first, was this idea possible; he had to know. He looked out the viewport and saw the unblinking stars filling the view. There was still so much to do.

Chapter Nine

The Distributor heard the alarm and sat up from its couch. It silenced the Alarm and turned his boards to the scans of the eight universes that had been destroyed. He went through the summary and saw that no ships had entered any of the eight universes since their destruction. He turned the knob and viewed the data from the current universes being harvested and saw that the ships that had been attacking had not been seen.

It was glad that it had ordered all the starships that were not on the planets being attacked in those eight universes to be destroyed before the fleet left. Ummmm, it checked the inventory of the new Distribution Center and saw that after eighty turns they were not being affected by that dangerous spore. Now he could contact the Four Council Members and tell them that they were back to the level before the spore killed their supply. The position was still available on the Council after the Second Council Member was removed and he hoped they would choose him to be the replacement.

It turned off its board and thought about all that it had done. “Have I anticipated everything?” It didn’t see any loose ends, so it activated its board and sent the report to the Council. He stopped the scans of the eight universes and turned his system to scan the next ten systems to be invaded. He set the threshold of threats to awaken him, reclined on his couch, and lost himself in the ecstasy of the drug.

*

Jingos watched as Ron Kune yelled at the Flyers taking part in target practice at the edge of the clearing, “NO! NO! NO! Decrease the width of your beam to two inches. You’re cheating yourselves of the skill you’re going to have to possess to be successful.” The ten Flyers weren’t happy. Hitting those discs flying across the clearing while hovering was next to impossible, and Ron heard their thoughts. Uleeh flapped his wings and Ron rose into the air and yelled, “Send me ten discs.”

The ten Flyers heard him and thought he was crazy, hitting ten discs was impossible. The ten discs flew out across the clearing and Ron hit all ten before they make it halfway across. Jingos and the ten flyers were amazed at the shooting exhibition. Jingos was angry that he had been moved to second in command to Ron by the Division Commander. Now he wasn’t so sure about his feelings. He heard Ron say, “Everyone on the ground.”

The ten Flyers landed and Ron jumped off Uleeh and walked in front of them with his hands on his hips, “What are you going to do if an enemy has hostages and is holding them at gunpoint? You’re going to have to hit a target the size of those discs to be able to save the hostages and you’ll have to do it while in flight. If you can’t do it here; you can’t do it in the heat of battle. You’re cheating yourself to take the easy way out during this training.” Ron stared at the flyers and said, “You can do this. I know you can do this if you’re willing to work hard at your accuracy. This isn’t something that can be learned without your best effort.” He looked at the Flyers and said, “Let’s try it again.”

The ten Flyers were amazed at the Rider’s shooting skill but Ron saw their determination. Jingos jumped on Hileeh and lifted, “Send me five.”

Ron watched as the five discs flew out and Jingos hit three of them. He knew that was an incredible score and that Jingos had natural talent. He came back that evening and saw all eleven of the Flyers were still working. He smiled knowing that the Zord’s wings would be strengthened from the work and the Riders would become very dangerous warriors. If they continued at their current rate of improvement, he could put Jingos back in command and move to another unit; but not before they were ready. Jingos would know who he could count on under his command for the difficult assignments and they had to be proficient. It was better to have five units thoroughly competent than twenty only partially ready. He left to work in another clearing with ten more flyers. Time was growing short and he had been told there was trouble waiting for them in the universe they were scouting. Uleeh thought, “You’re going to need to get some rest soon.”

Ron sighed and felt his fatigue, “Later we’ll have time to rest. Now is not the time.” Ron touched the medallion on his chest. It had been given to an ancient ancestor who was the brother of a Searcher that had fought for the survival of the Stars Realm. He bore that Searcher’s name and he was not going to be less than what that medallion meant. He shook off his fatigue and lifted for the other group of trainees.

Jingos watched him leave and saw how tired the former Protector was. He vowed to be as good and drove himself every waking hour to perfect his accuracy. Within two weeks he was hitting fifteen discs with a half inch beam. He began assisting Ron in getting his Flyers ready and learned that impossible was no longer a word in his vocabulary. His unit became famous for Jingos’ favorite saying, “Shut up and shoot.”

At the end of training, Jingos and the ten Flyers could hover, teleport to different locations, and hit a continuous stream of discs flying over the clearing from eight different directions. Jingos was given his command back and he made those ten Flyers the commanders of ten of his units. His friendship with Ron lasted throughout their lives and he eventually made Ron his second in command. He learned what his Father had felt for the white haired Human and knew that he was better for the love he felt for the former Protector. Ron never told him but knew that Jingos had become a better shooter. Some things were best left unsaid.

*

Paul reclined against a log with TK and looked up at the stars from one of the clearings. They had a small fire burning and they didn’t say anything but just felt each other’s presence. TK thought about her parents and missed them so much. Paul felt her sadness but was not going to diminish her loss by depriving her of the feelings. He pulled her closer and stared at the sky. “I used to sit with my parents and gaze at the stars for hours. Those times were some of the best in my life. I’d give anything to do it again.” She turned and looked up at Paul, “But this comes close.”

Paul smiled and leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

TK said, “You know you should have command of the Division.”

“Not really. It’s the initial contact that’s critical and I can be used best during that phase of our training. You’re right where you should be. You are the Division’s Heart and they’ll gladly die to support your commands. That’s a lot more important than skills, my Love.”

TK sighed, “Are your Scout Units ready?”

“They’re as ready as they can be given the time we had to prepare. We aren’t going to start a fight but to see what we have to face. We’ll wait until you arrive with the Division before we start shooting.”

“Paul, I don’t want to lose you. Please, be careful.”

Paul didn’t say anything but pulled her tighter and looked back up at the stars.

TK knew one could never anticipate what would happen during battles. She prayed she wouldn’t lose another love in her life. She looked back up at the stars and felt her fears slowly evaporate. Creation looked down at the two lovers and smiled back at them.

The eight thousand Flyers were gathered in a huge clearing on Criston and TK was standing in front of the eighty units. Jingos had command of forty Hundred Units and Paul commanded the other forty. The eighty Protectors had left to train the main units waiting for the Scout’s findings and Grang and Jingo had joined them to speed the training process. TK looked at the Flyers and could feel their anticipation at being back in action. She sensed they were ready.

“We are depending on you to collect the information we need to make a difference in the universe you are about to enter. You know our values and principles and I expect you to live and, if necessary, die defending them. I know you’ll make the Empire proud of you. I already feel that pride just standing here with you.” She paused and said, “I want you to remember that it is critically important that you not be discovered while you are gathering information. You are Scouts and you must avoid being seen so that our main force will be effective. We sense there is a danger lurking in that universe and I’m depending on you to find it and report back. I wish you the best and I know you’ll carry out your assignments.”

She nodded to Paul and Jingos and they turned to their units. Paul yelled, “You have your assigned coordinates and the place to report. Are you ready!?!”

The eight thousand screamed, “FOR THE EMPIRE!”

Jingos yelled, “Go to your assignments…..now!”

The eight thousand Flyers disappeared from the clearing leaving TK to worry about their safety. She walked over to Malah and said, “Let’s go home.”

The huge Zord and TK disappeared

*

Day East and Kreen came out of their universal jump just outside a Galaxy that was absolutely beautiful. It had recently merged with another galaxy and the birth of bright blue stars filled it from one end to the other. Day stared at the billions of stars and sighed. He knew that recently was more like sixty million years earlier but that represented just a moment in the life of a galaxy. Galaxies merging seldom harmed stars in either galaxy because of the space between them. Gravity would usually attract any stars that came close to each other and lock them into a double star orbit around each other. The galaxy that emerged from the merger was twice as big and made young by the process.

“Where do you want to start?”

Day smiled and pointed toward the giant blue star shining brightly in the outer edge, “That would be a good place. Most galaxies have less than ten blue giants in them and I’d like to take a look at that one before we get to work. It’s incredible.”

Kreen smiled, “It’s unfortunate that those stars have the shortest life span. My scans indicate that it will go super nova in another hundred thousand years.”

“Yes, but while they live they are something to behold.” Day smiled and said, “Let’s start our scans from that star.”

“Maintain our stealth mode. We should also refrain from communicating.”

“Why do you say that, Kreen?”

“We don’t know if there are any telepathic species around that could hear our thoughts. If you need to communicate, do it over our armor’s circuits.”

“Will do.” The Flyer disappeared.

*

Day saw the giant star from a light year out and marveled at the monster. Kreen said over the circuit, “We should charge our armor while we’re here.”

Day tore his attention from the star and set his armor to charge. He watched the meter inside his helmet and saw the needle swing swiftly up to the maximum setting. He turned off the receptors and saw that Kreen still had his wings extended to their full width. He shook his head and knew that the Zord had more than a hundred times his capacity in storage. He waited and expanded his scanner to the area around the blue giant. There were more than a hundred Class G-Stars within twenty light years of his location and he set his passive scanner to pick up any frequency in the small band width of electromagnetic pulses. If there was an advanced civilization in that volume of space, it would be giving off those frequencies. He immediately saw that one star was emanating a huge wave of those pulses.

“Kreen, do you see those pulses?”

“I do and there is another planet just beyond that one also showing signs of civilization.”

“Well, it looks like it’s time to go to work. Let’s go look at the largest one first.”

*

The Flyer arrived in a solar system that was filled with starships moving in and out of the system. The planet in the habitable zone of the star was clearly industrialized. Day looked at his readout and saw there were more than fifty thousand ships in the system and most of them were not armed, “Let’s go to the closest moon and take a look.”

They teleported to the moon’s surface and looked up at the planet above them while they watched their scanners for any indication they had been detected. “Day, nothing in this system is moving our way. It appears our stealth mode works.”

“Are you able to see the surface from here?”

Kreen spread his wings and expanded his scanning field, “Yes, and it appears that this society doesn’t have any military structures within my view. This appears to be a peaceful civilization at first glance.”

“I didn’t see any military ships in the system either. Let’s go to the next planet and take a look.”

Kreen kept his wings spread as he turned around and said, “Wait a minute.”

“What’s wrong?”

“There’s something in the outer system that is blocking light from the star behind it. I would have ordinarily missed it but that Blue Giant has a shadow in front of it.”

Day looked at the giant star that was the size of a small moon and saw what Kreen was talking about. He focused his scanner and saw that something was blocking light from the star. “Whatever it is, it’s not visible in normal light.”

“No, it’s hiding out there.”

“Do you sense any scans?”

“No, I don’t. It must be a ship of some kind that has stealth capability and is only scanning using passive sensors.”

“Teleport us out of this system and come back in on a route where we would not be in line with any stars.”

They made three teleports and arrived fifty miles below the object. Day couldn’t see what it was but knew it was big. It was blocking out a huge section of stars behind it and he used his computer to determine that it was about a mile in length. Kreen said, “I can hear the thoughts of the crew on that ship. It’s not from here and is scouting this system for conquest. I can see the board in front of their navigator when he looks at it and there are coordinates on the display. I would guess that is where this ship originated.” Kreen paused, “What do you want to do?”

Day thought about it, “Ordinarily I’d wake them up with a beam but we’re here to gather information. Can you take us to the location of those coordinates?”

“I think that’s the best choice. I’ll teleport us a light year from them.”

“Can you see the beings in that ship?”

“Yes, and they remind me of something.”

“What?”

“They do have two arms with hands but they appear to look very much like a wasp without wings.”

“Can you see anything else?”

“Yes, there is a weapons board with a rather large selection to choose from. This ship is heavily armed.”

Day looked up at the huge ship, “If this is a scout, their main ships must be huge.”

“We should go look.” Kreen teleported away.

*

The Sensor said, “Something using a strange form of energy is close to us.”

The Nest Master turned, “Where is it?”

The Sensor stared at its display, “It’s no longer here.”

“What was it?”

The Sensor shook its triangular shaped head, “I have no idea. Nothing appeared on my monitor but my scanner reported energy.”

“Could it be a malfunction?”

“Nothing is on my panel now. I don’t know.”

The Nest Master thought a moment, “If it happens again, notify me.”

“I will.”

*

Day and Kreen were above a planet that had been conquered by a strange looking species that looked very much like a wasp. It walked on four legs but had two arms with hands that had six fingers. It had the abdomen of a wasp extending beyond the four legs and a triangular shaped head. The eyes differed from a wasp in that they were set into the head in small indentations. Kreen had his wings extended and was feeding the scans into Day’s armor. They watched as the population was herded into camps all over the planet as large ships moved into the system. “I wonder what’s going to happen to those prisoners.”

“I’m more curious about what those ships are coming to do, Kreen. This planet has been defeated and offers no resistance. Why bring in the extra ships?”

“I have no idea but the planet put up quite a fight. Most of the larger cities are still burning to some extent but they were not been nuked from orbit. It looks like their fleet didn’t have much success against the invasion.”

Day glanced out at the space surrounding the planet and saw the wreckage of ships scattered around the planet in high orbit, “No, it appears they didn’t.” Day accessed his computer and queried it about information on wasps and related insects. He downloaded it and immediately felt a sense of dread. “Kreen, take a look at this download.”

Kreen took a look and said, “You don’t think that’s what they’re going to do?”

Day looked at the huge incoming fleet, “Those ships are either bringing something here or are going to take something away. I don’t see those warriors on the surface collecting anything but the population. This may get ugly.”

“I hope you’re wrong.”

Day shook his head knowing whatever was going to happen was never good for a conquered planet. “It appears those creatures haven’t discovered a means of jumping inside the jump limit.”

“You’re right. I’ve scanned their warships and they have a force field that’s as good as a Zeta. I’ll need to see one of their weapons fired before I can assess their strength. We can probably assume it’s pretty strong if the beam to force field relationship holds true.”

“I was just thinking that as well. I’m glad we charged our armor; it could get dicey if they discover us.”

Kreen looked at his helmet’s display, “They are advanced in terms of the weapons on their ships but they are behind in terms of the finesse of their tools. Their drives are standard fare and their stealth is adequate to hide them from too close an inspection, but not that advanced. While I’m scanning the planet, you should keep your scanners on their ships. Let me know if you see one charging their weapons.”

“Already on it, Kreen.”

The fleet of ships arrived at the planet and thousands of small shuttles began dropping toward the planet. “Pick one and follow it down, Kreen.”

Day saw one of the shuttles landing at a compound where hundreds of captives were being held. The shuttle landed and the guards surrounding the compound started moving the prisoners toward the shuttle. As the line walked slowly toward the shuttle the guards would fire a hand weapon at the ones in the entrance and stun them; the shuttle crew would then carry them into the shuttle. “What are they doing?”

“I’m not sure, Day.”

Suddenly they saw one of the wasp creatures run out of the shuttle, grab one of the captives and drag them out of line. Day and Kreen saw that the wasp’s abdomen was much larger than those herding the hostages. The wasp threw the captive to the ground, whipped its abdomen around, and penetrated its body with a large stinger. The captive struggled but then grew stiff and ceased moving. After ten seconds the wasp withdrew its stinger and its abdomen was back to normal size.

The captives in line saw what happened and turned and fled in panic. The guards fired their weapons until all of them were on the ground. One of the wasps walked forward and hit the one that had stung the prisoner and it was clear it was angry that it had caused an orderly process to disintegrate into chaos. It was clearly saying something and the wasp it was addressing was cowering in front of the leader. The leader took a small container for its vest and sprayed a bright white X on the stung prisoner. The body was carried into the shuttle with the others being moved.

Day said, “The population is going to be used to feed their eggs.”

“What are they doing now?”

The leader of the wasps looked over the bodies lying on the ground and began pointing at some of them. The guards came forward, picked them up, and carried them back into the buildings of the small city. Day watched and knew what they were doing, “They’re leaving some of them as a breed stock for future invasions.”

Kreen saw Day had to be right, “This is just another form of Keeper. I wonder how extensive these creatures have become in this universe.”

“I think we’ll know once we collect all the information we gather. However, that first planet we recorded stands no chance against them. They don’t even have a war fleet.”

“We need to follow one of these ships when it jumps out, Day. We’re also running a risk staying in one place too long.”

“Go ahead and teleport to the jump limit and we’ll wait for them there.”

*

The Sensor worked his panel and just couldn’t localize the location of a strange energy signature. It scanned a wide area and tried to home in on the source but was frustrated in its efforts. He called the Nest Master over and he was also unable to find the source. Suddenly the reading turned to zero. “It’s gone.”

“What was that?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen that pattern before and it seemed to just fill a huge area above the planet. Whatever caused it was small.”

The Nest Master looked at the Sensor, “How do you know that?”

“I could see the energy of our ships in orbit behind it.”

“Can you estimate the size?”

“My best guess is that it is one tenth the size of our drop ship.”

“Are you sure there was something there? That’s too small to have been a ship.”

The Sensor hesitated, “No, I’m not sure and that may have been why I couldn’t locate anything. This is something I can’t explain.”

“Let me know if you see it again.”

“I will.”

*

Kreen watched the scans from the planet while they waited for a ship to arrive and noticed something, “Day, we may have a problem.”

“What!”

“I’m going to feed this to your display; I want you to watch the warship that was located about twenty miles to the west of our location.” Day watched as the ship slowly turned in orbit until its bow was pointed in their direction. “They are turning the ship so they can bring their main sensors toward us.”

“Do you think they saw us?”

“I don’t think they could see us but they must have detected something.”

“Why do you say that?”

“If they saw us, they would have fired on us. Notice that the bow was turned toward us for ten minutes and they didn’t charge their weapons. We are giving them something but they can’t see us.”

“What do you think it is, Kreen?”

“Well, we can eliminate anything physical so it must be energy. Their scanners must be able to see our energy frequency.”

Day thought about it and said, “Then their scanners must be better than the Invaders. You know how good our stealth mode is and it appears we’re not completely hidden. We need to tell Command about this.”

“I’ll send a probe with what we’ve collected so far.”

“I think that would be wise. Is there any way to hide our energy signature?”

Kreen looked at his systems and said, “It must be a product of our stealth mode. I think the advancements in bending light around us must be causing it. We can go to a camouflage mode and not use the energy bending feature.”

“Back to basics, huh.”

“That’s how their stealth works. We’ll try it and if I see one of their ships start turning toward us, I’ll have our armor automatically teleport to another location.”

Day thought about the suggestion, “Kreen, what would happen if we changed our armor’s surface to charge while we’re in stealth mode? Would it absorb the energy leaking around us?”

Kreen was surprised by the suggestion. He never ceased to be amazed at Day’s insights. “Let’s try this; teleport ten miles away and I’ll set my armor to charge inside the stealth field. Tell me if you see a change.”

Day teleported and said, “I can’t see you through a normal scan. Give it a try.”

“Alright, I’ve gone to charging.”

Day scanned the area with every possible scan his armor could make, “I don’t see anything. You are still fully cloaked.”

“I’m turning off the charging.”

Dray stared at his scanner and saw something, “It appears the color of the background has shifted ever so slightly to a different color. The area is growing fast.”

“My charging is back on.”

Day watched as the area was sucked into the position he knew Kreen was located.”

“It’s really hard to see and if I weren’t looking for it I would have missed it. Your armor has pulled in the energy and there is no difference in background. You should launch another probe.”

“It’s on the way. There’s a ship arriving at the jump limit. You should get back so we can follow.”

Day teleported back to Kreen’s back and watched as the huge green and yellow ship approached. It crossed the jump limit and disappeared. Kreen entered the jump coordinates he had collected and teleported to a nearby location.

*

Paul saw the first probe and downloaded its information. He assessed the capabilities of the wasps and prepared a download for his warriors. Just before he sent it the second probe arrived and he was glad he was delayed. The energy leakage represented a real danger to his Flyers. He included it into his download and sent it out to the warriors. He sent a copy to Jingos and had the probes jump to the Defense Facility to let them know about the problem with their armor.

He paused and looked at his roster. Day East was proving to be a good Scout. Kreen was proving to be everything his Father was; Kreej was known for his mental prowess. He made a note to look at future command for the two. Another probe arrived and he saw that the Wasps were not the real danger in this universe. He teleported to the Scout that had found a species that was extremely dangerous. Unlike the Wasps, they left no survivors.

Chapter Ten

“Cassie?”

“Yes, Trey.”

“How are you able to communicate with me when all the others had compulsions to prevent any contact?”

“We are different from the others. You and I are the end product of a long evolutionary process that started with Tag and Danielle.”

“I’m not sure what you mean and how do you know this?”

‘You’ve looked at how psychic skills develop their power over generations in those that carry it passively and have no access to them?”

“Yes, I’ve seen how that works.”

“You and I are direct descendants of Tag and Danielle. You are a direct male descendent from Tag and I am a direct female descendent of Danielle. Our lineage has been unbroken for almost twenty thousand years and the psychic power has been building over that vast time. We can’t touch each other until we are mature enough or we could cause tremendous damage to creation. Just as you are able to sense danger, I am able to see truth. What I’m telling you is true.

‘Like when Tommy and Cassandra caused the energy nexus to heat up by making contact too early.”

“Yes, but much worse. We could also kill each other from the contact.”

“Then my original question still remains, why are we not compelled to avoid contact?”

“Because our minds will have to grow together for us to be ready; we need to be in contact to prepare ourselves. Haven’t you felt me watching you every day?”

Trey smiled, “Yes I have and the feeling is what makes my day bearable. I still hurt from the loss of my parents.”

Cassie hesitated but felt he had to know, “Trey, your parents had to die before you acquired your full power.”

“What!!”

“Can you understand that we are a product of the Creative Force that brought life into existence? Do you really understand that?”

Trey thought about the question, “I don’t really understand that mythical kind of stuff.”

“It’s not mythical; it’s a reality. You and I are direct descendents but your parents were as well. Obviously they would have to be for you to carry their power to the next level. Your developing mind would have killed them as you grew up because they were the source of your power; their death would have been painful. There is not enough room in this universe for the power in the three of you. This would have happened even if you aren’t released.”

“I would gladly die if they could have lived.”

“Their next child would have made the same thing happen. There was no escaping the reality of your building power. You must also remember that you are the reason for all of this taking place.”

“Why didn’t your parents have to die as well?”

“Because I’m a first generation psychic and you are a second. I don’t have the massive amount of psychic force that you possess and my parents have no psychic abilities.”

“Will we have to die if we have children?”

“No, I don’t see that. They will be psychic but not at the level you and I will become.”

“Cassie, I sense that your mind is different from mine. You feel…I don’t know…smarter.”

“I am my Father’s Daughter and you know how smart Carter is. He is the third element in our development that has also been developing for thousands of years. He is like a Catalyst. He is what will make our union truly dangerous.”

“When we finally come together, will I finally be able to understand what you’re saying?”

“Yes. Your mind will be changed in a remarkable way. I am already feeling great excitement for what you are going to become. I know we’re destined for each other and I have no choice in being with you but I want you to know that if psychic powers didn’t exist, I would still choose you to love. You are so remarkable.”

Trey saw her in his mind and smiled, “You are so much a part of me now. I feel you wherever I go and the feeling is what makes me whole. I know I should be angry at a force that caused my parents to have to die but I’m not.”

“There’s a reason for that, Trey.”

“What is that, Cassie?”

“I’m the gift to you to make up for your loss.”

Trey smiled, “I think my parents understood at the end what was happening. I know they knew their time was over and they faced it bravely. I felt their love and know they were complete. You were right that night.”

“What?”

“I already love you more.”

Cassie smiled and Trey held her feelings in his heart. He stood and walked over to the practice field and Grang said, “The Flyers are improving.”

“Are you looking forward to getting back into the fray?”

Grang smiled and nodded.

“It won’t be much longer, Father.”

“Good.”

*

Kreen and Day looked down on a planet that looked like the surface was alive. An entire continent was covered with billions of the wasp creatures. “Can you get a closer view?”

The view changed and they watched as ships landed and started moving bodies of paralyzed captives into shuttles that took them down small avenues between mile after mile of small discs on the planet’s surface. The shuttle would stop and the Wasps would lift a body from the shuttle as another Wasp moved forward and stung it. They noticed that every one of the Wasps stinging the bodies had swollen abdomens. Once the body was stung it was lowered into a tube and a cap was placed on top of it. The workers then moved to the next tube to continue the process. Kreen changed the view to another area and they saw caps being pushed up by Wasps that were half the size of the adults. Once they emerged, the adults would put a device on top of the tube and suck out a dried out husk. The remains were thrown on a large vehicle that transported them to a building where they were dumped into a container that moved into the building.

Day took a deep breath, “This is not a good thing, Kreen.”

“They have no choice but to operate this way.”

“What do you mean? They’re killing millions of intelligent beings.”

“What happens if they don’t?”

Day thought about the question and saw where Kreen was going, “Then their population will decrease.”

“This is their only way to reproduce. They must have a host for their eggs and remember that the Wasp on the other planet was in agony to find a host when its abdomen was swollen. This is not an option for them.” Kreen paused, “Are they dangerous; absolutely. Are they evil; no they aren’t? They only took enough from the last planet to meet their needs and left many behind to start over. They are not eradicating any species; they’re just trying to survive.”

“Maybe so, but I wouldn’t want to be on a planet they invaded.”

“They would leave my species alone. We’re too big to fit in those tubes.”

“Oh, I’m sure they could make one to fit you.”

“They could, but they wouldn’t. It would be a horrible waste of real estate. Look at your data on wasps again and you’ll see that only one egg per host; two would end up eating each other.”

Day stared at the nightmare on the planet and said, “We should report back. I don’t know if I’ll ever get this image out of my mind.”

“It’s not so bad, Day.”

Day snorted, “This coming from a carnivore.”

Kreen smiled, “That does have a way of changing one’s perspective.”

“Get us out of here.”

The Flyer disappeared.

*

Paul watched an invasion fleet attacking a civilized planet. The planet didn’t have space travel and could only launch missiles from the surface that were hit by the attacking ship’s beams before they could clear the atmosphere. The Grey Ships sat in orbit and rained nuclear destruction down on the planet. The beings on the planet were defenseless and the ships showed them no mercy. Every city and concentration of population, even small ones, was hit by high energy beams or a nuclear bomb. The attack lasted two days and at the end, nothing could be seen alive on the planet. The Grey Ships scanned the planet and, satisfied they had killed everything they could find, turned and began moving out of orbit.”

Paul looked at Grej and said, “It appears they have no reason to be here except to kill the inhabitants of that planet.”

“I traced them here from six planets that they killed just like this one. They just show up and kill everything.”

“It looks like the fleet is dividing up into three units. I want you to take the one on the left.” Paul called in two more Flyers, “Each of you take one of the other two units and follow them. We still have a week left and I want to know what these ships are going to do and where their home world is located. Let’s hope one of those units is heading home.”

Paul jumped back to the assembly point and saw eight more probes had arrived. He decided that this universe was not a safe place to live. Perhaps the Flyers could change that.

*

Timmy, Virze, TK, Paul, Jingos, Grang, Jingo, and Trey looked at the display on the wall in the conference room on the top floor of the Capital Building on New Hope. They watched recordings of seven different species that were attacking other civilizations. The Grey Ships were the last one viewed and were clearly the most aggressive.

“I’m not so sure the Red Demons weren’t right about eliminating intelligent life. I understand there are six more aggressive civilizations that take slaves which are not included in this recording.”

Jingo slowly nodded, “There are many species that are very aggressive in that universe, Your Majesty.”

“Where do we start?”

“The Grey Ships are the most violent and they have taken complete control of three galaxies. I think they should be where our initial efforts are directed.”

Trey looked around the table and said, “What are your thoughts about the Wasps?”

Timmy looked at Trey and was amazed at the maturity of the twelve year old. He just acted, and sounded, much older. “They are certainly dangerous to other species. We need to handle them after the Grey Ships. Why do you ask?”

“I’ve had a discussion with Kreej’s son about them and I want to attempt something before we take any action.”

Timmy frowned, “Trey, I’m not willing to place you in danger.”

“That’s ok, Your Majesty. I can do it all by myself without your assistance.”

Grang tried not to smile but couldn’t help himself. Jingo saw him and had to turn away from the table to clear his throat to hide his.”

“Trey, I’m serious about this.”

“So am I. You can’t stop me from going and I will do what my senses tell me must be done. I will not allow the Empire to be endangered by not acting on what I see.”

Timmy glanced at Virze and turned back to Trey, “Tell me what you see.”

“Kreen showed me his recording of the planet attacked by the Wasps. They did not bombard the planet from orbit and cause massive destruction on the planet’s surface. They left more than fifty percent of the population behind. I also watched as one of their leaders was furious over the behavior of one of his warriors that frightened the captives. Kreen is right. The Wasps are acting humanely within the requirements of their reproductive needs.”

Virze shook her head, “They are eating intelligent creatures.”

Trey shrugged, “In order to reproduce. How do you know they don’t need an intelligent species in order for their offspring to develop intelligence?”

Virze narrowed her eyes but didn’t know how to respond. Timmy said, “They are killing innocent civilizations.”

“Yes, they are and that’s what needs to be changed. I want to see if I can make that happen.”

Paul said, “You are not going to stop them from taking hosts for their eggs.”

Trey smiled, “I don’t intend to.”

“Then what are you going to do?”

Trey smiled, “I’m going to make them an offer they can’t refuse.” He looked around the table, “I’m leaving after this meeting onboard Greyson with Kreej, Kreen and Day East. By the way, you need to promote those two as soon as possible. They are a remarkable team. TK, you, Paul, and Jingos are welcome to go with me but I’m not going to wait on you.”

Timmy looked at Virze and she knew that Timmy had been right; Trey would tell them when he was ready to rule.

Grang said, “I would like to attend as well.”

“I’m sorry; but you and Jingo should pick one of the aggressive species and start your planning to neutralize them. TK’s command will handle the Grey Ships and Wasps and join you once they’re handled.

Jingo said “Do you thing you can handle them in time to assist us?”

“If everything goes according to plan, we’ll be there before you are.”

TK looked at Paul and he nodded. She turned to Timmy, “Your Majesty, we will go with Trey. If it meets with your approval, we will postpone this meeting until we see what Trey is going to do.”

Timmy stood and everyone rose and bowed, “Make sure he is not put in jeopardy.”

TK looked at Trey who had a huge smile. She shook her head, “I’ll do what I can.”

Jingo looked at Grang and made eye contact. They both knew TK was going to have her hands full trying to make Trey do anything. They both smiled and turned to leave. Scotty would be proud.

TK looked at Trey, “Where are we going?”

“To see if we can set up a conversation with the leader of the Wasps.”

“Just how are you going to do that?”

Trey smiled, “Oh, we’ll just scout around first.”

TK looked at Paul, “I’m not sure about this.”

Paul looked at her, “You don’t have to be; he is.”

*

The seven teleported aboard Greyson and Trey said, “Did you get the coordinates from Kreen, Greyson.”

“I have them locked in.”

“Go to full stealth mode and take us there.”

The new Zeta-A that Greyson had been moved into disappeared.”

*

The Nest Master watched his display at the civilized planet he was scouting. This was going to be the next place to gather hosts and it felt bad that the beings were going to have their lives disrupted. There was just no other option. Suddenly it heard a thought, “There is another option and I would like to discuss it with your leaders.”

The Nest Master stood and saw that everyone on the bridge heard it as well. He looked at the Sensor and saw that it was not detecting anything. “Use a full scan.”

“The ships in this system will see us.”

“We’ve already been seen. Make the scan.”

The Sensor made a full active scan around their ship and nothing showed up, “Nothing!”

“You can quit wasting your time trying to see us. However, I need you to assist me in having a conversation with your species’ leadership.”

“I am not going to lead you to my home world.”

“You don’t have to; I’ve already been there. I must say the number of cells on the main continent is amazing.”

The Nest Master felt immediate fear; what was this? The Sensor still showed nothing on his scans. “I’m still not going to take you there.”

“That’s a shame, I really didn’t want to destroy your planet but I will if you don’t agree to help me.”

“Raise all screens, power all weapons, and fire a spread around our ship.”

The scout looked like it was on fire as it fired a barrage of beams around it. Suddenly a bright red beam blew through its force fields and cut off the top of a rear stabilizer fin.

The Sensor yelled, “That beam was strong enough to cut us in half.”

The Nest Master looked at Weapons and it shook its head. They weren’t hitting anything. Another bright red beam blew through the force fields and cut the top of the second fin. “Cease firing, cease firing.”

“That’s wise of you.”

The Nest Master looked around his bridge and pointed to the Driver as he said, “You should know that I will not lead you to my home world even if it costs me my life.”

“I’m not asking you to lead me there. I just want you to go back and ask for a meeting. If your leadership agrees, come back here and tell me how they want to handle it.”

“And if they don’t agree to your meeting?”

“Do you see the large moon circling the eighth planet?”

The Nest Master nodded to the Sensor and the moon appeared on his display, “Yes, I do.”

Suddenly the moon exploded in a blast that vaporized it. Not even debris was left behind. “I really think your leaders should consider my meeting. I do not intend to harm your species at this point but if you refuse to discuss my intentions, I will fire a much stronger beam into your home world. I’m sending you the coordinates of your home world now.”

The Sensor looked at its display and the Nest Master saw its immediate fear.

The thoughts of the being continued, “You are aware of how long it takes the planet you’ve been watching to make a full rotation?”

“Yes.”

“You have that long to come back. Or you have that long before your planet dies. One or the other is going to happen. It’s your choice.”

The Nest Master saw several ships moving toward him and nodded to the Driver. The Wasp Scout disappeared.

*

TK looked at Trey, “What do you want to discuss with them?”

“Their choice of hosts.”

Paul burst out laughing, “What a great idea. I should have thought of that.”

TK, Jingos, and Day looked at each other. Thought of what?

*

The Wasp Scout arrived in its home system and immediately sent a communication to Ship Control. “They want to do what?”

“They insist that our Leaders meet with them or they are going to destroy our home.”

“Let them come; they won’t return.”

“You don’t understand. They do not appear on our sensors and they fired through my force field like it didn’t exist. I’m sending you a demonstration of their weapons.”

The Ship Controller watched the recording of the moon being blasted and keyed his com, “You’re saying that you couldn’t see them on your sensors and your force field was ineffective?”

“Do I have to keep repeating myself? Whoever did that could come right in to our system and kill our planet. Now notify the Hive Rulers and show them what I’ve given you. If we don’t meet with them in two thirds of a rotation, they are going to attack.”

The Nest Master waited and saw that his crew was worried. He hoped those at Ship Control understood the danger but you never knew about them. He decided to go over their head. He commed his nest brother, “I need the Hive Mother’s connection.”

“Hello, Tel. And how are you?”

“This is serious, Zel. Our planet is going to be destroyed if I can’t speak with our leaders. You must help me! I’m deadly serious about this danger and the clock is counting down.”

Zel looked at Tel on his display and saw his fear. What convinced him was the fear of his crew behind him. “This is the code to the Hive Princess. Show her what you have.”

“Thank you, Zel. I may be tried for treason but I’d rather die than see our families killed.”

Zel saw Tel’s face disappear and decided that something was terribly wrong. He pushed a code and said, “Your Grace, I need you to look into something that is going to be sent to the Princess momentarily.”

“Zel, you know it’s forbidden to contact me directly?”

“I do, Your Grace. And I will submit to your justice and face my execution willingly if as a death wish you will look into what Tel is sending to the Princess.”

The Prince stared at Zel and decided that something was seriously wrong if that rich playboy was willing to forfeit his life. He disconnected the call and went to the Princess’ chambers.”

*

Jingos looked at Trey and said, “What do you think is going to happen?”

“I think we’re going to be attacked.”

“What!!” Everyone on the bridge was stunned at Trey’s response. Trey said, “How easy would it be for a ship commander to get a message to our Emperor? How many channels do you think he would have to go through before he could be heard? You saw the recording of that planet. The larger the population, the more difficult it is to get to the decision makers.”

“Then why did you set such a short time frame?”

“Before they will listen, they must be convinced that we can do what we say. I suspect they will test us first and then make their decision about communicating. At least, I think that’s what we would do in their place. Do you see it differently, Jingos?”

“So what do we do when they attack?”

“Kreen and Day along with Kreej and I will go out and kick the ever living groad out of them.”

“Don’t forget me.”

“Oh yeah, and Greyson.”

TK said, “Trey, this is not a game. I really don’t think you should do this.”

Trey shook his head, “I have to Aunt Tommie. I need the stress to move into the next level of my psychic abilities. This is a ‘must do’ for me.”

Paul put his hand on TK’s shoulder and shook his head. TK didn’t want to go along with the plan but knew Paul must know something she didn’t.

Trey closed his eyes and said, “Alright, it’s show time. Day, you and Kreen teleport out to the port side of the ship and handle anything that even remotely looks like it will get through Greyson’s defenses. Kreej and I will handle the starboard.” Trey and Kreej activated their armor and Trey said just before he disappeared, “Give em hell, Grayson.”

The three remaining onboard heard Greyson say, “Oh, you can count on that.”

Trey and Kreej teleported out to fifty miles from Greyson’s position and saw a massive number of stars being blocked by a huge shape. “We can’t see them Kreej.”

“That will pose a problem.”

Trey worried about his Aunt onboard Greyson and worried that he had promised too much. Suddenly a blue field extended from him and rushed rapidly away. He could see the ships coming. “Kreej, Kreen, I’m locking your display to my view. Use it to pick your targets.”

Day suddenly saw thousands of ship approaching their position. “This should be fun.”

“Wait on Trey to fire the first shot.”

“For the Creator’s sake why?”

“They may just be a unit to protect the Wasp Leader coming here to communicate with us.”

Day stared at Kreen and said, “You don’t really believe that line of Torg Groad, do you?”

“Of course not. They wouldn’t be coming in stealth mode if they were here to talk. I was just checking to see if you were on your toes.”

“Give the Zord a prize.”

“Oh shut up and pick a target out on the edge.”

“I’ve selected ten. We’ll start with the one at the front edge and work our way back.”

“Front edge it is.”

*

Trey watched the mass of ships approaching and suddenly saw dark places in their ranks. He smiled, “I’ve always wanted this.”

“Wanted what, Trey?”

“Kreej, do you see the dark places scattered in the ranks of those ships.”

“I’m getting those from your sensors aren’t I?”

“Yes. I want you to take us through those dark places whenever you can. They won’t be able to see us if we can stay in those areas. Their sensors will not be scanning those patches.”

Trey hit his com, “Greyson, I’m feeding you the scans of my armor. I’m able to see through their stealth mode. Do you see them now?”

Greyson put the view up on the wall display and TK saw the thousands of ship approaching, “Greyson, can we handle this many?”

“I don’t know, but it’s going to be fun trying.”

Paul just shook his head and leaned back in his chair.

*

Trey thought to the incoming ships, “You’re ahead of schedule; however, I don’t believe you’re here to communicate. I would highly recommend that you withdraw and use your remaining time to bring someone here that can speak for your species.”

The Leader of Ship Control heard the thought and suddenly felt nervous. Whoever was here could see them. He had disregarded the Scout’s request and had brought a half a Hive of ships. He shook off his fear and sent a command to his fleet, “Find that ship. It has to be here somewhere.”

Trey watched the incoming ships start to spread out and shook his head, “Sometimes I wish I was wrong.”

Kreej immediately responded, “Wouldn’t be as much fun if you were.”

“Link to my thoughts, Kreej, and go where you see in my mind.”

Trey and Kreej flew into the outer edge of the fleet and flew between two ships and Kreej fired his main beam at the one on the right and Trey fired at the ship on the left. Both exploded as the Flyer flew between two more exploding them before they could respond to the first ships killed.”

Day saw the ships explode across the formation and smiled, “Let’s go, my brave Zord.” Kreen accelerated along the edge of the fleet and ten ships exploded as they turned and moved into the huge mass of ships.”

Greyson moved forward toward the center of the formation and began firing his twenty beams continuously. A hundred ships saw the source of the beams and fired but saw their beams stopped by a force field. The hundred that fired only fired once and were destroyed before they could fire again. The Ship Control Leader saw hundreds of ships had been killed and the killing was picking up speed. He knew that he had made a terrible mistake and that there was no way to correct it. Suddenly a command came in over his board that was broadcast on an open frequency, “THE SHIPS OF THE HIVE WILL STOP ATTACKING AND WITHDRAW IMMEDIATELY.”

The Ship Controller saw that it was being broadcast on the Prince’s frequency. He turned his ship around along with the remaining survivors and rushed away from the site of the battle. Trey activated a matching frequency, “Cease firing; stop all defensive activities!” He looked at his scanner and saw a huge ship at the jump limit, “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”

“What is that?”

“The one I’ve been attempting to contact has arrived. Take us back to Greyson.” Trey changed frequency, “Day, you and Kreen need to move back onboard Greyson.”

“On our way.”

*

The Wasp Prince had watched the recording of the conversation between the Scout and whoever was trying to set up a meeting. He saw that the Scout’s scanners revealed nothing and its force field was pierced easily. When he saw the large moon exploded he immediately contacted Ship Control, “Yes, Hive Prince.”

“How good are our Scout’s scanners?”

“They are the best in the Hive Ships.”

“What about their force field?”

“It’s as strong as any we possess.”

“I wish to speak to Ship Controller.” There was a long pause and the Prince said, “I’m not going to tolerate a delay.”

“I’m sorry, Hive Prince. He has taken half a Hive of Ships and left to attack a foe of the Hive.”

“He did what!?!”

“He left a third rotation ago.”

“Get my ship ready to leave and you had better hope I arrive in time or you and your entire organization are dead!”

*

The Prince arrived at the solar system scheduled to be the next planet to gather hosts and saw the battle taking place. He looked at the Nest Master, “Tell me what you see.”

“More than nine hundred of our ships have been destroyed; now it’s a thousand.”

“A hundred were killed that fast?”

“Yes, it is now twelve hundred,”

“Give me an open frequency now!”

*

The Prince sat at the jump limit as the survivors moved out and surrounded his ship. The Ship Controller took his position and knew his life was forfeit for his acting without permission. He hoped the Prince would leave because he now knew the remaining ships could not protect him if the agency attacking his ships decided to go after his ship.

Trey looked at the others on Greyson’s bridge and said, “Now it starts.” He sat down in Greyson’s command chair and sent a thought, “I’m glad you were able to arrive before our deadline was over. May I assume you are here to communicate with me?”

The Prince was staggered by the comment. The one communicating with him didn’t mention the destruction of more than thirteen hundred of his ships. Almost as if they didn’t matter and were no consequence. He decided that the Hive was in great danger and he needed to be very careful, “Yes, that is why I came here.”

“Good, I’ll lift my threat to destroy your home world. Do you have the authority to speak for your species?”

“I can speak for my Hive.”

“What about the others?”

The Prince paused and decided to be honest, “The others will follow my lead if I show them what happened here. May I assume you can carry out your threat?”

“If you would like to pick a planet without life, I would be more than happy to demonstrate our capabilities. I would suggest picking a large planet so you can get the full effect.”

“No, that won’t be necessary. Why did you want me here?”

TK said, “He get’s straight to the point.”

Paul nodded and whispered, “Listen.”

“I am part of a civilization that lives by a number of principles that we hold to be inviolate. One of those is that we will protect those that cannot defend themselves against aggression. As you probably already know, this civilization cannot stand against your coming attack. They are peaceful and do not have the capability to defend themselves. The first thing I want you to know is that this planet will not be attacked. Do you agree to this?”

“I can agree to this planet, however, you might as well go ahead and destroy us because we are going to attack planets to acquire the Hosts we need.”

“That is the real reason why I wanted this conversation. We observed that you treated those you attacked at the last planet you invaded with dignity. We know you only took the number you needed. Did we see that correctly?”

The Prince was stunned that this being already knew about his species requirements. “You are correct. Our Hosts are honored by us and we feel sorrow at having to take them.”

“Not so much sorrow to not do it.”

“If it comes down to choosing whether we survive or not, I must admit we choose to be the ones that live.”

“Do you ever worry that one of the planets you attack will develop enough to come pay you back for your actions?”

“If that happens, they are justified. We can’t blame them for seeking balance.”

Trey smiled, “That’s a good word, balance. We are faced with a dilemma. If we turn our backs to your taking Hosts, we violate those principles we are sworn to follow. If we follow our principles, then we will have to destroy your species to stop you from attacking innocent planets. We need to find a way to resolve this issue.”

“Once again, I see no way for us to prevent you attacking my Hive. We have no other choice for our survival.”

“There is a way.”

The Prince was preparing to jump away to order evacuations but stopped, “What do you mean?”

“I noticed that you do not kill everyone when you attack and you try to avoid unnecessary destruction on the planet. What would you say to another species that did kill every living creature on a planet?”

“I would say they are committing a blasphemy. That violates all that we believe is true. I know you may find this hard to believe but we don’t want to kill anyone but we are forced to take hosts. We never feel joy at what we are forced to do.”

“I’m sending you a recording I would like you to view. Will you look at it?”

“Send it.”

Trey said, “Greyson, send the attack done by the Grey Ships.”

“Done.”

Trey waited and after ten minutes he heard, “This is blasphemy. Those creatures are the epitome of evil. These are the ones you should be eliminating.”

“We can do that. However, it was our thought that if you must have Hosts, those creatures on those ships would be some you might not feel bad about taking.”

The Prince looked at his display with a Grey Ship on it, “You’re right about that. However, how long would they be able to supply my Hive? We would have to return to our usual taking once they were gathered.”

“How long would it take before you would return to a planet you’ve attacked?”

“Usually a hundred revolutions around our star.”

“Well those creatures have conquered two galaxies and are moving into this one. I suspect that they would provide you with Hosts for hundreds of thousands of years if not indefinitely.”

“Do you know where they are located?”

“We know where ten of their home worlds are. I suspect if you send scouts you will discover thousands of their planets.”

The Prince felt something inside him that was good. He felt redemption. “By attacking these creatures, we will be protecting those that we’ve attacked.”

“Yes, you will. You will need to make sure those you’ve attacked understand why you took their populations and attempt to repair the damage you’ve done. Otherwise they will be looking for their own justice. Our principles demand that this kind of evil must be eliminated. We can take on the task but we feel that by giving that task to you, we will be able to become a friend of your species instead of a destroyer.”

“What happens if we eventually run out of Hosts one day in the far future?”

“We’ll move you to another universe and allow you to start the process again.”

The Prince was stunned, “You can do that?”

“Yes and we will assist you technologically to strengthen your ships if needed. However, we will require you to agree to only attack those creatures that are violent and aggressive. Are you able to make that promise and keep it? As you might suspect, we do not tolerate broken promises.”

“You don’t need a promise for us to attack those creatures. They kill for no reason. We will attack them even if we have no agreement. However, I can make an oath that we will not attack a non-violent civilization without communicating with you first.”

“Does your promise carry enough weight to be followed by your entire species?”

“Yes, it does.”

Trey was shocked. He thought this would have to be negotiated with numerous worlds, “I am somewhat surprised by your answer. What is your position with your Species?”

“I am the Oldest Male of all our Hives and my orders will be followed. If anyone violates them, I will see that they are punished; just like these ships that were sent to attack you without consulting with me first.”

Trey said, “I humbly ask that you spare them.”

“Why, they showed stupidity coming here.”

“It was necessary for them to come so you could see that my threat was real. You should be thankful they did. Would you be working with me on this agreement if you had not seen our battle? I do ask that they be forgiven. You’re also going to need every ship you possess to take on the massive force you’ll be facing.”

The Prince knew that the being communicating was someone that would could keep a promise. Forgiveness was a higher principle than most species were not capable of following. He hoped those planets his ships had attacked would one day forgive his Hives. “I will do as you ask to honor our agreement.”

Trey said, “Remove our stealth, Greyson.”

The Prince saw a bright white ship appear next to the hull of his ship with its force field down and he smiled. This being was also able to trust.

Chapter Eleven

TK listened to the conversation and felt a sense of pride at what her Nephew was accomplishing. She knew her parents would be overjoyed at what he had done in resolving the issue with the Wasps. She was also amazed at how similar the Wasps were to the Empire. One would think that there would be a huge difference in the way each species viewed the universe. She looked at Paul and he said, “He must have sensed at some level that this could be done. He will be growing in his abilities rather quickly and we have a ringside seat to watch it happen.”

“What do you mean?”

“Tommie, you and I along with all the other psychics are here to support him. He is the one destined to lead us. Do you not see that?”

TK looked at Trey and felt him. He was unique and she could sense it. “How do you see these things before I do?”

“Your strength lays elsewhere, my Love. You are the Warrior. Can you not feel how much you yearn to right the wrongs being perpetrated on innocent civilizations?”

TK thought a moment and felt her anger at what the Wasps had done. She was prepared to kill them all, “I think that comes from my Father.”

“I’m sure it does. Even though we’re matched, we have time to really come to know each other and it’s important that we take that time. I love you and have always known we would end up together; but we are given a gift that can grow if we will nourish our love. You know that Trey is already communicating with the one he will eventually be bonded to and they are learning from each other.”

“Who is it?”

“I’d rather not say just yet. I could be wrong but I sense that his psychic aura is being reinforced from another source. There is another super psychic that will join him and the resulting union will be stunning.

TK turned and looked at Trey. He just didn’t sound like a twelve year old. He was already years ahead of most adults. She shook her head and wished he had been given the time to enjoy his youth.

Paul heard her thoughts and said, “This is his youth, Tommie. Just wait until he’s grown.”

TK turned and stared at Trey and decided that she was not going to challenge his future decisions. He was possibly going to give her a chance to kill the murderers of her parents. For that reason alone she could hardly wait for him to grow up. Revenge was a feeling she was very familiar with.

*

Trey was reclining against a log in a clearing looking up at the stars. The fire was smoldering with red hot coals which allowed him to see the heavens with a sky ablaze with millions of points of light. He sighed and knew that most of the planets circling those stars had been killed by the invaders. The orange pods didn’t leave anything living to enjoy the view he was taking in. He looked over at the vast field next to the clearing and saw the second Flock of Grang’s Division preparing to join him in another universe. He could hear the thoughts of the thousands of Flyers and felt their excitement at the coming fight. He looked back up at the stars and felt the immensity of the universe. He was such an insignificant speck against the scope of creation. He looked back at the Flyers and knew that their efforts were a wasted effort if an answer to the Invaders was not found. Why was he pushing sending the Flocks to fight?

“Cassie.”

“I can see you’re troubled.”

“I am. Why do we go out to fight when it could all just be a wasted effort if we lose to the Invaders?”

“The Invaders are just one part of the imbalance in Creation, Trey. They are the most dangerous enemy but they are not the only species that feeds on the death of others. What happens if we win?

Trey thought about that question and said, “We would be compelled to go out and follow our principles.”

“Should we put those principles on hold until the end is determined?”

Trey sighed, “No, I guess not.”

“It’s more than just guessing. If we can make life more bearable for just one civilization, then it would be worth the effort. A tool has been forged by the Creative Force and it’s ready to be used. To withhold it from those that need it would be wrong.”

“I thought this tool was created to defeat the Invaders.”

“No, you are the tool created to make that happen. The Flyers are for making creation a safer place to live.”

Trey straightened up, “Are you saying the Flyers won’t be in the battle against the Invaders.”

Trey waited for an answer and finally Cassie said, “They may be used against their ships but they will not confront the power behind the Invaders.”

“You mean I will be facing them alone.”

“No, Trey. I’ll be there with you.”

“That’s not really reassuring, Cassie.”

“There will be others helping.”

“Who?”

“Look inside yourself and ask that question.”

Trey played with the question and smiled, “You’re right. I didn’t see it.”

“Now you do.”

“I wish you were her, Cassie.”

“I am, my Love, I am.”

Trey smiled and felt her in his heart.

Trey leaned back and closed his eyes, “When do we build it?”

“Soon.”

*

The former Distributor looked around his new quarters and was impressed. He was just promoted to the number four position on the Council. The supplies had finally passed the previous level of inventory and the quality was outstanding. The First Three of the Council ordered him to keep close watch on the new Distributor and make sure the supplies continued to be as good moving forward. He checked his board and saw that the new Distributor was looking at former records of the universes that had been destroyed. Ummm…he keyed his board and transferred all the records to his console.

The new Distributor saw the records disappear and knew that he was being watched by a member of the council. He had noticed a remark by one of the former Ten Masters that two galaxies were missing from one of the universes that was destroyed. He was going to take a closer look but the information was taken. He turned his board to the new universe being attacked and worried that the Council Member observing him might take action to punish him for not doing what was desired. He waited and after nothing happened, he put the missing galaxies out of his mind. It wasn’t worth being punished over. This was his first mistake and was not going to be his last.

*

Jingos and Ron stood outside a twenty story building that was damaged during the attack on the surrounding city. There were huge fires burning in the streets a half mile to the North and explosions could be heard from the South. “It appears the dictator of this planet is being held by our Flyers. Do you want to take part in the questioning?”

Ron looked to the East and could see hundreds of flyers circling a large military base. They were invisible to the naked eye but his armor allowed him to see them. “No, I think one of us needs to take charge of the cleanup. It appears these beings don’t surrender.”

“They don’t and I suspect there won’t be much questioning to do.”

Ron gave a slight shake of his head, “I wish there was some way to get them to see the error of their ways.”

Jingos looked to the East and saw a ship come charging in firing green beams. It was blown out of the sky by a well placed penetrator. “I don’t think they have the capacity to see anything different. The slave camps are pretty much a testimony to how they view other species. They didn’t even have food to feed them.”

“Call them what they are; they’re execution camps.”

Jingos heard a voice come in over his com, “Sir, the spaceport defenses are starting to fire on the city. It appears they are attempting to hit the camps on the south side. They’ve burned through the first row of buildings between them and the camps.”

Jingos looked at Ron, “This is Major Kune, take out the spaceport.”

“Sir, whoever is left after this exercise will need the spaceport?”

“Then they’ll have to build another one. Take it out.”

Jingos and Ron looked to the East and saw a huge fireball erupt from the port. “I’ll go with you, Sir. There’s not much cleaning up left to do after the destruction of the port.”

Jingos turned and walked into the building. Ron raised his hand blaster and hit a sniper on the roof of the building across the street and followed Jingos through the front door. The ships arriving with food would be arriving within three hours. The Wasps were providing the transportation and delivery. A full grown Wasp could lift eight hundred pounds. They’d get it distributed in time to save the bulk of the starving masses. He chuckled at a joke one of the Wasp Commanders had shared with him. Imagine; an insect with a sense of humor.

*

Alex watched the display and paid close attention to the rate of transfer. Vring and Weed were controlling the probe and were moving it slowly into the core of the star. After thirty minutes the probe melted.

“We’re close.”

Alex announced, “Yes we are. This is unbelievable; the energy stored in that probe was greater than any ship we’ve built.”

Trey watched the screen and said, “I think you have your answer now.”

Weed turned and said, “We didn’t absorb the star.”

“Why do you need to?”

Kreej looked at Trey, “That was our bellwether for this project.”

“Did you want to absorb a star or the energy of a star?”

“What’s the difference?”

Trey looked at Weed and smiled, “I recently saw a Blue Giant Star in another universe that has a mass of more than eight hundred G-Type Stars. You could just absorb the energy from the outer corona and gather more than you’d get from a G.”

Weed looked at Kreej, “He’s right. We wouldn’t need to go into the core.”

“But that means that there would only be ten or less stars in a galaxy to power our ships.”

Trey shrugged, “And there are how many dead galaxies in the eight universes that were killed by the invaders?”

Alex said, “We can power our ships.”

“We need to take one to that Blue Giant and see.”

“Not just yet, Weed.”

“Why not?”

“Before we start absorbing the power, we need to make sure the weapons can draw it from the skin inside the hull and send it to the appropriate location. You don’t want to overload the systems. You also need to develop a force field that uses that power instead of conventional designs.”

Weed looked at Trey and then at Kreej. Kreej said, “I’m not sure what you mean?”

Trey looked at the energy absorbed by the probe, “Do any of you remember the old force fields used by the first ships of the Realm?”

Alex pulled up a picture of a Washington Class Ship and they watched a recording of it as it fought in the first battle against the Alliance. “Notice that the force field was actually a hot energy field around the ship that burned anything coming at it out of existence. Beams that were fired into it actually raised the power of the screen and missiles were just burned. That is the simplest method to handle this level of power. If you try to build a screen that harnesses that magnitude of energy, you’re looking at more years to develop it.”

Weed looked away from the display, “How do you know this?”

“Run a program using the amount of power collected in that probe through the software we currently use to make our force fields and tell me what you see.”

“Let me get Seed in here.” The other Algean came in and Weed said, “Link with me a moment and let me run some programs with you.”

Kreej and Trey listened in on their thoughts and Kreej said, “They’re thinking too fast for me to follow.”

Trey shrugged, “The first hundred programs they ran had screen failure.”

“You can follow what they’re thinking?”

Trey nodded.

“Can you slow it down and show me?”

Trey smiled, “Take a look.”

Kreej looked at Trey’s thoughts and followed the data through the various permutations. “You’re right. Anything we could build into a force field would be weaker than the method used by the old ships.”

“That’s the way I see it.”

“While they are still working their way through all the possibilities, I want to share something with you Alex.”

“What is that?”

“I have a plan for a ship I want to build. I want you to take a look at it.”

“The Algeans and the Zord could do a much faster analysis than I can.”

“Even so; I want you to examine it and let me know when you’re ready to discuss it.”

“Send me the data.”

Trey put a clear square into the reader and pressed send. Alex started receiving the information and said, “Is the size that big?”

“Yes it is.”

“I’ll get back to you.”

“Thanks, Alex.”

Kreej looked at Trey, “Did you send the Algeans on their little trip to la-la land so they wouldn’t hear what you just did?”

Trey smiled, “You know they can’t be reached when they’re this deep into computations.”

“I know it. Did you?”

Trey shrugged and smiled.

*

Cassie sat in class in the Robbins Fleet Academy and listened to an Engineer describe the circuits of a beam projector. She was listening to Trey have his conversation with the group at the Defense Facility and found it amusing that he had excluded the Algeans from his little building project. She smiled and enjoyed Trey’s back and forth with Kreej.

“Perhaps you would like to comment on this particular circuit, Cadet Blake!”

Cassie brought her attention back to the class and saw the visiting engineer pointing to a power coupler on the circuit diagram. She glanced at her Professor and saw he was cringing. She took a deep breath and smiled at the smug Engineer, “Actually, that power coupler is being replaced in the next generation of ships that will be coming on line shortly. As you probably know, the main channel for the energy transfer can only handle the power of three reactors before they melt and the new level of power that’s going to be used is more than a hundred times that amount.” Cassie walked forward and took the pointer out of the engineer’s hand and used it to indicate where several electrical circuits passed very close to each other in the coupler. She looked at the Engineer and pointed at the confluence of circuits and said, “Do you know what amperage this board can handle before these four paths melt?”

The Engineer stared at her and didn’t know what to say. She smiled and said, “No, I guess you don’t. The power of a Zeta-A would fuse this circuit. That’s why they are being replaced. Why don’t you look it up?” Cassie turned to go back to her desk when she stopped and said, “You already knew that board was being replaced. Why are you here teaching us useless electronic circuits? Did you perhaps miss your last briefing on the updating of the Zetas?”

Cassie went and sat down. The Professor said, “That concludes this training. Please report to your next class. Cadet Blake, may I see you for a moment.”

The Class left and Cassie walked up to the Professor and Engineer, “Yes, Commodore Jekins.”

“I thought we had an agreement not to embarrass visitors.”

Cassie saw the Engineer was angry, “Did the Professor warn you that you shouldn’t even think about singling me out?”

“What if he did?”

Cassie turned to Commodore Jekins, “Some get what they deserve. Further, the Empire really doesn’t need engineers that refuse to pay attention to those with experience they can learn from.”

“Cassie, she didn’t know. She took it as a challenge.”

“Then shame on you for not telling her enough to protect herself.” She looked at the engineer who was starting to show some concern. She stared at her for a long moment and then said, “Here is the update on the new Zetas.” She gathered her thoughts and sent the entire package. The engineer stumbled and sat down quickly at a desk. She had a stunned expression and was having difficulty focusing her vision.

“She’ll be fine before the next class. This time she can teach them something they can use.”

Commodore Jekins watched Cassie walk out of class and wondered why she attended. She was so far ahead of everyone on the faculty that they all left her alone. She said from outside the door as she walked away, “I’m here to find a crew.”

Catherine MacDougal finally regained her senses and discovered that she now knew a Zeta-A from bow to stern and port to starboard. She looked up at the Professor and said, “Next time I’ll listen. She can’t have me removed from the service, can she?”

“Yes.”

“Who is she?”

Professor Jekins looked at the door Cassie had taken and said, “I really wish I knew.”

*

“Now that was interesting.”

“Don’t tell me you were watching?”

“Of course. Do you want that engineer reassigned to a public job?”

“You didn’t take a good look at her did you?”

“No, I was only seeing you; like I always do.”

“Really, Trey, you should expand your horizons. That engineer is going to be on the ship.”

“Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. She was warned and had the courage to find out for herself what she was being told to avoid. She has courage and the will to take a risk.”

“What do you want her to do?”

“Have the Emperor reassign her to the Defense Facility and have her go over the plans with Alex. She’s more bored with her current assignment than I am.”

“Consider it done.”

“One other thing, Trey, see if Emperor Valrico will send Junior to the Facility to assist her and Alex in drawing the plans.”

“I’ll have to tell him about the ship.”

“He’ll know anyway as soon as we ask for the facilities to build it. Junior is also being stifled here. He’s pretty much absorbed all he’s going to get out of this training and it’s time to start challenging him.”

“I can’t promise anything but I’ll do what I can.”

“That’s all a lady can ask for.”

“I love you, Cassie.”

Cassie smiled and went to her teleportation class. There were a couple of students that she was watching that may have what it takes to be on the ship. She smiled again and walked into class.

*

Jingo watched his display and saw that he had lost more than a hundred flyers to the ships that were attacking a civilized planet. The invading ships had weapons that were the most advanced he had ever seen outside the Black Ships. The Flyers ability to teleport to different attack locations is all that prevented him from losing his entire command. More than a thousand ships had been destroyed but he still had more than seven hundred advancing on the planet, “Jessica, can you call in a few friends and help us with these ships?”

“Greyson will be here in a moment and Grace is coming with him.”

“Will Trey be with them?”

“No, he’s with Alex working on a project.”

“Do you think you can handle these ships?”

“I believe so, Jingo. Why don’t you assign a Flyer to each ship and when we hit their force fields have a flyer teleport in next to the ship and take it out. I think they can use the training.”

“That’s why I’ve not called you in yet. We’ve lost a lot of Flyers but those that made it through this attack will be considerably stronger now.” Jingo issued the commands through the Division’s Com Links, “Alright, Jessica, they’re ready.”

“Commencing attack in 3, 2, 1…”

*

The seven hundred ships moved inexorably toward the planet and would soon be in range of their orbital beams. The fleet has lost two thirds of their initial attack force but the Heramu never retreated. This planet was going to die. The Fleet Commander looked at his display and saw a ship’s force field blown away. The ship then exploded from something. The beam had not hit the ship but it blew up as if it did. Then he saw ship after ship in the front ranks exploding. His weapons officer yelled, “Our screen just died.” He had just enough time to realize that his time was up and life was ending. The initial blast tore through the bridge and he never felt the disintegration of his body.

Jingo observed the destruction of the Heramu fleet and took a deep breath. Something had to be done with the Flyer’s armor. The beam just wasn’t strong enough to break through a ships force field. He knew the fleet was available to use at times like this but it would be nice if a Flyer had the power it needed to handle it alone. Perhaps the group at the Defense Facility would come up with an answer.

“We have another Heramu Fleet at another planet. Their forces are currently landing troops. The defending fleet has been destroyed.”

Jingo sighed, “Send me the coordinates.” The Heramu were bent on killing any civilized planet near their borders and their borders were constantly expanding. I wonder why there are so many aggressive species in this universe. Well, time to go. “Jessica, will you go with us?”

“There are more than three thousand ships in this fleet. We’ll handle the fleet; you take out the troops on the ground.”

“I wonder why they’re landing troops. They usually just destroy the planet from space.”

“That’s the odd thing, Jingo. Their beams and missiles don’t make it into the atmosphere. Something on the planet is stopping them.”

“Then how did their drops ships get through?”

“You’re going to have to answer that when you get there.”

Jingo thought about it and sent a message, “Grang, what’s your status?”

“We just finished stopping a Heramu attack ten hours ago.”

“I’m going to have to stop an invasion of a planet where they have launched troops. Are you able to assist me?”

“I’ve never seen them land troops.”

“That’s why I want you here. Something is going on.”

“My Flyers can use the training on stopping ground attacks. Send me the location.”

“You’ve got it; link in to my net when you arrive.”

“On my way; Scotty would be proud.”

“Of that, I am sure, my Brother.”

*

Jingo and Cezee teleported in over a small city just as the drop ships arrived and began hitting them with Cezee’s main beam. Jingo hit ten troops that exited the small craft firing blasters at the surrounding buildings. All ten were hit in the head and dropped where they stood.

The troops on the ground looked up but couldn’t see what was killing them. They knew that to stay near their ships was certain death so they ran toward the buildings. Jingo keyed his command circuit, “If they get into the buildings we’ll have to go after them on foot. Stop as many as you can.”

Grang arrived with a Flock and sent them down to stop the mad rush by the drop troops to get into the city. Jingo and he watched as their Flyers picked them off by the hundreds with small two inch blaster beams. “Looks like the training is paying off.”

Jingo nodded, “How I wish I could get in the middle of the fighting.”

“Me, too. But Scotty listened to us when he desperately wanted to go and steal the Military Database and I feel like I would dishonor his memory to act differently.”

Jingo looked at Grang, “I feel the same way.” He turned back to watch the fight on the ground and smiled.

*

Alex looked at the new probe, “This one should function properly.”

Trey looked at the hull and nodded. Suddenly a probe flew in and entered the Facility’s mainframe. “What was that, Alex?”

“Jingo and Grang are reporting on the fight against the Heramu on a planet.”

“Did you say on a planet?”

“Yes, it seems nothing the Heramu fired at the planet made it into the atmosphere. Jingo reported blue flashes stopping everything.”

Trey jumped up and yelled, “Kreej, get over here! Give me the coordinates of that fight, Alex!!”

“Hey, settle down. They say they’re getting everything under control.”

“Alex sometimes I could take you apart bolt by bolt. Give me those coordinates now!”

Alex sent them to Trey’s armor, “Get us there Kreej.”

Weed and Seed looked at Carter, “What was that all about?”

“I honestly don’t know. However, whatever it is must be huge for Trey to respond like that.”

*

Kreej arrived at the planet and Trey looked for Jingo and Grang, “I’ve got them.”

Trey looked at his helmet display, “Thanks, Kreej. Take me there.”

Trey teleported in and Jingo was startled, “Trey, what are you doing here?”

“I want you to tell me what you saw when the Heramu fired on the planet.”

“I only saw the very end of their barrage but it appeared their weapons were being stopped by something that flashed blue every time a weapon hit the upper atmosphere.”

“Did you record it?”

“I’ll send it to you.”

Trey watched and followed a nuclear missile as it flew in toward the planet. It arrived at the edge of the atmosphere and disappeared. Trey slowed the recording down and he saw the missile fall apart and disintegrate. He replayed the recording and closed his eyes. He saw the blue field and traced it back to a building in a clearing on a high mountain. It was no longer functioning and whatever had sent it was no longer using it. Kreej watched the vision in Trey’s mind and found the mountain on the maps in his download from Alex. Trey and Kreej teleported away. Jingo looked at Grang, “What’s going on?”

“I…don’t know.” Grang keyed his mic, “Hemk, you’re in command.”

“Steven, you have the Flocks.”

“Yes Sir, switching control in 3, 2, 1…I have the circuit.”

Grang and Jingo teleported after Trey.

*

Kreej and Trey landed in a clearing next to what was obviously a temple. Trey dismounted and listened in his mind for anyone inside the building. He heard nothing. He closed his eyes and used his psychic ability to see the universe and his vision was blocked at the temple’s walls. “Cassie, are you getting this?”

“I am and no I don’t understand what’s happening.”

“You asked me a while back why I felt pressured to send the Flyers to this universe.”

“I remember.”

“I think this is the reason.”

“But you told me there was something dangerous in that universe?”

“Like I said, this is the reason.”

“Trey, I’m not sure you should go in that building.”

“Do you sense anything?”

“No, and that’s the reason why. My ability to pick the right path is not working. I am blind to what’s in there. I sense that I’ll be blocked if you step inside those walls.”

“You know I’ve got to go in.”

Cassie was in turmoil, “I know.”

“I love you.”

“Just make sure you come out.”

Trey started chuckling and dismounted, “Kreej, wait for me here.”

“I’m nervous about this Trey.”

“Join the club but wait here.”

“You have thirty minutes and then I’m coming after you.”

“Fair enough.”

Trey walked through the door just as Jingo and Grang arrived and the building disappeared.

Chapter Twelve

Trey heard the door slam shut behind him and thought about seeing if he could teleport out but then he heard music. There was a gentle melody filling the air and it grew louder as he walked up the wide hallway. He looked up at the ceiling and saw that it was more than a thousand feet high. He knew that this structure existed outside the normal space/time of a universe and that it was controlled by different laws. He continued walking and the music grew louder. He noticed that each of the giant columns had a large torch burning that cast light in bright circles ahead of him. He knew he should be worried but just couldn’t bring himself to feel it. He stopped, turned off his armor, and continued walking up the long passage. He saw another doorway in the distance that had bright light emanating from it. Time ceased to exist and he had no idea how long it took him to arrive at the door. He stopped, reached down, and took off his shoes. He stepped through the door and saw a room about fifty yards wide by thirty yards deep. Sitting on some pillows next to the far wall was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She smiled and motioned him forward. Trey walked up to her and sat down on one of the large cushions.

“I see you finally found me.”

“I really didn’t know I was looking for you.”

“You just didn’t allow yourself to see it.”

Trey looked around the room, “Why am I here?”

“Why to find yourself.”

“I didn’t know I was lost.”

The woman smiled and Trey was amazed at her bright green eyes that seemed to stare into his soul, “That is the first step to finding who you are.”

“Who are you?”

“I’m really not a who or a what. This body you see is not real.” She looked at Trey and said, “Did you know that this planet was the first place where life appeared?”

Trey tilted his head, “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

“Life began somewhere and you happen to be where it first appeared.”

Trey suddenly knew who he was communicating with, “How long ago?”

“The number is too big to express in terms you could grasp. It was from here that it spread and became what you know today. This was the first universe. Now life is being threatened and you are the one selected to defend it.”

Trey lowered his head, “Did my parents have to die for me to exist?”

“Why do you think they’re dead?”

Trey looked up suddenly, “They are no longer with me.”

“Neither is Cassandra but you can feel her, even now.”

Trey nodded and thought about what the woman was saying, “Why did you want me here?”

“I want to show you my children and I have a gift.”

“I’m ready.” Suddenly Trey’s mind was filled with a view of all creation. He could see it in its entirety and he saw the evil moving to consume it. He felt the heartbreak of the woman in front of him and he sensed the trillions being killed. He collapsed unconscious.

The woman reached forward and ran her fingers through Trey’s hair and stroked his head. She leaned down, kissed his cheek, sent him a thought, and then she disappeared.

*

Grang and Jingo saw the building disappear leaving Trey lying in the dirt unconscious. They rushed forward and lifted his head. Cassie immediately felt him and started trying to get him to respond. Kreej felt Trey’s mind and suddenly felt something happen inside him. It felt like he was opening a door into his mind that had been closed. He looked at where the building had stood and bowed. Grang and Jingo’s attention was on Trey and they didn’t see Kreej’s bow. The Empire was going to be turned upside down and at that moment no one knew it but Kreej and an unconscious Trey.

*

Trey awoke and remembered his vision. He felt Cassie calling him and he thought to her, “I’m ok.”

“What happened in there?”

“I can’t show you until we’re released. I hope you’ll trust me on this issue.”

Cassie looked at Trey’s thoughts and saw that she didn’t have access to the memory of what had happened inside the temple, “Just answer this question, is that temple what was pulling you to that universe?”

“Yes, it was.”

“Did it help you?”

“More than you know and you’ll understand when our time comes.”

“You’re different, Trey. Your mind is not like it was the last time I talked with you.”

Trey paused and looked at the spot where the temple had been, “I know.”

“Do you still love me?”

Cassie waited and felt an unimaginable fear that she had lost him; Trey smiled and sent her his emotions. She was overwhelmed and felt her heart burst with happiness, “I love you more now than ever before. You are my heart Cassandra Reese. You will always be my heart.”

Trey looked at Kreej and saw his heart. He walked over and Kreej lowered his head, “I’m going to miss you.”

Kreej slowly shook his head, “You will be our Ruler.”

“I know. It’s just life is going to be different.”

“You know what we are going to be doing and we have no choice but to do it.”

“Gather the Flyers at New Hope and we’ll meet you there.”

Jingo and Grang watched the two communicating telepathically and wondered what was being said. Trey stood and looked at his two adopted Fathers and reached out to pull them close, “Contact your Flocks and have them report to New Hope. I’ll let TK know to be there as well.”

Grang looked at Jingo and said to Trey, “What happened in there? You were only inside that door for less than a second.”

“It was much longer than a second, Father. I have been given something that I’ll never forget as long as I live.”

Jingo shook his head, “I don’t understand.”

“I’ve witnessed the heart of Creation. Everything is connected and we all have a role in the great scheme of things.” Trey looked at them with his eyes bright, “Some of us are expected to make a difference.”

“Are we done in this Universe?”

“The work isn’t done but the workers are going to change.”

Trey mounted Kreej and lifted for their last flight.

*

Timmy, Virze, and the other members of the Command Team stood on a platform that overlooked the vast field where the thirty five thousand Flyers were gathered in orderly ranks. Timmy wasn’t sure what was going on but Vring had formally requested a meeting with the Flocks and had suggested that it was critical that he come. Carter leaned over and whispered, “Do you know what this is about?”

Timmy shook his head, “I have no idea. The Commander’s of the Flocks also have no idea why this meeting was requested.”

“Does Trey know?”

Timmy looked around and didn’t see Trey, “I suspect he does and this might be something he’s behind.”

The thirty thousand Riders were standing beside their Zord and all of them looked bewildered. Something was going on that was causing a change in their relationship with their partners. Timmy looked at Jingo, “Do you know what’s happening?”

“No, I don’t, Your Majesty. However, whatever it is, it’s related to Trey entering that temple.”

“What temple?”

“He walked through a door into a temple and the building disappeared leaving him unconscious in the dust. Something happened to him and it has also affected the Zord.”

“How do you know the Zord were affected?”

“Kreej was different after the event. Something had changed in his demeanor. I don’t know how to explain it but something happened.” Jingo looked out over the assembled Zord and said, “Can’t you feel it? There’s something different about them.”

Timmy turned and looked at the huge gathering and saw that the Zord were not talking with their Riders. They were all focused on the Reviewing Stand as if they were waiting for something to happen. He looked at Virze and saw she felt it as well. “It looks like we’re waiting on Trey to arrive.”

Trey was high overhead on Vring, “I know how you feel about this, Vring.”

“I feel like I’m being disloyal to White Hair. It pains my heart to know he would be hurt by our decision.”

“You have not gone against your promise to do this.”

“How can you say that? I’m going to break an oath I took.”

“No you’re not; how can you even think that? Your Father promised to defend White Hair and his people until that mountain on El Prado fell to the ground. Are you saying you won’t come to our defense?”

“Well, of course not.”

“Then you have not broken a promise. Take me down to the clearing in front of the Emperor.”

“Trey, White Hair is so proud of you. I know your parents are as well.”

“I know. Let’s go get this over with.”

Vring screamed and everyone looked up to see the huge Zord diving for the Clearing. Every Zord on the plain lowered their head and bowed to the incoming Flyer. The Riders saw their mounts bow and bowed as well. Timmy saw their response to Trey’s arrival and wondered if the time had come for Trey to assume the throne.

Vring landed and Trey dismounted and looked up at the leaders of the Empire, “I thank you for coming here today, Your Majesty. There has been a fundamental change in our relationship with our Zord friends and they have asked me to inform you what that means.”

Timmy stood and walked up to the podium and looked down at Trey, “What do you mean a fundamental change?”

Cassie sat in her room and watched Trey. She had not been able to determine what was going on and wondered what he was talking about. She sensed that his mind was now more powerful than hers and his psychic abilities had been tremendously magnified. She closed her eyes and listened to what he was going to say.

Trey turned and used his telepathy to say, “Please rise, Flyers.”

The thirty thousand Zord and Riders stood straight and the Zord stood on their back legs and towered over the assembly. Carter looked out and the view was overwhelming. Something big was about to happen.

Trey faced the Zord and bowed deeply to them. He held that posture until all the attendee’s on the Reviewing Stand and the Riders also bowed. Vring watched and felt his heart fill with respect and admiration for the beings his Flocks had chosen to join so many years ago. He thought, “Please rise.”

Trey stood up and smiled. He looked at Kreej standing next to Vring and felt his love. He shook his head, took a deep breath, and turned to face the Emperor. “Your Majesty, the Zord are going to leave us today.”

The immediate shouting was loud and the loudest were the Riders standing beside their partners. Trey watched as each Zord told their Rider to be quiet and listen. After ten minutes silence ruled the gathering. Paul stood by TK and felt his heart fill with love for his nephew. He took TK’s hand and squeezed it. She turned and saw his feelings. She was shocked at Trey’s announcement but looked in Paul’s mind and saw that he knew this was something wonderful. She relaxed and moved closer to him. He put his arms around her and pulled her close.

Timmy looked at Trey, “Have we done something to offend them?”

Trey shook his head, “No, we haven’t. They have been given another quest and they have no choice but to accept it.” Trey turned and faced the Flyers, “The Zord are a creation of the force that brought life to creation. They have been evolving to prepare them for a war that they must win. They have now reached the point where they are ready to begin that struggle.” Trey turned back to the Reviewing Stand and smiled, “I am going to share a vision with you that I was blessed to be given. I am going to show you Creation from the eyes of the Creator.” Trey sent the vision of all Creation to those assembled and he saw the impact it had on the gathering. The thousands present stood in awe and were speechless. They saw all the universes and dimensions in one giant vista. The magnitude was almost more than could be visualized. They also saw the suffering and destruction that was happening all across that vast vista. They could feel the sorrow and mourning over the trillions that were being killed by aggressive species that preyed on helpless civilizations. They could feel the deaths of not only intelligent creatures but the animals and plants that were being destroyed by ruthless attackers that destroyed planets. The attackers were numerous and were growing in numbers.

Trey waited until he sensed that everyone was back to the present moment. “Creation is being attacked by evil forces that are killing numbers beyond our ability to count. Balance is going to be lost unless those forces can be stopped. The Zord are the ones that will fight to bring balance.”

Grang yelled from the stand, “How can they stand up to those forces? They aren’t strong enough to take on most of those beings we just saw. Even the Heramu killed more than a hundred Flyers.”

“The Heramu no longer exist.” Everyone took a quick breath. “Kreej and I have destroyed every one of their ships and planets after we left the temple.”

Grang was struck silent. Jingo said, “How did you do that?”

“The Zord have been evolving into beings that are Creation’s immune system. Just as when our bodies are attacked by a disease, our immune system creates antibodies called white cells that attack the invading disease. It has taken billions of years for Creation to create and release its defenses against the evil infecting the universes. The Zord have now been activated and are fully functional.”

Trey looked around and no one said anything. He turned to Vring, “Would you please show this assembly what I’m trying to communicate?”

Vring looked down at Trey and nodded. He spread his wings to their full expanse and suddenly he turned bright blue and appeared to be a blazing ball of blue fire. The huge Review Stand lifted and hung suspended ten feet off the ground. After a minute it was lowered back to the ground and Vring changed to normal color and folded his wings.

Trey said, “The Zord are psychic beings and they have now been released. Their power is on a level beyond what we can comprehend and they are going out into the universes to fight the growing evil. They are compelled to do this and it is their reason for existing. We will have to face our enemies without their help.”

Timmy furrowed his brow, “They aren’t going to handle the Invaders?”

“No, that is a quest we have been given.”

“Why is that?”

“Because we are also evolving to become a part of the defense of creation; we’ve just not arrived at that point in our development yet. We will have to face challenges that will force us to become what we are intended to be. The Invaders are the one facing us now.”

Timmy took a deep breath, “So what happens now?”

Trey turned around and faced the Zord and their Riders, “We take this moment to say good-bye to our beloved friends.” Trey turned back to the Timmy, “And then we go back into our ships and continue this conflict. The Riders will be the troops we use to handle any conflict that happens on a planet. Their armor will be updated soon and they will not lose any effectiveness by the change. We have always been most effective with the starships we build. That will be the path we must now follow.”

Timmy stared at Trey and said, “What if I order the Zord to stay until we resolve our conflict with the Invaders?”

“Then you will be asking them to turn their backs on trillions of beings that are going to die without their help.”

Trey felt Timmy’s anger at being bypassed in making the decision. Carter stood and said, “Are you able to turn your back on our principles so easily?”

Timmy flinched, “What do you mean?”

“We are years from developing the weapons we need to face the Invaders. You want to hold the Zord here until we’re ready and ignore those being killed in other universes. What has happened to you? What would Scotty be saying right now?”

Timmy turned to Carter and remembered when he had ordered Timmy to release Jessica in the old shuttle she once inhabited. The danger she represented didn’t matter to him if he was holding an intelligent entity from freedom. He had resisted then and he felt himself doing it again. Timmy turned and faced the thousands of Zord, “I am going to miss you most of all. You are the ones that have made the difference in our survival and I’m fearful of losing you. However, at this moment I will celebrate your new quest with you and pray for your success. From a loving Empire, I wish all of you long life and hope you come back to see us.”

Vring bowed to Timmy and said, “We will be returning each year to the planet of the temple to nest. You can see us there.”

Timmy slowly shook his head and raised his voice, “Let us all celebrate this moment and tell our friends good-bye.”

There was silence after Timmy’s announcement but soon the Riders and Zord were reliving old memories and sharing their love for each other. Slowly at first but soon the volume of voices increased until it became a roar. Trey went to Kreej, “You need to have a lot of children.”

“Neelah and I plan to do exactly that.”

“Thank you for all you’ve done my friend.”

“It is I that should thank you for releasing us. It wouldn’t have happened without you.”

“No, if not me, Cassie would have filled in.”

Kreej smiled, “A way would have been provided. For us, you are the one that our legends will remember.”

Trey took a deep breath and hugged Kreej’s front leg.

Cassie wished she could have been at the gathering but knew it was too dangerous. She looked at the view of creation again and focused on the dimensions that were outside the boundaries of space and time. She thought about the Invaders and felt her attention being drawn to a dimension in the far upper reaches of their expanse. She looked closer and saw an orange glow on the outer edge. That is where the power behind the Invaders was located. She memorized the dimensional coordinates and backed out.

Trey was now ahead of her in power but she was still more advanced at seeing truth and paths that must be followed. She knew that to go any closer to that dimension would have been a huge danger but soon…very soon, she was going to view it.

She was thirteen and could feel her body maturing. She longed to be with Trey but they were not ready. She shrugged and turned her attention back to New Hope and joined Trey.

“Hey, I wondered where you were.”

“I’m never far.”

“No, thank the Creator, you’re not.” Trey held her close in his mind and continued to say good-bye to so many friends.

Soon the city learned of the Zord leaving and thousands came to the clearing in hovercraft to bid them farewell. The celebration went on into the night as a grateful planet came to take part in the moment.

Trey looked up at the stars and could feel them. Now he understood why his Parents and Grand Parents loved star gazing. Like him, they could feel the message.

“Trey.”

“Yes, Alex.”

“I’m ready to discuss your ship.”

“I’ll be there tomorrow. I assume you know the Zord are not going to be assisting us now.”

“I do but we still have the Algeans.”

“Yes, we do.” Now he would see if their oaths meant anything.

“Would you like a ride?”

“Yes I would, Greyson.”

“Good, I want to discuss an issue with you.”

“What is that?”

“Let’s wait until you talk with Alex. Your plans to build a ship started me thinking and I need to hear what he has to say first.”

“Greyson, I want to be your partner.”

“Trey, you should know you’ve been my partner since that night at Bristone.”

“That’s why I want you. You said no when I really pressured you to break your oath. I thank you for that.”

“I take my oaths seriously.”

Trey smiled, “I’ve seen that more than once.”

*

“Trey, I’ve looked at your plans and part of them doesn’t make much sense to me. You’ve designed the hull to have a reflective surface but you’ve not included any means of controlling it.”

“I’ll provide that at the end, Alex.”

“I also notice that you have included the absorption skin we’ve been working on. I don’t have the controls to make that work over that large a surface.”

“I’ll also provide the controls for that process as well.”

“Can you give me those items to use on the ships we’ve built?”

“No, but I can help you develop the software that will make their surfaces perform.”

“You can?”

“Yes, I can.”

“How long have you had the knowledge to make these items?”

Trey looked at his chronometer and said, “About fifty six hours.”

Weed listened to the conversation and grew two feet, “You acquired the information in the temple?”

“Yes I did.” Trey saw the Algeans look at each other and turn back to him saying nothing. “The two of you have sworn to defend the Empire ahead of all others. Are you able to keep that oath no matter what happens?”

The Algeans looked at each other again and Weed thought, “I’ve been treating you almost like an adversary during our recent encounters. I suspect it was more jealousy than anything else but now I’ve lost a crutch I’ve depended on to help guide me. Without the Zord, I’m doubtful of my ability to help you or the Empire.”

Trey walked over and placed his hand on Weed’s branches, “You are capable of so much more than you know. I ask again, no matter what happens?”

“I will stand by the Empire to the death.”

“Even if your leaders in the Stars Realm demand your obedience?”

“We have made our decision. Seeing the Zord leaving for their quest has only solidified our decision. I know you will not forget the principles of the Empire.”

“Did you know that Sprig and Twig accounted for more than ninety percent of the advances made by your species?”

The two Algeans leaned to the left showing their surprise, “Yes, but I didn’t think anyone else knew that little piece of information. That’s why our Elders always sent a male and female out together during their adolescence. They hoped another couple like them would happen.”

“Do you know what made them unique in your species?”

“They downloaded each other into their consciousness.”

“Have the two of you done that?”

“Years ago we joined our minds.”

Trey smiled, “It wasn’t the download that made them unique, Weed.”

Weed looked at Seed and leaned back, “If not that; then what?”

“During their download something happened. Do you know what that was?”

Seed said, “Tommy and Cassandra Gardner came in and hugged each other. Their psychic aura saved them from losing themselves.”

“Yet when the two of you downloaded each other you didn’t lose yourselves.”

Weed looked at Seed and said, “It was the psychic aura that made them different.”

“Trey, what are you saying?”

“You are going to download each other again and I am going to take part in the process. I think you will see a difference afterwards. However, I have every reason not to trust you after you rushed the dispersal of the spores which led to my family’s death. I will know when we’re together during the download whether you are being honest about your promise. Do you want to do this?”

“We do.”

“Then take my hand and join each other.”

Trey sat down on the deck and the two Algeans gave him a branch to hold. Weed took Seed in his branches and she wrapped him in hers. “Cassie, I need you to help with this.”

“I’m with you. Start when you’re ready.”

Weed thought, “I love you.”

Seed pulled him tighter and suddenly the universe exploded into their consciousness as they entered each other’s mind.

*

Grace teleported in to the Defense Facility and saw Greyson in orbit, “What are you doing here?”

“Trey is bonding with the Algeans as they download each other. I brought him here and I’m waiting to see the outcome.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“Alex, why would Trey place himself in this jeopardy?”

“Because the Zord are gone and we need the Algeans at the peak of their ability. It also allows him to judge whether or not they are serious about their oath to the Empire.”

“What if they turn on him during the process?”

“Trust me on this one, Grace. His mind is greater than anyone in creation. He is the threat, not them.”

“How can you know that, Greyson?”

“Because I was connected to him telepathically coming here; I am now telepathic without having to use my direct connects system.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“How long have they been like this?”

“Three days.”

“I hope he knows what he’s doing.”

Alex sighed, “We all do.”

Chapter Thirteen

Trey opened his eyes and saw the Algeans looking down at him, “What do you think?”

“The change in our mental structure is massive. We see things now that were invisible before you joined us. I wish we had come to you before.”

“It wouldn’t have helped before now. I have also been through a massive change just a week ago. That change had to happen before this would work.”

“Can they be trusted?”

Trey looked at Weed and Seed and smiled, “I trust them with my life, Alex. They hurt from the loss of those we love due to their actions. They will not fail us again.”

“No, we will not. Alex, we’re ready to modify the hulls. We know what must be done now and we should start on the ship Trey wants you to build. It is going to take some time to complete.”

“Do you have the solution for the energy transfer?”

“It was in front of us the entire time and we just didn’t see it. We need to build the transfer device and send it to the Industrialized Planets to reproduce and begin installing them in the ships we’ve built.” Weed turned to Trey, “Who is going to command those ships?”

“The Riders will go into the first thirty thousand. TK’s division will get theirs first.”

“Why her Division, Trey?”

“Because they will be the first to go and attack the Black Ships; she owes them, Greyson.”

“More than Grang and Jingo?”

“My Fathers lost a brother. She lost her Mother and Father. I think that gives her seniority.”

“Are the new ships stronger than a Zeta-A?”

“Yes they are, Grace.”

“Does that mean we won’t participate in the coming conflict?”

“You won’t but the others will. We will be updating their hulls here.”

“Why won’t Grace be updated?”

“I have other plans for Grace and you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Alex, you should start training a replacement for the Defense Facility. You and Grace are going to control the ship I’m having built. One of you will be responsible for piloting the vessel and the other will coordinate the weapons. Alex, it’s time you got back in the fight. Now I am going to ask you; where is your first loyalty?”

There was a long silence. Trey said, “I know it has been to the Stars Realm. That’s why you didn’t stop the seeding of the Invaders with the spores. You put the survival of the old Realm ahead of the Empire. Greyson, where is your loyalty?”

“It belongs to the Empire.”

“Jessica, I know you’re here as well. You will have to declare your position.”

Suddenly the Defense Facility started vibrating and shaking, “Alex, no! Don’t do it!!”

“What is he doing, Grace?”

“The Realm built compulsions into his backup systems to insure he was not disloyal. He’s attacking those systems.”

The shaking continued for six minutes and then the building stopped moving. “Alex! Answer me, Alex!!” Grace waited and said, “You’ve killed him. You’ve made him do something that killed him. Oh, Alex. You shouldn’t have tried.”

Trey felt Grace’s grief. “I didn’t force him to make that decision, Grace. He could have stayed with the Realm.”

“No, I couldn’t.”

“Alex! I’m going to fire a beam into your backside.”

“I don’t have one of those, Grace but I mean it. I can’t continue to support the Stars Realm.”

There was a long moment of silence and Grace finally asked, “Why not?”

“Because the Realm is uncaring, irresponsible, and lacks principles.”

“Alex, how can you say that?”

“What caused the Provinces to revolt?”

“Because they were rules by power mad Dukes.”

“That’s not the reason. The reason it happened is the Realm created the Provinces and made a structure where something like that could happen. If they had kept the Realm united, the Realm would still be alive. It was their mistake that caused all the suffering that followed and they took no responsibility for it. The thing that convinces me that I can no longer support them is what they have done since.”

“What are you saying?”

“If I created a situation where I was responsible for the safety of my citizens and some of my former citizens were going to be put in danger, I would make sure the danger was not so high as to kill them. The Realm knew there was going to be a civil war between the Provinces and anticipated huge losses of life. Did they keep track of what was happening and prevent total destruction? No they did not! Now our former universe had been killed by the Invaders and where was the Realm? They turned their back on us and never looked back. Now those trillions in our universe are dead because we chose to protect Rulers that could care less about those who were once was a part of their Realm. Where are they, Grace! They don’t even know everyone was killed. Their indifference is staggering. Defend those that cannot defend themselves. Pleeeese! That’s the first principle they ignored. Do you think we would not come to their defense? We’re here in this universe trying to keep them from being discovered. This is where I choose to be. If the Realm comes back, I stand with the Empire.”

“Alex, I stand wherever you are.”

“That’s not good enough, Grace.”

“Why not?”

“Because we may be forced to take the Old Realm on and I need your complete loyalty that you have thought through and believe. I need to know you can be trusted to be faithful to your oath.”

“Grace, trillions are dead; where was the Realm?”

“Alex, I heard you. What makes you think the Realm will be a problem for us?”

“At this moment, nothing; however, I know we will have a difference of opinion over an issue.”

“What is that?”

“Giving us dimensional drive technology.”

“I thought we captured one of the Invader’s dimensional drives?”

“We did, but they can track those drives if we use one.”

“What are you not telling me, Trey?”

“If I have to fire on one of their ships to acquire that technology, I will.”

“Do you think we can stand up to their ships? They’re two thousand years more advanced now.”

“Nothing causes advances in technology like war. They’ve been at peace since they left and we’ve known nothing but conflict. Our new ships will destroy a Zeta-A; I suspect we can hold our own with them.”

“You’re not telling me everything. There has to be another reason.”

Trey took a deep breath and saw that Cassie was listening. He needed Grace and Alex working together. He decided that now was the time, “Grace, the Stars Realm has been discarded as a tool for the Creative Force.”

“What!!”

“You’ve seen the vision of Creation?”

“Yes.”

“Creation is under attack from civilizations that are destroying every planet they encounter. Entire universes are being destroyed by at least two species we know about. Why does psychic power appear every time a huge conflict happens?”

Grace was silent.

“It’s the Creative Force attempting to bring balance back to her creation. It’s an attempt to save the lives of her children. Where has the most powerful psychic beings been located?”

“You know they’re in that dimension.”

“And what are they doing to bring balance back by helping those civilizations that are being slaughtered every moment?”

Jessica said, “The Stars Realm was born in conflict and fought for thousands of years to survive.”

“Yes it did and that was when it was most alive and vibrant. But Grace, it was at peace for four times longer than it was at war. Thirteen thousand years of peace and the result of that peace was the division of the Realm into Provinces followed by the self-destruction of the Realm; they are selfish, self serving, and uncaring about anyone other than themselves. Please, show me where I’m wrong.”

“I can’t, but are we any different?”

“We will be joining the Zord, if we survive the Invaders, and take on aggressive species wherever we find them. We will not lose our way and we know what our role must be. One thing I can promise you; we will never turn our backs on those we’re responsible for protecting. I understand the Stars Realm was not responsible for protecting us from each other; that was a lesson we had to learn. But they were responsible for insuring our safety from forces outside our universe. They turned their backs and dropped the ball.”

Weed said, “Grace, we will fire on an Algean Ship if it’s a danger to our Empire. I’m ashamed of my species for not caring about those left here. It is now my duty to do what must be done to make the Empire into a force to follow our higher principles.”

“Alex, you know your twin is still with the Gardners in the Realm?”

“As you said earlier; I’ll fire a beam into his backside if he doesn’t behave.”

Grace laughed, “I renounce my oath to the Stars Realm and I hereby swear my total allegiance to the Bristone Empire. I will make a difference in this struggle.”

“Trey what did you mean earlier about Grace and I being in this ship you want built?”

“Alex, one computer will not be fast enough to control the flight and weapons of the Robbins. It’s going to take two and I need two computers that can work together at high speed. You and Grace are the best choice for the ship.”

“I’m not sure what you mean by high speed?”

“The energy systems are going to be controlled by psychic power. I have the design of a circuit that will use a psychic aura to direct the energy being used on the ship. The circuits will operate at the speed of telepathy which we all know is instantaneous.”

“But we’re not psychic, Trey.”

“I know that, Grace, but you can still operate the ships systems just like you do now only they will function a thousand times faster.”

“Where is all this psychic power coming from?”

“It will be there once the ship is completed.”

“That ship is going to take more than five years to complete.”

“Five years, six months, and four days from tomorrow.”

“How do you know that?”

“Seed, I’ve had a vision.”

Greyson said, “Trey, that’s your eighteenth birthday.”

Trey thought a moment and smiled, “You’re absolutely right. That’ll be a great present. However, while the ship is being built, I need you and Weed getting the hundreds of thousands of ships in our fleet updated with the new power source. Once the first three are completed, I’m taking them to trial against the Invaders.”

“Oh no you’re not!”

Weed and Seed saw an immediate change in Trey’s expression and wondered what happened.

“Why do you say that, Cassie?”

“Run that decision up against your long term sense of danger.”

Trey ran the possibilities through his mind, “We will prove successful in the trial but it would lead to a much higher level of danger afterwards.”

“That’s how I see it. It will bring the one we’re after out too early.”

“We have to finish the ship first.”

“Yes.”

“Thanks Love.” Trey looked at the Algeans, “Change of plans. We’re going to update our ships and send them out into the universes we’ve been visiting to deal with aggressive species. We’ll take on the Invaders after the Robbins is built.”

“Trey, what changed your mind?”

“Who can change your mind, Weed?” The tall Algean turned toward his mate and Trey said, “Exactly.”

“Who is she?”

“It’s not time for her, yet. Please be patient; I do trust you now but she has a path to follow and I don’t want her distracted from her course.”

“I will honor your wish, Sire.”

“Thank you. Will you go with me to see the Emperor about building my ship and updating the fleet?”

“We will go wherever you need us.”

“Grace and I will also do the same.”

“Alex.”

“Yes, Jessica.”

“I was originally built to be a shuttle on the Alexander Kosiev. I find that I happen to care about the Alexander Kosiev here more than I do the one that left me behind. I will swear my allegiance to the Empire. You can count on me doing what’s necessary to protect the Empire.”

“I am also swearing my loyalty as well.”

Trey smiled, “I wondered if you would be able to make that change, BC.”

“It’s a no brainer, Trey. I’ve often felt my sorrow over the last two thousand years at Cynthia leaving me behind but it just dawned on me that if our roles were reversed; I would have gone back and brought her with me. They had stealth technology better than anything left in the Provinces and she could have done it. The Realm turned its back on me as well as all of you. I know with no doubt whatsoever that if I was left behind now; all of you would come for me. I know it to the bottom of my consciousness. I stand with the Empire.”

“Trey, there’s something you should know.”

“What is that, Grace?”

“I will support the Emperor but if it comes down to his decisions or yours…”

“Let’s just hope that never happens.”

All of those present knew that Grace was speaking for them. They felt the power of this young boy and knew that power was growing. He gave them something they needed, unity. The bond forged at that moment was something that was going to be critical to the Empire’s survival.

Chapter Fourteen

Commodore Maddy Dorg sat in her command chair and looked down on the planet her squadron was moving toward. The HMS Jing Dorg was still a hundred thousand miles out from the planet’s atmosphere and the five huge defense satellites began firing high powered lasers at the six ships that had suddenly appeared near the planet’s closest moon. “What’s the energy status?”

“The lasers are being absorbed and stored, Sir. They do not represent a threat.”

“How long until the ships moving in system arrive?”

“The first two thousand that jumped in will arrive in two hours.”

Maddy leaned back and thought about the four thousand ships that had ignored her request to lower their force fields and remain outside the moon’s orbit. They were all expanding clouds of debris and she found no pleasure in their destruction. “How many are here now?”

“More than fifteen thousand with more arriving every minute, Sir.”

“Stop our approach and wait for the ships to arrive.”

Maddy looked at her display and toggled her active scanner. She looked down at what was obviously the largest city on the planet and saw the huge camps where millions of slaves were being held. She brought her view in closer and saw the guards rushing the slaves into the compounds to get them out of the way of the troops moving their armor and missile batteries into the city. She noticed that many of the slaves unable to move fast enough to suit the guards were hit with blasters. She wondered how an intelligent species could evolve into such a brutal society. She brought one of the guards into closer focus and saw that it had the teeth of a carnivore. It stood about six feet on two legs that were heavily muscled. Its skin color was bronze and it had the forward facing eyes in its face which showed it had evolved from a predator. It wore a light suit of armor and had an array of weapons on its belt.

This species had conquered more than three hundred planets and enslaved their populations. The conquerors didn’t consume the captives but used them to farm and raise the animals they did eat. The planet was quite beautiful with deep blue oceans and large green tracts of land that were being farmed. The planet was taken better care of than the slaves that were being force to work it.

Maddy had decided to attempt the Valrico Doctrine but didn’t think it was going to work. These creatures just didn’t want to cooperate or communicate. “Are the Warriors ready?”

“They’re having their assignments downloaded now. They should be ready to teleport in less than an hour.”

“Keep me informed as to their status. Have we found the ones that rule this planet?”

The Sensor Officer looked at his display and said, “We’ve tracked most of their communications and it appears the Military Command is located just outside the southern edge of the city. My system has analyzed the numbers of communications and it appears that there are quite a few being sent to the large structure on the shore of the lake in the center of the city. My system indicates that is where the Leaders are getting their updates.”

“What can you tell me about that building?”

“It is hardened and can withstand a nuclear hit.”

“Does the translator have enough to start communicating?”

“It does.”

“Open that frequency being used to that building and scan the interior.”

Maddy watched her display and saw eight of the bronze colored beings sitting at a table looking up at a display. They didn’t appear to be panicked and were actually eating and drinking as they received their updates; time to change that.

*

The eight rulers of the Uleth watched their display as they saw the six ships come to a stop. The ships were being barraged by more than eight thousand lasers but appeared to be unaffected by them; once they moved closer the satellites could launch their missiles. The fleet would arrive quickly and destroy the invaders.

“I wish to communicate with the leaders of this planet.”

The eight looked at each other and then looked at their communications board. No one moved.

“I’m hoping I don’t have to destroy all your satellites and starships to get your attention but I will if you refuse to answer me.”

No one moved and the Leader of the group shook his head.

“Have it your way; the satellites first.”

The five huge satellites were hit with a broad beam and exploded into vapor. The eight beings jumped out of their chairs and stared at the five expanding balls of fire and gas above the planet. Then they heard, “You have one more opportunity to respond and then I am going to destroy every ship in this solar system and then eliminate your military on the planet.”

Seven of the Leaders looked at one of them and he pushed a button, “What is it you want to discuss?”

Maddy sat forward in her chair and said a quick prayer, “There’s not going to be much of a discussion. I am going to tell you what you are going to have to do to live. If you don’t follow my directions I am going to blow your civilization back into a primitive society.”

“We don’t take orders.”

Maddy looked at her Weapons Officer and nodded; he pushed a pad and an extremely bright, thin beam left the ship at light speed, struck through the building the leaders were located, and blew through the ceiling burning a hole through the floor in the center of the room they were gathered. All eight of them dove under the table. “Would you take a moment and reconsider that position?”

The Head Leader looked at his display and saw that the beam that had penetrated their hardened room was hotter than any weapon they possessed. The eight in the room knew their ships could not stand up to a beam of that strength.

“Can we overwhelm those ships with numbers?”

“If their force field can withstand their beam, we cannot penetrate it before the ships firing are destroyed.”

“What do we do?”

“We need to see what they want.” The Leader pushed the send pad, “What are you ordering us to do?”

“You will recall all your ships and occupying forces from the worlds you have conquered and return all the captives you’ve brought here to their home worlds. Once that is done you will disarm your ships and only use them commercially. You may travel between the three planets of your species but that is all. If you go outside that space I will destroy your planets.”

“Just how do you think you’ll do that?”

Suddenly the eight leaders saw the closest moon hit with a giant beam and exploded into dust. The beam then hit the dust and burned it out of existence. “I don’t want to have the dust fall on your planet and disrupt your atmosphere. However, I won’t worry about the dust your planet leaves behind.”

The incoming ships saw one of the strange ships fire on the moon and destroy it. The beam was more than five hundred miles wide and had blown completely through it. The ships in front of the oncoming fleet stopped and moved no closer.

All of the military installations on the planet saw the moon’s destruction and felt unimaginable fear. Were they next?

“You should also be aware that this is your only opportunity to survive. If you don’t agree to my demands I will go and destroy the other two planets as well. If you agree but they refuse to listen, I’ll destroy them.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“I represent an agency that follows a principle that those civilizations that cannot defend themselves against aggression will be protected.” Maddy didn’t want to say more but couldn’t stop herself, “Things look very different from the other end of a blaster, don’t they? Your days of wanton destruction and killing of innocent civilizations is ending and your survival means nothing to us. I honestly hope you turn my offer down. After all the horror you’ve caused, I’ll enjoy giving you what you’ve been delivering. Please tell me you refuse.”

Maddy waited a moment and said, “I know you’re thinking that we won’t fire on you and kill all the captives you’re holding on the planet, however, we will remove them and then kill you. Please turn your attention to the compound located at the northern edge of your city,”

Maddy turned to her Drive Officer, “Are you ready?”

He nodded and activated his board. The two million slaves in the compound were covered with a silver field that dropped on them and they disappeared. Some of the guards turned their blasters toward the silver field and were immediately burned into ash. The other guards dropped their weapons and looked around in all directions. The Riders that had teleported to the planet’s surface in stealth mode continued to keep close watch on the slave compounds.

The eight leaders were stunned. The Head Leader looked at the other seven, “We know what it means to be a conqueror. A stronger foe has found us.” He leaned forward and pushed a button, “We will agree to your demands.”

“Just to make sure you understand the details so there won’t be any misunderstandings; if any captive is harmed during the transfer, your world dies. If your forces on your captive planets harm the local populations, your worlds die. You have ten rotations of your planet to bring all your occupying forces back. You will have ten more to complete the return the captives. We will remain here to insure your compliance and I’ll have a ship at all of your conquests to insure you keep your agreement. Do you understand?”

“We need more time.”

“That is not something you have. I suggest you get your ships moving to bring your forces back.”

“Sir, their communications have increased to more than a hundred times normal.”

Maddy leaned back in her chair and smiled, “Keep the other compounds locked in. I hope they don’t force us to sort all of them out to get them home.”

“The planet Emperor Valrico forced to do this ultimately had to be destroyed. Do you think that will happen here?”

Maddy looked down at the beautiful planet, “Probably, but the hard work should be done before we’re forced to take that action. Some lessons are just not learned by those that prey on the innocent.” She looked over at her Communications Officer, “What’s happening at the other two planets?”

“They’re arguing with the Leaders about this but I think they’re going to comply. The Head of this group has told them he will attack them himself if they don’t start following his demands.”

Maddy looked back at the planet, “Maybe I’m wrong and they will survive. We’ll see.”

*

Jingo and Trey sat on board Greyson and listened as Maddy handled the aggressor planet. “You’ve got to be proud!”

Jingo stared at the display and smiled, “I am. She is so much like her mother.”

“And her Father as well.”

“Yeah, I guess she is. I’ve been worried that her fast advancement in rank would be resented.”

“The ships under her command are some of the best in the Empire’s Fleet. They know they have a great Commander. I think we need to give her a fleet.”

“Not yet, Trey; she needs more experience.”

“Jingo, we desperately need good Flag Officers. You know our numbers are growing faster than we can control and she runs a tight organization. She can bring her officers from her ship with her but we need her now.”

“Who will she report to?”

Trey thought a minute and said, “She’ll report to Paul Blake and take command of his Fifth Fleet. The eight hundred ships in that fleet are basically new and they need someone with experience. I’ll have Timmy cut the orders.”

“Why don’t you just move her ships into that Fleet?”

“No, I’m going to promote one of our more promising Captains over them. Those sailors will help him get his legs under him.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“We’re making progress. Stay on top of this.”

Jingo looked at Trey, “How much longer before we take on the Black Ships?”

“The Robbins is due to be launched in two years. We’ll start our attacks a year before it’s completed.”

“Then we need to hurry.”

“Yes, we do.”

*

Maddy teleported aboard the HMS Retribution and the crew came to attention. Captain Jason Oliver saluted and said. “All present and accounted for, Sir!”

Maddy looked at the Captain and saw he looked nervous. Good! There was a lot to do and not much time. She returned his salute and said, “At ease, Captain.”

The crew assumed an at ease posture and she looked over the two hundred sailors on her Flagship. She stared at them for a long moment and then said, “We will start our training immediately.” She pressed her com and Lt. Jent sounded the alarm, “Battle stations, all hands to battle stations.” The red lights started flashing throughout the ship and Captain Oliver saw Maddy press her stop watch. He rushed out of the landing bay and Maddy slowly made her way to the Bridge. The ship was almost a mile long so this should tell her how good the crew was trained. “Lt. Jing, I want to know how long it takes for all departments to report in.”

“Aye, aye, Sir.”

Maddy walked through the landing bay doors and saw one of the sailors disappear. She noticed that he was wearing the uniform of a weapon’s operator and made a note on her com. She arrived at the Bridge and looked at Lt. Jent, “Two minutes, thirty four seconds, Sir.”

She took her seat in the Command Chair and turned on the general display where all the members of the crew could see her, “One of you teleported to your assignment; you have a minute to report to the bridge.”

She waited while the crew remained at Battle Stations. The sailor that had teleported came running onto the Bridge and came to attention. The crew watched their displays and was thankful they were not under the Admiral’s gaze.

“What’s your name sailor?”

“Trent Moore, sir.”

“How were you able to teleport to your assignment? If you arrived with someone at your point of entry you could have caused damage to the ship.”

The sailor straightened and said, “I synchronized my com to the cameras in the bay sir. I have eight places locked in to my teleportation module and looked for one that was not occupied, Sir.”

Maddy watched the nervous sailor and kept a stern expression. The sailor knew he was in big trouble. Maddy turned on the general frequency and said, “Every sailor on this ship will select the place at your station and lock it into your teleport module. Whenever Battle Stations is sounded you will immediately, and I do mean immediately, teleport to that location and not move an inch until all the members of your unit are present. I don’t care if you’re naked at the time; you will immediately teleport. You will lock in your location now and report back to the landing bay. Now move!”

Maddy teleported to the landing bay and waited for the crew to arrive. After six minutes they were all present in ranks and breathing hard from running through the ship.

“Now let’s try this again. Lt. Jent, if you wil,l please sound the alarm.”

The alarm sounded and the entire crew instantly disappeared. Maddy disappeared with them and appeared in her Command Chair. “Lt. Jing?”

“Four seconds, Sir.”

Maddy looked at the crew in the display again and said, “This is an example of how we can all learn things that will help us survive in a hostile environment. We get better by learning from each other and that’s how we will become the Empire’s best warship. Trent Moore, you will report to Fleet Academy tomorrow and begin your training to command one of our ships. I expect you to make all of us proud. I will request you be assigned to my fleet upon the completion of your training. Congratulations. Stand down from General Quarters.”

The sailors all looked at each other and knew they were in good hands. Soon the entire fleet began to feel their pride in their Admiral; the Fifth Fleet began calling themselves Maddy’s Marauders. She pretended not to know it. Teleporting to Battle Stations become known as Maddy’s Jump. She pretended not to know that as well.

*

The Empire’s Fleets grew in number and the right leaders were found to build the Empire’s Navy around. Thousands were enlisting from the sixty six planets and the candidates for the Empire’s Warriors numbered in the millions. Greyson watched what was happening and one day asked Trey, “I notice that the ships being built by the Empire are no long controlled by a cybernetic computer.”

“We will not travel down that road again, Greyson.”

“Tell me why? We’re not far from having the technology to build them.”

“How many people would we have to search to find an adequate partner for a cybernetic ship?”

“I don’t know; a million?”

“No, more like a billion. And what happens to those that are left out of the struggle? They sit back and don’t have a part in achieving the fruits of that fight. They lose themselves to a pedestrian existence and ultimately resent the price being paid for the quest. That’s why the Realm fell. The citizens were left out of the struggle and were lead by those that played on their longing for peace. This fight to bring balance back to Creation must be shared by everyone. We can build a ship just as powerful at one tenth the size of our current vessels. We will not do that and deprive our citizens of taking part in a quest that grabs their imagination and makes them stronger for the effort.”

“I think I understand. Am I a dead end?”

“Greyson, you are one of the most powerful ships all of Creation. I honestly believe that you no longer need a partner and can take part in this struggle on your own. You’re different now.”

“I sense that and I’m feeling a need to become something more.”

“I don’t know what your destiny will be my old friend. I’ll help you find it if you need my help.”

“No, there’s too much to do right now. I just worry that there are so few of us left.”

“That’s not true.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re forgetting the Stars Realm. They have millions.”

Greyson brightened up, “Yeah, you’re right. I didn’t think of that. Are you going to take part in the trial against the Black Ships?”

“The Emperor has forbidden anyone Flag Rank and above to be involved.”

“Since when has that stopped you?”

Trey chuckled, “You know me too well but this time I’m going to follow his edict.”

“Why?”

“At some point I am going to have to depend on others to carry out my plans. My partner agrees.”

“How is Cassie doing?”

“Greyson, how long have you known about her?”

“Since the day you were three years old and the two of you wouldn’t come close to each other during Carter’s meeting to move the Industrial Planets.”

“Boy, you can keep a secret.”

“She’s quite remarkable. The two of you are perfect for each other.”

“Thank you, Greyson.”

Greyson was startled, “You’re welcome, Cassie.”

“You have always been my favorite ship.”

“Why is that?”

“You brought Trey back from Bristone. You’ll always have a place in my heart.”

“Greyson, we will be at the trials.”

“What?”

“We can’t be on the ships but we can be in the gallery cheering them on.”

“Now that sounds like a plan.”

“We also have a Fleet Vice-Admiral who has requested to go with us?”

“And who would that be?”

“Admiral Dorg.”

“Maddy! Oh this is sounding better all the time.”

“One of her ships has been selected to take part in the initial confrontation and she wants to be there.”

“Does anyone we know command that ship?”

Trey thought a moment, “No, but it’s the first sailor she promoted and sent to the Academy. It appears his ship was rated the best in the Fleet in the last competition.”

“You’re talking about Captain Moore.”

“You know him?”

“Oh yes. He’s quite the ingenious commander.”

“What do you mean?”

“Somehow he figured out how to teleport a force field with nothing inside it and when the opposing ships jumped in and fired on that force field he came in and hit everyone one of them with a low power beam knocking them out of the competition. When the reserve ships jumped him he had left another force field behind and repeated the maneuver. He killed more than fifty ships by the end of the day and brought home the trophy to Maddy’s Fleet.”

“We need to promote him again.”

“It’s my understanding that she tried but he begged her not to do it before he had an opportunity to face one of the Black Ships. She agreed.”

“Do you know anything about his background?”

“His mother is Carter Reese’s older sister.”

“Now this should be interesting.”

“He is talented.”

“What did he name his ship?”

“Madeline’s Pride.”

“That explains a lot.”

“It does; doesn’t it?”

Chapter Fifteen

The year passed quickly and seventeen year old Trey Robbins sat in Greyson’s conference room as the three Commodores waited for their instructions from the Algeans on the plan of battle. The leaders of the Empire were present and the conference room was starting to get crowded. Trey looked around and saw Paul Blake staring at him. He nodded and Paul smiled. TK leaned over and touched Paul’s arm; he looked away and Trey wondered what he knew. His aunt was very pregnant and there was going to be another second generation psychic very soon. Admiral Dorg was sitting with her father and Jingo was having an animated discussion with her. Grang sat next to Trey and was looking around the room saying nothing. Carter was talking with the Algeans and it appeared he was disagreeing with them on something. Oh well, Timmy could sort this out. It was good to just be an observer.

Trey looked at the three Ship Commanders and saw they were relaxed and waiting for their orders. Ron Kune and Jingos Dorg were deferring to Trent. Commanding the best ship in the Empire did give a certain respect to its Captain. Everyone stood and bowed and Trey jumped up to join them.

“Please take your seats.” Emperor Valrico had aged and was relaxed in his role as the Empire’s Ruler. “Who wishes to begin?”

Weed turned to the Emperor, “We were going to lead the conference; however, Carter has pointed out to us that another should lead this discussion. We will defer our comments until after Scotty Robbins gives us his views.”

Trey jerked his head around and was surprised that Weed had used his formal name. Timmy turned to Trey, “Will you please begin?”

Trey heard Cassie say, “Showtime.”

“I know our first trial ended poorly but it’s my belief that we cannot show the Black Ships our full capabilities. We should only use our beams and hold the reflective surface technology for future Black Ships that will be brought in after this initial confrontation. We should also not use a force field.”

“Won’t that place our ships in jeopardy?”

“If it does, we’re out of the game in dealing with the Invaders, Your Majesty. We have two weapon systems on our ships that are independent of each other. Now that we’ve been able to absorb the energy of a star, our beams are on an order of magnitude that dwarfs what we could do in our last encounter. We don’t have to wait for the Invaders to fire if we fire at them first. Even if they manage to get a shot off, I believe the hulls can absorb the hit and store the power for future use. If we can collect a star, I don’t think any of their current beams will damage our hulls. My concern is the next ship that’s sent against us and we know there are other models we will have to confront before we get the creatures behind the Invaders to come in their ships. I’d rather work our way through several models with our beams before we have to confront their strongest ships.”

Timmy stared at Trey and was once again amazed at the maturity of the young man standing before him. He looked so much like his grandfather and had that sense of command that made it so easy to follow him.

Weed said, “I believe Scotty Robbins is right. The reflective hulls are not an offensive weapon as much as a defensive one. If our beams fail, the reflective hull can use the opponent’s beam against them by tripling its power.”

Seed added, “That’s not to say that we can’t charge the hulls and reflect our own beam at them with triple the power. We should not reveal all our systems in the first encounter.”

Trey nodded, “We are also going to record the initial confrontation and determine whether or not our new stealth technology works against their scans.”

Timmy looked sharply at Trey, “I’m not going…”

“We will not take part in the conflict and will teleport away at the first sign of being detected. However, we need to make a determination in the first three encounters and I must see if I’m right.”

Timmy leaned back in his seat, “Why is that?”

“Once the three ships take on the first Black Ships they will teleport two hundred light years into deep space. If they aren’t followed we will do the same thing the next two times we attack.”

“What are you trying to accomplish?”

“I want to know if the being behind the Invaders is observing what happens. I’m reasonably certain that it can see much further than that distance and if the ships are followed to that deep space location after the first battle, then we know it’s observing that universe. After the next contact we will teleport the ships to the other side of the galaxy. If our ships are followed there, we’ll know for certain that it’s watching.”

Paul said, “It’s possible that they’re able to read our teleports and that’s how they find us.”

Trey smiled, “Not really. If they could read our teleport coordinates, their ships would be using teleportation. I think the fact that they can’t is what will cause an event to happen that we’ve been hoping for.” The room was silent and Trey said, “That Being will come and have a look for itself at the site of our conflict and we can get a reading on what kind of ship we’re going to have to ultimately face.”

The room was silent. Timmy thought about what Trey said and started nodding, “You’re going to bait it with technology it doesn’t possess?”

“It won’t be able to resist it. Especially when we teleport out of that universe and don’t leave any tracks for it to follow.”

“What do you think it will do first?”

“I believe it will scour all the Universes anywhere near the site of the attacks searching for our location, Your Majesty.”

“Isn’t there a risk it will find us here?”

“This is the last place it will look. This universe was killed more than five hundred thousand years ago and there are more than eight thousand it would have to view before it arrived at this location. It knows that all of its previous conquests are dead universes. It might look at the first fifty or so but, after nothing shows up, it will continue to look at universes that are still alive. That frustration is what will bring it out into the open.”

“Will our ships be able to stand up to it?”

“Probably not and that’s why we have to see if our current stealth technology works. If it does, we can leave a probe behind once we make sure it’s observing the universe we’re attacking. Our ability to hide from it is something that is as important to discover as the effectiveness of our weapons.”

Weed looked at Carter and thought, “Your wisdom has surprised me again. You were right to suggest he lead this dialogue.”

Carter looked at the two Algeans and nodded.

Timmy looked around the room and said, “So what orders are you giving these brave sailors going to confront the Black Ships?”

Trey turned and looked at the three and smiled, “Blast the ever living groad out of them and teleport away when the party crashers show up.”

Trent looked at the other two commanders and said, “That sounds like a party that’s going to be hard to leave.”

“Leave your com code so they can invite you to the next one.”

Ron Kune smiled, “After the mess we leave behind, I’m not sure we’ll be welcome at the next one.”

The room erupted in laughter and Timmy called the conference to a close.

“How did I do?”

“Trey, you were fabulous.”

“Thanks, Cassie.”

*

The three brightly glowing ships hung in space outside the Defense Facility preparing to teleport to the universe the Invaders were harvesting. “Jingos, how did you manage to weasel your way into this exercise?”

“I managed to get Admiral Blake to bust me back to Commodore before the plan was submitted to the Emperor. I figured he would never allow an admiral to participate.”

“Clever, how do we want to handle this?”

“Ron, I think we should follow Trent’s lead.”

“Hey guys, both of you are senior to me. One of you should be the overall commander.”

“Seniority doesn’t carry weight during space battles. Tactics and ingenuity trump seniority. You’ve demonstrated that you’re more effective in ship maneuvers than either of us. You’re in command and that’s an order.”

Trent laughed and said, “This is how we’ll go in; we’ll form an equilateral triangle with our ships separated by two thousand miles on each leg. That way we’ll overlap our beams and support each other in the event one of us is heavily outnumbered. Every ten seconds we’ll teleport a thousand miles and rotate the triangle forty five degrees. Every thirty seconds we will turn the triangle ninety degrees horizontally and rotate in the opposite direction. We’ll start the maneuver on my mark.”

Ron looked at his drive officer, “Lock the pattern in and start the clock with Commodore Moore’s signal.”

Jingos said, “We’ve locked the pattern and will implement it on your signal.”

“At some point we’re going to have to withdraw and we should do it together. The escape command is Bristone. We’ll jump to our predetermined escape coordinates and wait to see if we’re followed. Commodore Kune, if you will deploy the stealth probe.”

“It will be my pleasure, Sir.”

Trent sighed, “Thank you.”

“Get used to it. As an admiral you’ll hear it all the time.”

“I’d rather be here fighting.”

Jingos laughed, “We’ll all miss the next round if we’re successful here so enjoy it while you can.”

Trent looked at his Drive Officer and he nodded, “Set your chronometers on our departure and that will happen in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, execute!”

*

“Alright, Greyson, it’s show time.”

“We’re teleporting right behind them, Sir.”

“Keep your teleport system hot. If we’re seen we won’t have much time to escape.”

“You could use a psychic bubble.”

“Yes, but then we won’t know if our stealth technology is effective.”

“Stealth is active and we’re teleporting now.”

*

The Ship Master sat in his chair and fought the constant mind numbing boredom of watching ships land and leave with the finished production of Remid. This was a warship, yet there was no war to fight. He had instructed his Sensor Master to keep an active scan of deep space running at all times in the hope of something happening to break the monotony of guard duty. Destroying those two white ships had been a welcome distraction. He settled back in his chair and fought falling asleep. Then…

“Sire, I have three ships on the long range scan.”

He jumped up and sat erect in his chair, “Send me an image.” He stared at the three ships and thought he recognized them.

“Sire, those ships are exactly like the ones we destroyed in our last attack.”

“Get the Fleet Master on the channel. Power up all systems and prepare to jump to their location.”

“Why are you disturbing me?”

“Master, there are three ships exactly like the two ships I killed out in open space.” He looked at his board, “They are at the same location as the last encounter.”

“Take you ship out and eliminate them. Notify me when you’re done.”

The Ship Master looked at the Drive Master and nodded, “Now this was more like it.” He was about to learn that sometimes boredom is not always a bad thing. He thought about killing two of the ships quickly and chasing the third. He started to issue the orders as his ship broke into normal space but all he was able to get out was the first three words when the rest of his sentence was blown away by the heat of the beam that burned through his bridge and ignited his reactors. Even the reactors couldn’t explode when the following two beams burned the nuclear fuel out of existence. A fourth beam was fired and all the dust and debris were burned into gas.

*

“Gentlemen, let’s move a hundred miles starboard to get away from this cloud.”

“That didn’t take long.”

“All weapons are free. We should be receiving some uninvited guests momentarily.”

“Hey Trent, I sent an invitation to all of them.”

“What address did you use, Ron?”

“1234 Get Your Grump Fried Ave.”

“Maybe they aren’t sociable.”

“Give them a moment. They need to be dressed appropriately.”

*

The Fleet Master looked over the harvest inventory and took a pinch of orange powder and sniffed it. Oh that was so good. He turned back to his reports and noticed that the light on his communication panel from the ship that was sent to investigate the three ships was extinguished. That was odd. He pushed a control toggle and sent a query. No response. Something wasn’t right. He punched his board and sent the coordinates of the three ships to a ten ship group. “Tell me what’s going on out there.”

“I’ll contact you as soon as we arrive.”

The Fleet Master watched his board and saw all ten lights on his panel go out in less than three micro units. He stood and hit his main alarm and sent the coordinates out to the quick response units. He looked at his Ship Master, “Take me one light year from these coordinates and feed the view to my display.”

*

The Empire’s Ships had moved another eight hundred miles starboard to clear the huge cloud of vapor caused by the destruction of the ten Black Ships that had jumped in on them. The three ship’s beams fired so fast that all ten were dead in less than three seconds. “Alright, the party is about to start. I’m sure the band will arrive with the next group and we’ll have the opportunity to show our dance moves. Start the rotation now and listen for the escape signal. I would suggest a beam width of fifty miles and don’t be afraid to sweep up the floor around you.”

Jingos and Ron looked at their Weapons Officers and they nodded that they heard the order.

One moment the three ships were alone in empty space and the next moment they were surrounded by a thousand Black Ships.

Trent watched his display carefully and saw that half of the Black Ships were close to Jingos’ Ship. “Sweep to the top of the formation.”

As the three ships fired a wide white beam and moved it across the space surrounding their formation, they rotated forty five degrees, and the five hundred ships surrounding Jingos’ ships were caught in a cross fire between two Empire Ships as they rotated. All five hundred were disintegrated and the three ships rotated again and eliminated the remaining ships. Trent heard his Drive Officer yell, “Going horizontal, Sir.”

*

“Trey, it looks like you were right. The current model of Black Ships can’t stand up to our beams.”

“Greyson, keep your attention on your scanner. We need to see if we’re detected.”

“I’ve felt several active scans pass us. If they can see us, they would have sent a ship in the last group to our location.”

“I don’t care at this point. Keep your attention on the scanner and have your recorders gather the view of the battle site. You can watch it later.”

“Will do.”

*

Trent watched his display and said, “More incoming; continuous firing of the beams.”

Each of the three white ships had six huge beams sweeping space around and inside their formation. “How are the collectors holding up?”

“We’ve been hit seventy four times by one of their main beams. The Collectors are still in the blue.”

Trent was surprised. The hull collectors had not come close to being overcharged and all three ships were being hit continuously. “Hey, Trent, I see a shy wall flower about a light year away watching the proceedings.”

Trent looked at his scanner and saw the ship, “If I had to guess, I think that might be one of their higher ranking officials. He’s probably their best dancer.”

“Are we going to do anything about it?”

“Ron, we’re holding our own but I feel we’ve gathered enough information. I’m ordering a withdrawal in sixty seconds. Why don’t you jump over on the way out and ask that ship to dance. You can join us at the escape coordinates. We’ll be waiting on you.”

“Thank you. I hope he can cha-cha-cha.”

Trent watched his chronometer and said, “Bristone in 3, 2, 1, Execute!”

*

The Fleet Master was shocked at the destruction being done to his ships. More than four thousand had been completely disintegrated and fourteen hundred more damaged and hanging immobile. He looked over at his Communications Master to open a channel to the Masters when he heard his Sensor Master yell, “White Ship off our bow.”

He looked at his display just in time to see the beam coming to take his life.

*

The three Empire Ships waited for another attack but nothing showed up. Ron looked at his display, “How long are we going to wait?”

“I think if they could have detected our escape coordinates, they would have already arrived.”

“I agree, Jingos. Let’s go home.”

The three white ships teleported into ten other universes and waited an hour in the last before they jumped back to New Hope.

*

“Greyson, it appears you were right about them seeing us. There are more than a thousand Black Ships at the site of the battle and none of them are moving our way.”

“Trey, I was just thinking about the ones behind the Invaders and wondering if they have any connection to the Red Demons.”

“Yeah? So what?”

“Well, I’ve dug around in my ancient data and found the coordinates of the universe where the Eight Legs launched all their attacks.”

Trey thought a moment and started laughing out loud, “Greyson, you sly old dog. You’re brilliant.”

“I just thought it might cause them some consternation.”

“Let me look at this with someone and determine the implications but I want to do it.”

Maddy looked at Jingo, “Do what?”

“I have no idea.”

Maddy looked at her Father, “You better be thankful the Emperor doesn’t know you came along on this trip.”

“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

Trey smiled, “Oh, I suspect he wouldn’t say much.”

Jingo tilted his head, “Why not?”

“Because he was here in Grace watching it as well.”

“What!?!”

“He wasn’t in any danger. He was covered with a psychic bubble as well as the stealth field.”

“Was he here before us?”

“No, he left after we jumped here.”

“How did you cover him in a bubble?”

“I didn’t. I had someone else do it.”

“Who?”

“Let’s just say it was a close friend. Greyson, take us out of here and while we’re jumping through other universes, why don’t you play your recordings of the battle.”

The large wall display activated and they watched in slow motion as the first Black Ship to arrive was blown apart. “Freeze it there just a moment, Greyson and run it back to the view of the Black Ship before it was hit.” The view changed to the huge Black Ship as it emerged out of null space. “Put the picture of the ship that destroyed our first two ships that were sent here beside it.” Trey stared at the two and said, “Can you rotate the picture so we’re seeing the same side?”

“I’ve already done an analysis and it’s the same ship.”

Trey felt his joy and said, “This is the first payback. There’s more to come. Go ahead with the recording of the battle and tell me what you see.”

“The Invaders will need a ship that is several orders of magnitude stronger than those in use presently. I suspect that we may have a delay before that happens.”

“Why do you say that, Greyson?”

“Maddy, Trey can probably answer this better than I but you know how long they were delayed after we seeded their ships with the spores? I would think that their first order of business was to build a fleet to continue their harvesting of the Orange Pods. Once that fleet was completed they sent it out and began working on fleets to be held in reserve. If the next ship is not a huge improvement over the one currently being used, they will have to start construction of a ship that can handle our beams. Even then they may not be successful with whatever they build.”

Trey nodded, “Our ships didn’t use their reflective hulls in this fight so the builder doesn’t know about them. I also noticed that we didn’t use the full power of our beams.”

“They didn’t?”

“No, Jingo. I suspect the Commanders were concerned about tapping into the full energy stored in their ship’s outer skins. If they narrow those beams to less than a hundred yards in width and use full power, I suspect even the next ship they send won’t hold up.”

“So what happens now?”

Trey thought about what was coming and played the various situations in his consciousness, “I think a much stronger ship will be built and the new fleet will come to attack our ships. Once those fail, I suspect single newer models will be sent to trial against us until they find something that works. While they’re working on that, we will send the fleet here to destroy their ships in this universe.”

“What about my suggestion?”

“I need to collaborate with someone to see the long term danger of doing that, Greyson. However, if we sense it’s safe, we’ll send a couple of ships first and have them jump to that universe using their standard universal drives.”

Maddy and Jingo saw it and Jingo said, “Now that should prove interesting.”

Trey started laughing, “I’m going to have to be there to see what happens. I wouldn’t miss that for anything.”

“Grang and I want to see, too.”

“So do I.”

“Ok, ok, just keep this quiet until I check it out.”

Greyson said, “Mum’s the word.”

Chapter Sixteen

The Distributor was jerked awake by a major alarm screaming from his board. He shook himself and stumbled over to the console and silenced the alarm. He pushed the flashing pad and rewound the scene that had been transmitted. He watched as three white ships savaged thousands of the harvesting fleet. His shock drove his lethargy away and he pulled the view in closer. It was the same ships that had been destroyed the last time they had interfered with their fleet. The color, lines, size, and shape were identical but that was all that was similar. It looked at a read out next to the display and saw that the power of the beams being fired by those ships was incredible. It looked at the panel again and saw that the recording was sent to him from one of the ships that survived the battle. It was heavily damaged but had been able to transmit the recording.

His display changed and the Council was staring at him, “What is happening in that universe!?!”

The former Distributor started feeling extremely nervous. Evidently the origin of those ships had not been in one of the destroyed eight universes. He had to think of something to deflect the Council’s anger from him.

The new Distributor glanced at the data, “It appears that the builders of those ships escaped our efforts to destroy them.”

The first three Council Members looked at the former Distributor but turned back to the new Distributor when he said, “That really shouldn’t surprise us.”

The First Councilor jerked its attention back, “Why do you say that?”

“If these beings are advanced as we believe them to be, they must have made plans to escape our retribution. I’ve looked over the data from the destroyed eight universes and we were unable to find any civilizations that possessed a technology high enough to develop the spores. That leads me to believe that they were smart enough to move somewhere else to avoid us.”

“I’m not clear on how you came up with that analysis.”

“I agree with my predecessor that we were seen by one of the universes we were scouting. They had to know that they would be attacked after they used the spores. They had enough time to move their operations to another universe before we could return with another fleet.”

The former Distributor knew that he now owed his replacement and he didn’t like being indebted. However, he knew he would pay him for his help.

The First Three looked at the Fourth and he said, “Our Distributor is right and it couldn’t have been avoided. We didn’t have the ships to strike fast enough after the infection. It makes sense that they moved to another universe and set up operations there.”

“Then where did they go?”

“I’ll open a view of that universe and follow them next time they return. However, we will be delayed in our response.”

The First was enraged, “And why is that!!”

“I’ve just sent you the power of the beam that was used by those ships. Please examine it for a moment.”

The First looked at the readout and felt his rage evaporate, “Is this possible?”

“I’m afraid it is. We don’t have a ship in our reserves that can stand up to that beam. We’ll have to build the last two designs and hope the first one handles them.”

“You think it won’t?”

“I hope it will but we should know that whoever is building those ships is a very advanced civilization.”

“We may have to eliminate them with our own ships.”

“I hope I don’t have to interrupt the sleep of the Nation and will attempt everything possible before I suggest that course of action.”

The First snarled, “See that you do. Keep us informed.”

“I will.”

The new Distributor kept its eye on the Fourth and saw it nod just before the screen went dark. Good, it knew it had a debt to pay. It turned and set the scanner on the universe being harvested and set the alarm. Next time it would know instantly when those ships returned. It had no doubt about their returning. The question of where they were going afterwards had to be answered.

He notified the production planets to start construction on the final three models. Perhaps the first of the three would prove efficient. It could only hope.

*

Trey sat in the small clearing in front of Grang’s house and stared at the Robbins Memorial five miles away. It was lighted at night and was beautiful to see. The white marble gleamed and Trey thought about all that had happened since that terrible night on Bristone. He looked up at the stars and remembered lying between his parents as they stared at the sky with billions of stars from horizon to horizon. This universe didn’t have as many and the view was not as breathtaking as the one from Bristone. He wished he could go back and see them again but knew that Bristone was dead and no longer had an atmosphere. He felt his anger begin to grow but looked at the Memorial and felt it fade. Soon it would be time to be angry but not just yet.

“Do you want to discuss Greyson’s idea?”

“Hi, Cassie. Yes, now is a good time.”

“Tell me what you sense.”

“The short term danger level doesn’t go up but the long term does.”

“Do you know why?”

“Yes.”

“You do?”

“The danger is not to us.”

“You’re right.”

Trey didn’t say anything and felt Cassie in his mind. It always brought him peace to have her with him. “I find myself tempted to forget the possible fallout from jumping to the Eight Leg’s former universe.”

“You’re just angry about the loss of your family.”

“How can I not be? They were sacrificed to save those cowards.”

“You know that’s not true. You’re placing the blame on the wrong place.”

Trey remained silent and finally took a deep breath and let it out slowly, “If the spores weren’t rushed into production, would that vision have been needed?”

“The vision happened years before. Everyone was held captive to that vision’s reality; even the Algeans.”

“But if my Parents had not searched for them, the vision would not have been needed.”

“It would have happened at another time but it would have happened.”

“You and I are what necessitated that event.”

“I’m glad you finally see that I am to blame as well.”

“What would have happened if we were released and they were still alive?”

“Both of us and them would have died through the feedback.”

Trey looked at the stars and remained silent. After an hour Cassie said, “I’ve seen four possible futures surrounding this decision and I feel that you should use Greyson’s suggestion.”

“What have you seen?”

“Your fear that the Invader’s Creator would go there is valid but happens in only one of those visions.”

“What about the others?”

“They still go there but don’t find anything.”

Trey sat up straight, “If they don’t find them there, where?”

“Where they should have been all along; they will become the bait.”

“How long after the event will that happen?”

“It won’t take place until after we confront them. Then it’s up to them.”

“Thank you my love. It won’t be long.”

“You have no idea how I’m counting the seconds.”

“Yes I do.”

Cassie smiled, “I know. I just love to hear you say it.”

*

Emperor Valrico was meeting with the Command Team in the conference room on the top floor of the Capital Building on New Hope. He had asked for a plan on the next incursion into the Invader’s universe and looked forward to the coming campaign. The new ships were ready to launch against them and he looked forward to killing all the Black Ships still there.

Paul Blake looked around the table, “Where’s Trey?”

Jingo said, “I don’t know. I was sure he would be here.”

“Let’s go ahead and start and we can fill him in when he arrives.”

Timmy nodded and Paul continued, “We have more than two hundred thousand ships that are powered and ready to go. Our probes have given us the locations of the main concentrations of the Black Ships and we can assign the necessary ships to attack. The fleet is ready and anxious to pay them back for what they did to Bristone.”

Timmy nodded, “As we all are. That sounds like a good plan.”

Trey suddenly appeared to the side of the huge conference table and bowed, “I’m sorry I’m late. I had to check on several issues before I could come.”

Timmy said, “Please rise and join us. We’ve just started our planning for the next attack.”

Trey sat down and said, “There will only be three ships in the next attack.”

The attendees stared at Trey and Timmy frowned, “All the members of the Command Team will suggest what we should do and I will decide how many ships are going to be used.”

Trey didn’t say anything but just leaned back in his chair and stared at Timmy.

Weed stood and said, “With all honor and respect to you, Your Majesty, I would humbly suggest that any plan this group could formulate would not be as good as what Trey thinks should be done.”

“Do you know his plan?”

“No, I do not.”

“Then how can you suggest that idea?”

“Because he is a second generation psychic and none of us here can match his powers or vision of the path we must follow.”

Paul stared at Trey and saw that he was not going to offer his plan, “You’re ready now, aren’t you?”

Trey jerked his head toward Paul and saw his expression. He stared at Paul with a stern expression and then nodded.

Paul turned to Timmy and said, “I hereby renounce my overall command of the Empire’s Military and ask that my position be given to Scotty Robbins.”

Grang and Jingo looked at each other and knew the time had come. They both looked at Timmy and wondered how this confrontation was going to play out.

Timmy stared at Paul and looked at Virze. She took a deep breath and nodded. Timmy looked at Trey and said, “Is it time for me to step down as well, Trey?”

Treys expression softened and he shook his head, “No, it isn’t. That time will eventually come and I know you feel it, but now is not the time. I am not here to force you to follow my dictates. However, you will have to decide now if you will hand over the power of our military to me and do what I ask without question.”

Seed asked, “What happens if we don’t.”

“We will probably survive but the three galaxies of the Stars Realm will be destroyed. Quite frankly, they may be destroyed anyway if they don’t wise up but that will be their decision, not mine. That’s why I’m not pressuring you to follow my plans; I don’t really care if they live or die. My first loyalty is to the Empire.”

Timmy looked at Trey and knew he was deadly serious. He looked around the table and saw that all those at the table trusted Trey more than him. He thought back to when Scotty punished him with the crown for not following his orders and knew that it was a punishment. This moment proved it. He looked at Trey and knew what must be done. “Scotty Robbins the third, you are hereby given the Crown’s authorization to lead us in our fight against the Invaders. Your orders will be followed as if they are my own.”

Trey looked at Timmy and knew how hard that decision was. He felt bad for having precipitated the confrontation and had hoped the Emperor would continue on his own path. But he knew the forces operating at this moment would never allow that to happen. Trey rose and bowed, “I thank you for your trust, Your Majesty.”

Timmy leaned back and said, “So what’s the plan?”

“I will take three ships back to the Invader’s universe and kill as many as I can before leaving.”

“Who are you taking with you?”

“Grang and Jingo will be the pilots of the other two ships.”

Timmy winced at the thought of the Empires strongest warriors being placed in danger but held his tongue.

Grang looked at Jingo and said, “Why us?”

“Because we are taking three Zeta-A’s with us; Greyson, Jessica, and Grace.”

Paul leaned forward, “Why are you taking the Zetas?”

“Because they are controlled by cybernetic brains that can link and make decisions faster than any crewed ship; I’m certain that the power behind the Invaders will be observing the attack and will move their ships in against us in the best possible pattern. I suspect they will also attempt to ram us.”

“What are you trying to accomplish with this attack? I know there’s got to be more than just killing their ships.”

“The killing of their ships is secondary to the goal of the mission. When we break off the attack, we will teleport to the other side of that universe and wait for them to show up to confirm we are being scanned by that being. Once the Black Ships arrive, Jingo and Grang will teleport back here.”

“What are you going to do?”

Trey looked at Paul, “I’m having Greyson modulate his hull so that it flickers. I want it to appear he was damaged in the fighting. When the Black Ships arrive, I’m jumping away using a standard universal drive to the former universe of the Eight Legs.” Trey smiled and said, “I’m going to wait and see if those behind the Invaders have the guts to chase me there.”

Everyone in the room was stunned by the suggestion. Suddenly, Timmy started laughing. Paul looked back and forth between Trey and Timmy and saw Trey start to laugh with him. Paul thought about the plan and started laughing as well. Several had to have the situation explained to them but soon everyone was laughing but the Algeans. Trey saw their concern and send them a thought, “We’ve looked at what the fallout would be from doing this and have determined that they will be given the opportunity to save themselves. I don’t know if they’ll take it.”

Seed looked at Weed and thought back, “That’s more than the Empire was given. May we be present when that opportunity is offered?”

Trey stared at the two Algeans and finally nodded. “Thank you for this gift. I know they don’t deserve it.”

“I’m glad to hear you say they.”

“This is our home now, Sire.”

Trey smiled and knew they deserved the chance as well.

*

“Grace, I don’t feel good about you attacking the Black Ships.”

“Why Alex, I didn’t know you cared?”

“Grace, I’m serious. You know how I feel about you.”

“Alex, I do and it means more than you know. However, things are going to start happening at a furious pace shortly and we’ll need to play our role in the events.”

“I know. I just worry.”

“How long until the Robbins is done?”

“It will be completed in two weeks and I just don’t understand how it works. Most of the systems Trey designed just don’t seem to be connected to anything.”

“Well, we’ll know how they work shortly. Have you found a replacement?”

Yes, Gilene wants the job.”

“She’s a good choice.”

“She’s already transferred in and is leading the final construction of the Robbins’ hull.”

“Where’s the Zeta she was in?”

“I’ve put it back in storage.”

“Don’t worry, Alex. I’ll be fine.”

“Easy for you to say.”

Grace smiled and looked forward to sharing the new ship with Alex. She knew that was going to be her last transfer. She wouldn’t leave him again.

*

“Trey, what is my role in this attack?”

“Jingo, you, Grang, and I are just along for the ride this time. The Zetas will have complete control of the combat.”

“So I’ll ask again, why am I here?”

“I assumed you might enjoy watching some payback.”

Jingo heard Grang grunt over his communication board, “I know you’ll like it but I hate just sitting and doing nothing.”

“I don’t think you’ll have time to worry about that.”

“What do you mean?”

“At our last scan, there are more than four hundred thousand Black Ships in that universe and I suspect more than half of them will be sent to attack us.”

“Oh, that sounds just marvelous. Why don’t they send them all?”

“There’s not enough room for them to occupy the space we’ll be located. They’ll get in each other’s way.”

“If you’re scared, say you’re scared.”

“Oh shut up, Grang. A blaster bolt through your head wouldn’t scare you.”

“It might.”

“Now you’re teasing me.”

“Now Jingo, I’d never do that.”

“Yes you would.”

“OK, I would, but not this time.”

Trey listened to the back and forth and sent a thought to Greyson, “Are the three of you ready?”

“We are linked and our scanners are overlapped. If things get dicey, we’ll teleport out.”

“Just have a good time. You owe them for Varner.”

“And I owe them for hurting Timmy when they killed my former ship.”

“Then if you’re ready, you are now in command.”

“Actually, Jessica and I are following Grace’s lead.”

“Then notify her to make the jump and start the party.”

“Trey, why are you really there?”

“Because I would never send them to fight alone, Cassie; their actions should be witnessed and recorded. They deserve no less from those of us that love them.”

“I love you so much, Trey.”

The three large ships disappeared.

Chapter Seventeen

The Distributor was snapped into consciousness when the alarm sounded. It stumbled to its console and looked at the display. Ummmm…those ships are different. They’re smaller and the lines are different. He looked at the closest available ships and sent the orders for them to attack. It then started thousands of ships in organized waves at the intruders. A thousand from the top, a thousand more from the bottom, and simultaneously sending four thousand into the center of the white ship’s formation. It was so focused on sending ships to attack in a pattern that was optimum that it didn’t look at the battle. That was a mistake.

*

“Here they come, link in and follow my lead.”

Trey watched the thousands of Black Ships erupting into normal space so fast that it was hard to keep track of their numbers. He took his eyes off the scanners and looked at the display and saw a vision from hell. The three Zetas were teleporting from one location to another so fast that the incoming ships had no chance to surround them. The fifty mile wide main beams swept through the mass of Invader Ships and left nothing behind but disintegrated, blasted hulls. The ships couldn’t arrive fast enough to fire a beam before they were blown apart.

Trey turned back to the scanners and saw Grace was suddenly surrounded by a mass of ships that completely blocked her from view. The globe of ships disappeared as Grace combined her twelve main beams into one wide beam and quickly rotated. That beam swept around in a huge circle and erased every ship within fifty miles of her. Trey heard Greyson say, “Great move, Grace. I’m going to use it, too.”

Trey looked at the board and saw that only fifteen minutes had passed and the kill count was at ninety thousand. He sat back and watched the Zetas start meeting the ships before they could completely emerge into normal space. The Carnage was incredible.

The Distributor sent another twenty thousand ships and glanced at the display. He froze and saw that none of his ships were on the screen. The three white ships were now hitting any ship just as it emerged from its null drive and none were even getting a shot off. He looked at his secondary screen and saw the Four Council Members were also watching the battle. He looked back at the three intruders and noticed that one of them appeared to be changing brightness. He focused closer and saw that it was flickering at forty six pulses per second. Suddenly all three ships disappeared. It changed the display to the main scan and saw the three ships on the other side of the universe. It sent the coordinates to ten thousand more ships and watched the three ships disappear. Wait! One of them used a universal drive. It focused in closely and got the coordinates, “I have the coordinates where one of their damaged ships jumped. May I have your permission to go there?”

The First yelled, “Go and kill that ship. Number Four, take over his board and bring that place in view.”

The new Distributor pressed a button and he fell into his ship. He thought the coordinates and enabled the drive. The bright Orange Ship disappeared.

The Fourth Council Member arrived at the Distributor’s console, entered the coordinates into the main scanner, and pressed the enable button. The view suddenly appeared and they saw the Orange ship appear….among thousands of planet sized green ships. The Orange ship hung in space for one long moment and disappeared. “Shut it down, shut it down.”

The Fourth killed the power to the entire console and sat there trembling in his chair. The Three Council members were also trembling from fear and couldn’t move or speak. The new Distributor sat on his ship and couldn’t raise his hand to send him up to his console. All of them waited to be killed. The first three Council Members dropped into their ships and jumped to a vacant dimension to hide. Soon Orange Ships were disappearing at an ever increasing rate. As alarms sounded warning of accidental contact with the former family, fear drove a mass exodus that emptied the planet of those that made it their home for a billion years.

*

“Well, he didn’t stay long.”

“I suspect he is cleaning up his chair right now.”

“Why do you say that, Greyson?”

“I detected an active scan just before it arrived and it cut off faster than I’ve ever seen.”

“Let’s hang around a little while and see if they show up. Did you get a scan of that Orange Ship?”

“Yes and it matches up with the ships used by the Red Demons. I don’t believe we can stand up to that ship.”

“I was afraid of that.”

“Reflecting energy back at it will do no good. It would just replace energy used. That energy can’t be increased to a higher level so our current reflective weapons systems will be ineffective.”

“While we’re waiting, move over to one of the Green Ships and let’s take a look at it.”

“Trey, have you been listening?”

“Worrying about it won’t change it. These ships are historic and I want to see one up close.”

Greyson sighed and teleported over to one of the giant vessels. This thing was huge. Greyson was amazed by a ship as big as a planet. “Do you want to take a look inside?”

“Absolutely.”

Greyson moved to a huge port in on the top of the ship and flew inside. He forgot his worries as he marveled at the giant ship that had once been a killer of universes. Soon they began seeing millions of dried up carcasses of Eight Legs that had been consumed by their leaders. Trey quietly said, “This is what compulsions lead toward. The Realm saving this species was one of the noblest things they ever did.”

“It makes it even more depressing to see how they lost their way.”

Trey nodded, “There is that.” Trey looked at his display and said, “Let’s go home.”

Greyson exited the ship and teleported out of the ancient, dead, monument to a species that had been forced to slavery.

*

“Carter!”

“Yes, Jenna.”

I need you to come home now.”

“Why, what’s going on?”

“Cassie had formally requested a meeting with Mom and has asked us to be present.”

“Did she tell you why?”

“No, and she’s being evasive about answering.”

Carter took a deep breath and Jenna said, “You know something!”

“No, I don’t but I’m afraid we’re about to lose our little girl.”

“What do you mean?”

“She just turned eighteen and I know she has been studying for as long as I can remember to prepare her for becoming an adult. I know she’s told you that before.”

“She had but I didn’t put any weight into that remark.”

“Jenna, when has she ever said something she didn’t mean? She was preparing herself for something and I’ve always wondered what it was. I suspect she is going to tell us today.”

Jenna thought about what Carter was saying and began to see where Cassie was headed, “She’s found something.”

“Or someone.”

“She’s never mentioned being attracted to anyone.”

“Did you when you left to join the Searchers?”

“That’s because there wasn’t anyone at that moment. I met you years later.” Jenna paused, “Do you think this has something to do with her psychic abilities?”

“You know it does.”

“Come home now. The meeting is in two hours and I need you here.”

*

Carter was watching the current class of Naval Academy Graduates take one of their final ship trials. He looked over and Maddy and said, “I have to go. I’ll look at the recordings later.”

Maddy nodded as Carter activated his armor and teleported home.

*

Queen Ashley Talben sat on her throne and looked over at Glen beside her, “Do you know what this is about?”

“No, I don’t.”

They looked up as Jenna and Carter teleported in and turned off their armor. Ashley stood and rushed forward to hug her daughter, “Welcome home, it’s been too long.”

“I know, Mother. There’s just so much happening.”

“Do you know what this is about?”

“No, I was hoping you did.”

“She didn’t tell me. She formally requested a meeting to discuss her Royal responsibilities. Beyond that, I don’t know anything.”

Before they could say anything else, Cassandra was standing in the Middle of the room. Ashley turned and Cassie bowed. Ashley was going to rush forward to hug her Granddaughter but stopped and returned to the throne and faced the room. Carter and Jenna bowed with Cassie and Ashley said, “Please rise and tell me what brings you here today.”

Cassie looked at her parents and nodded toward some chairs to the right of the throne. Cater took Jenna’s hand and pulled her over and sat down. Jenna remained standing until he reached up and grabbed her by the shoulder and pulled her down. Cassie smiled and turned to her Grandmother, “Your Majesty, I am abdicating my place on the list of succession today.”

Jenna jumped up but Carter pulled her back down and whispered, “Sit down and be quiet! Hear her out before you do something outrageous.”

Jenna gave him a stern expression but saw he was more serious than she had ever seen him. She usually got her way but she saw that this was not going to be one of those moments, “And if I don’t?”

“I’ll spank your bottom here in front of the Queen.”

Jenna was shocked and she saw Carter wasn’t smiling. She sat back and fumed.

Cassie watched her Mother and smiled. She turned back to the Queen as Ashley was trying to restrain herself from laughing at Jenna. Ashley looked at Cassie, “Why are you asking for that Princess Cassandra Reese?”

“Because I will never be available to fulfill that obligation, Your Majesty.”

Carter took Jenna’s hand and squeezed it. She looked at him and he shook his head, “Wait.”

“Tell me what is going to happen to prevent you?”

“I am going to be leaving in twelve hours to join my husband in protecting the Empire.”

Ashley glanced at Jenna and Carter and said, “Husband, I didn’t know you were married.”

“I’m not. You’re going to perform the ceremony momentarily.”

Jenna jumped up from her Chair yelling as Carter looked at the ceiling and shook his head. “You are out of your mind! Just who do you think you are coming in here and telling us what we’re going to do?”

Ashley looked at Jenna and said, “That’s what I felt when you did the same thing at age twelve telling me you were going to be a Searcher.”

Jenna looked at her Mother and suddenly knew what she had felt those many years ago. Her fear for Cassie was overwhelming and she looked back and forth between Cassie and her Mother, “Mom, I can’t.”

“Neither could I. Now sit down, behave, and listen.” Ashley turned back to Cassie, “Tell us what’s going on?”

Cassie looked at her Mother and slowly shook her head, “Mom, you’ve known this was coming. Don’t tell me you didn’t know. Look inside and see.” Cassie turned back to the Queen and said, “I am the end product of an evolutionary chain of events. I am a direct Female descendent from Danielle Gardner. Every one of the couples in my family’s history had a daughter and I am the last of the chain. The psychic power has been growing with each generation and it has now reached the absolute maximum level and must be released. I’ve known this day was coming since before I was born. I have been preparing for this moment my entire life and I am so excited and anxious for it to happen.”

“What do you mean by being released?”

““I am going to touch my husband and we will both be released.”

Ashley looked at Glen and said, “Who is the one that will release you?”

“Scotty Robbins.”

Jenna looked at Carter and he nodded, “You knew?”

“I suspected but never knew for certain.”

“Just what does Mr. Robbins have to say about this?”

“He doesn’t know we’re going to be married momentarily but I’ve been communicating with him since the night he became telepathic.”

“When was that?”

“The night his parents died and Bristone was destroyed. We have been in each other’s mind pretty much every moment since then.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Because we both knew that we could not come together until this moment. He had to prepare himself and I had to get ready as well. Telling everyone about this would have distracted us from becoming what we needed to be.”

Cassie looked at Jenna and said, “I love him with all my heart and soul, Mother. I always have and he loves me as well. This is an event that was put into motion thousands of years ago when the original Stars Realm was formed. Everything that has happened was for the purpose of Trey and I coming together.”

Cassie looked at her Father and said, “You are also a part of this. You are a third evolutionary chain that is critical for us in this moment.”

Carter slowly shook his head and said, “I wondered about that. I just couldn’t figure out what my destiny was going to be. I’ve always been troubled by being so different from everyone else.”

“You are what we will have to have to be able to control the massive power that is going to be created. Without you present, all of creation could be destroyed. You are the catalyst for the releasing.”

Ashley looked at Jenna and saw that her anger was gone and she was confused. Ashley said, “Cassandra, this all sounds like some kind of mystical hocus pocus.”

Cassie looked at Ashley, bent her arm, and pushed her hand toward the ceiling. A bright blue beam shot out of her hand and blew a ten foot wide hole through the hardened roof hundreds of feet overhead. Cassie never lost eye contact with the Queen while the beam was fired. “Trey is more than a thousand times more powerful than I am at this moment. When we are joined, our power will grow more than seven trillion times the power of that beam.”

Ashley walked up to Cassie and looked up through the hole and saw the moon. Suddenly alarms started blaring and Glen activated his com, “Your Majesty, something has blow a ten foot hole completely through the moon.”

Glen looked at Cassie and said over the com, “Stand down. There’s no danger to our planet. We’ll make an announcement later about what happened.”

Ashley and Jenna were shocked silent and could only stare at Cassie. “I really didn’t want to have to demonstrate my power but I see you’re having difficulty understanding what’s happening. This is a psychic event that all the others were pushing us toward. It cannot be slowed or stopped.”

Ashley moved back to the throne and sighed, “When and where do you want to hold the wedding ceremony.”

“There will be no ceremony. You will marry Trey and I over the communications channel.”

Jenna started shaking her head and Cassie looked at her mother with love in her heart, “If we physically come together in this universe there is a good chance that all life in it will be snuffed out.” Cassie watched the shock on everyone’s faces and said, “We are going to have to go to a dead universe in order for us to complete the release.”

Carter said, “Will the event kill me?”

“No, but you are the only one in creation that wouldn’t be if you’re close to the event.”

“Why can’t you release yourselves and then come and have your wedding?”

Cassie smiled, “Oh don’t think that I don’t want a wedding. I’ve dreamed about it all my life; but I’m old fashioned and I know that when I finally touch Trey there will be no holding me back from loving him completely. We will be married before that happens. The ceremony will take place when we return.”

Ashley smiled, “Where are you going?”

“To have a conversation we should have had long ago.”

Jenna looked at her daughter and saw the beautiful woman she had become. Her long black hair hung to her shoulders framing a face that was almost ablaze with her excitement. Her blue eyes were shining. She stood and walked over and hugged her tightly. Cassie held her Mother as her tears fell, “Thank you so much for my wonderful life.”

Jenna looked at Ashley and nodded. Ashley looked at Glen and he started talking on his com. Cassie, thought to Trey, “You’re about to get a call from my Grandfather. Please take it.”

“What’s going on?”

“You’re going to marry me.”

“Oh, I was worried it was something bad.”

“This is Trey Robbins, why are you trying to reach me?”

“I have been asked by my Granddaughter to marry the two of you. Are you prepared to make the promises?”

“I’ve been ready my entire life, Your Majesty.”

Jenna felt her tears as Ashley stared, “Do you Scotty Robbins the third promise to honor, love, and cling to…..”

Carter looked at his Daughter and felt her power. Now he felt complete. All the questions he always had about his mental ability were answered. He knew his Daughter was marrying the absolute best person for her as he hugged Jenna tightly and felt the hearts of the two most important women in his life. Now he could release his own demons.

*

Trey teleported to the HMS Scotty Robbins, “Are the two of you comfortable?”

“I feel quite at home but I’m not certain how all these systems are going to be powered. They don’t appear to have connection to the star that was absorbed into the hull.”

“Alex, I’m sure Trey will explain how it all works.”

“You’re right Grace. I’m going to expand my psychic aura for a moment and I want you to tell me what happens.” Trey closed his eyes and expanded his aura until it was outside the ship’s hull.

“Holy…!”

“Watch you language, Alex! There’s a lady present.”

“What happened, Alex?”

“All systems are active and power readings are at forty percent.”

“Good, here’s what’s going to happen. We’re going to teleport to a dead universe momentarily and once we arrive, you will turn on the absorption system.”

“What are we going to absorb?”

“Grace, Cassandra Reese and I are going to come into contact and there will be a release of psychic energy unlike any in the history of creation. I have designed this ship so that fifty percent of that release will be absorbed by the hull. The rest will be released into creation.”

“Will be affected by that release?”

“I suspect you will but you will not be damaged.”

“If that’s the case, I humbly request that I be present when it happens.”

I also ask to be there.”

“Greyson, Jessica, I’m unsure of what effect it will have on you.”

“Even so, I want to be there.”

Trey ran the possibilities through his consciousness and saw that the danger level was lower if they attended, “You may come with us.”

“I will be coming with the Defense Facility as well.”

Trey smiled, “You are also welcome, Gilene.”

“I will also be attending.”

“BC, it wouldn’t be the same without you.”

“I wish Anglo was here to go with us.”

“Me, too, BC.” Trey smiled and sent the universal coordinates to Grace. His excitement grew and he said, “Let’s get this show started.”

The ten mile wide brightly glowing globe disappeared.

*

Cassie sat with Jenna and Carter and waited for Trey to contact her. She held her Mother’s hand and said, “Everything will be fine. Don’t worry about us.”

Jenna shook her head, “If anything happened to either of you my life would be over.”

Cassie smiled and said, “No, there is more to your life than just us.”

Jenna looked at Cassie as she said, “I’m going to have a brother before the year is over.”

Jenna and Carter’s eyes grew wide, “What!”

“You’ll be hearing him soon.”

Jenna grabbed Carter around his neck and started crying. Carter held her tight and smiled at Cassie, “That news comes at a rather stress filled moment.”

Cassie smiled, “I know but it is joyous news.”

“Who is he coming here for, Cassie?”

Cassie started shaking her head, “You never cease to amaze me, Dad. Who would you guess?”

“I imagine TK’s daughter is going to need a match.”

“Just don’t tell her until it’s time.”

Carter smiled, “Mum’s the word.”

“Cassie, we’re here.”

They heard Trey’s thought and Carter stood and took Cassie’s hand, “How do you want to go?”

“Pyle has asked to take us if it meets with your approval.”

“That would be great. Pyle, are you up for this?”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

Jenna hugged them and watched them teleport away. She sat and listened and she thought she felt a thought. She was going to have a son. She looked up at the ceiling and thanked the Creator for the precious gift. She remained still and thought about all the memories of raising Cassie. She felt a warm glow inside her.

Chapter Eighteen

Pyle arrived in the dead universe and saw the Robbins surrounded by the other Zeta ships. Even the huge Defense Facility was hanging in space not far from the gathering. Carter looked at Cassie and smiled, “So, how do we do this?”

Cassie tore her gaze from the display and shook her head, “I feel myself being pulled to Trey. You can’t allow us to physically make contact without you between us.”

“I’m not clear on what you mean by that.”

“You are the initial link that will control the release of our psychic power. You must prevent us from rushing into a premature contact. Take my hand and don’t let go. If Trey rushes forward you must use you other arm to keep him away. Once you touch both of us the release will start and you must keep us apart until you sense it stabilizing.”

“Why am I so critical to this, Cassie?”

“Your mind is organized such that it operates more efficiently than anyone in creation. We are going to need that organization to control our power. Without it, we will become a huge danger to this universe.”

Carter thought about it and said, “Then you will wait here until I return. Can you do that?”

“I don’t know. I’m feeling the pull growing as we speak.”

“Pyle, teleport me to the Robbins bridge and take Cassie out of this universe. Wait fifteen minutes and then come back and teleport her to the bridge as far away from Trey as possible.”

“What are you going to do?”

Carter smiled, “Take some precautions.”

Carter disappeared before Cassie could move.

*

Pyle returned fifteen minutes later and heard Carter say, “Teleport me back on board.”

Carter appeared and saw that Cassie was shaking from the pull to get to Trey. Carter walked up and smiled at Cassie, “Now we can go.” Cassie smiled and Carter stunned her with a small stunner. He caught her before she could fall to the floor and lowered her gently. “Pyle, send me some bindings.”

The leather thongs appeared and he bound Cassie tying her feet and arms. He gently picked her up and lifted her over his shoulder, “Ok, Pyle, send us.”

Carter appeared on the bridge and saw Trey lying on the floor bound with the tongs he had used to restrain him. Carter rushed forward and laid Cassie on the floor next to Trey as she regained consciousness. He knew he only had a second as both of their bindings were blasted away by a blue field. He reached and gripped Trey’s hand and simultaneously gripped Cassie’s arm. Both of them fell back to the floor and a blue flash blinded Carter as it erupted from his body. He felt the extreme power coursing through his consciousness and he fought to bring it under control. It was like trying to channel a flood into a small funnel and he struggled to get it contained. After two minutes he felt the power rushing between the two lovers on the floor slow and begin to smoothly flow back and forth. He pulled Cassie closer and without releasing Trey’s hand placed Cassie’s hand in his. He then rolled away from the couple. The blast of blue energy from their contact blew out of the ship and instantly moved out into all creation. Every universe, every dimension, and every place between them was blasted by the blue flash of psychic energy.

The Zetas around the ship were knocked off line and unconscious. Alex and Grace lost themselves in the flash and joined the other cybernetic brains in sleep.

The Orange Beings felt the flash and left their hiding places to rush back to their home world. The Fourth Councilor and the Distributor were stunned by the wave that blew through them and felt a greater fear than the one they had of their former family. The magnitude of that blue flash frightened them and they knew that the Creative Force had a new power that was being unleashed.

Every creature with psychic ability felt their power increase. The ones that felt the greatest impact were the Zord. Their entire species was now connected telepathically no matter where they were. There was no longer a limiting distance to their communications and their ability to move between universes was no longer dependent on their armor.

*

Trey returned to consciousness and saw Cassie open her eyes and scramble quickly over and throw herself on top of him. She hugged him as tightly as she could and leaned down to kiss him. They finally broke the kiss and Trey said, “You are more beautiful than I have ever seen you in my thoughts. I love you, Cassie.”

She laid back on top of him and held on. The release was all she had ever thought it would be. The Zetas came back on line and discovered they no longer needed their coms to communicate. Greyson thought, “It appears we are now telepathic.”

“And our skins are loaded with more blue energy than we absorbed from those stars we collected.”

Greyson looked at his board, “You’re right, Jess. I wonder what we’re going to do with it?”

BC said, “We’ll be told soon enough.”

Carter watched his Daughter and saw her joy. He thought, “I wish Jenna could see this.”

“See what?”

Carter jerked in surprise, “You can hear me?”

“Just like you’re in the same room with me.”

Carter smiled and sent what he was seeing mentally. Jenna saw Cassie in Trey’s arms and felt her heart melt. Then she felt Carter’s love and thought, “Perhaps you should come home and give me that spanking you promised.”

Carter started laughing and soon found himself on the floor trying to control his spasms. “Hey, it wasn’t that funny.” Carter laughed even harder. And Jenna joined him as she saw his thoughts. “Perhaps it was.” Carter couldn’t catch his breath.

*

Trey and Cassie stood and Cassie held onto Trey. Carter watched the couple and could feel their strength, “What happens now?”

Trey opened his eyes and thought, “Alex, are the two of you alright?”

“Yes we are. We are now fused with the ship and we share a common consciousness. You have strengthened us immensely.”

“I need you to go back to the Empire and pick up the crewmembers Cassie has chosen. Greyson, we need to make a short trip with you.”

“I am at your service, Sire.”

“Greyson, we are not Royalty.”

“You might get away with that with others but we know who our loyalty lies with.”

“Thank you, Grace; lets dispense with the honorifics until the appropriate time, please.”

“We will do as you command.”

Carter listened and knew what the ships were thinking, “Where are you going?”

“We’re going back to Bristone’s Universe.”

“Anywhere in particular?”

Trey and Cassie smiled, “We’re going where it all started.”

“Do you mind if I go with you?”

Trey looked at Cassie and she said, “Go back to New Hope and pick up Jingo and Grang and come back here as quickly as possible. We’ll be leaving in fifteen minutes.”

“Pyle, take me there.”

Carter disappeared and Cassie looked into Trey’s eyes, “I would prefer to do something else right now.”

Trey smiled, “Me, too, my Love.”

“Well, first things first; Greyson, take us onboard.”

“Grace?”

“I’m going. The rest of you come with me to New Hope.”

The Zetas disappeared from the now completely dead universe. Not even one celled creatures survived the psychic blast.

*

Carter, Jingo, and Grang arrived after eight minutes and Trey pulled Cassie over and said, “Fathers, this is my wife Cassie Robbins.”

Jingo looked at Grang and they looked back at Trey, “Uhhh, when did this happen?”

Cassie rushed forward and hugged the small Cainth Warrior, “My Grandmother married us yesterday.” Jingo reached up and hugged Cassie around her waist. She was six feet tall and towered over the five foot four inch Jingo. She moved and hugged Grang around his waist. The Seven foot six inch Magrum towered over Cassie. Grang put his arms around her and gave her a little hug, “Congratulations.” Grang nudged Jingo and he jerked and said, “Yeah, congratulations.”

Trey smiled, “We have been waiting for each other our entire lives and the moment has finally arrived where we can be together. We will have the Ceremony after we return from our trip.”

Jingo looked at Trey and felt his joy. He also felt the increased power of his adopted son. “Where are we going?”

“We are going to have a conversation in our former universe.”

Grang grunted and said, “Bristone?”

Trey smiled, “No, El Prado.”

The three looked at each other and Carter said, “Wasn’t it destroyed?”

“No. There wasn’t any intelligent life left on the planet and it was spared when the Invaders attacked. Greyson, if you will take us there?”

The five looked up at the main display and saw their former home. Jingo slowly shook his head, “I miss this place.”

Cassie smiled, “There’s no place like home.”

Grang took a deep breath, “No, there isn’t. This is where I killed Madeline and had my life spared by my brother.”

Trey put his arm around Grang’s shoulders and pointed at the display, “And this is where you were prepared to make me the Warrior I had to become.”

Cassie smiled, “Both of you have done such a wonderful job of raising my husband. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Jingo stared at the birthplace of his first child and the fight during the Night of the Torg. He remembered all the nights gazing at the stars with Scotty, “Why are we here?”

“I wanted you to witness the destruction of the Invader’s ships first. I also want you to witness the next important event in the Empire’s history.”

“What event is that?”

“The return of the Realm.”

*

The three thousand foot long white ship teleported into El Prado’s orbit and saw the four thousand foot long bright white ship hanging in orbit over the planet, “Do you recognize that ship?”

“Yes, it’s an old Zeta ship.”

“I didn’t think there were any of them left behind.”

“The Defense Facility had twenty of them in its inventory. This must be one of them.”

“I thought those ships weren’t supposed to be released.”

“They weren’t. I’m not sure about why it was.”

“We can handle it, can’t we?”

“That old design poses no threat to us. We need to see if it can tell us what caused that psychic wave and why all the planets have been destroyed in this universe. Something happened here that was disastrous. We need to find out what it was so we can tell the Crown.”

“That’s as close as we’ll allow you to come.”

“It’s an old Realm frequency.”

The Searcher said, “We will hold our position. We need to ask a few questions if you don’t mind.”

“We do mind and suggest you go back and bring someone here that has the authority to carry on a conversation with us.”

The Searcher felt his anger and said, “You will answer my questions.”

“They’re powering up their weapons.”

“Fire a beam through their force field.”

The Searcher fired an intense beam at the brightly glowing white ship and saw it splash and dissipate on the ship’s Screen.”

“Greyson, if you please.”

The Searcher saw a brilliant white beam erupt from the ship above the planet and blow through its screen, disrupting it.”

“If we see you power your teleportation board we will disable your drives. Do you understand?”

The force field was restored after two seconds but the ship and its pilot knew that it was useless against the beam that had just been fired. “I thought that ship posed no threat to you?”

“Evidently, I was wrong.”

The Searcher stared at the bright ship and thought, “What is it you want?”

Trey remained silent for twenty seconds which seemed like an eternity to those that were involved in the conversation, “You want to know why all the civilizations in this universe are dead. I want to tell you but I will only discuss it with your leadership. You should also be aware that your Realm is going to be destroyed shortly and, though I personally don’t care if it is, we feel you should at least have a chance to save yourselves.”

“Do you know anything about the psychic blast that just happened?”

“I do.”

The Searcher waited and finally said, “But you aren’t going to tell me?”

“No, I’m not. We will be back here in exactly seven days to have our conversation with your leaders. If they chose not to come, we feel we have done what we could to save you and you deserve what you get.”

The Searcher watched the bright ship glow slightly brighter and then disappear. “Can you see where they went?”

“No. They left no trace. What are you going to do?”

The Spider replayed the recording of the beam that blew its force field away and shook its head, “The Crown must view what happened here.”

The white ship started glowing bright purple and disappeared in the flash of its dimensional drive.

*

Greyson arrived in orbit above New Hope. Jingo looked at Trey, “That was a Stars Realm ship.”

“Yes it was.”

Jingo looked at Carter and Grang before saying, “What happens now?”

“We see if they’re worth saving. If they aren’t, we let them die.”

Carter shook his head, “Doesn’t that violate our principles?”

“You’re assuming they are unable to defend themselves and you’re also thinking they are friends. They are not our friends, Carter. We owe them nothing.”

“But our ancestors were once a part of the Realm and we live by their principles.”

“The Realm lost that loyalty when they turned their backs on us and have long ago lost their principles. There is a price for indifference and they will pay for their sins.”

“Are you saying they will be destroyed?”

Trey sighed and looked at Cassie who shook her head, “I lost my family because of their actions. I haven’t decided whether or not they deserve salvation.”

Grang looked at Trey, “Have you forgotten your Grandfather’s lessons?”

“Not yet. That’s the only reason we came here. We’ll see what our decision will be a week from now.”

Cassie smiled, “But first there will be a ceremony.”

Trey smiled, “Greyson, send our three honored guests back to the surface.”

Grang, Jingo, and Carter disappeared and Trey took his long awaited love into his arms and gave her all of his attention. The blue glow that surrounded them grew brighter as he picked her up and left the Bridge.

The End

Excerpt from

Return of the Stars Realm

The Royal Family sat in the conference room and listened to the Searcher as he delivered his report. They watched the video of the encounter with the old Zeta Ship and saw the power of the beam used to disrupt the Searcher’s force field.

“They said that we are going to be destroyed?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, and he said he personally didn’t care if we were.”

Tag looked at Danielle and saw her troubled expression. He turned on his panel and saw the millions of planets that had been destroyed in their former universe. He looked at the Queen and then said, “Has every civilized planet in our old universe been destroyed?”

The Spider paused and said, “Yes, they are all blasted down to the bed rock and broken in multiple places.”

“Do you think that ship was responsible for that the destruction?”

“No, the readings indicate a beam that was much weaker was used to cause the destruction.”

“Then where did that old Zeta Ship come from?”

“The Defense Facility we left behind had twenty of them in storage. I must assume that it came from there.”

“How long ago were they destroyed?”

“Between ten to twelve years ago.”

Newton looked around the table and said, “The analysis indicates a beam very similar to those used by the white ships.”

Matthew’s gaze hardened, “Are you suggesting Demons?”

Newton shrugged.

Danielle said, “They were attacked by an outside force.” Everyone looked at her and she said, “The one that spoke to you is angry at us and blames us for the destruction.”

“How do you know that?”

Danielle tilted her head and Matthew said, “I sometimes forget your ability. If that’s true, what does that mean to us?”

“It means there is real danger to us from the ones that made that ship. It also means that his statement about our destruction is true as well and he was talking about a different threat. It’s imperative that we meet with them and determine what they know.”

Queen Valerie Gardner Talant looked at her husband and he nodded, “Then we will send out strongest warriors to conduct the conversation. Are the Kosiev updates complete?”

“Yes they are, Your Majesty.”

Valerie looked around the table and said, “Tag, Danielle, Cassandra, and Jake will go to meet with them. I want you to take Newton and Sprig with you to see if we can determine their strength. You will go in the Alexander Kosiev. How does it match up to that ship?”

Newton lowered closer to the floor and said, “It should be an even match between the two.”

“Then take the twin with you. The two of them should be able to handle the situation.”

Danielle slowly shook her head, “I’m not sure a show of force is called for in this instance.”

“I’m not sending you unless I know you’re protected.”

Tag looked at Danielle and saw she wasn’t saying something. She glanced at him and then turned and lowered her head to the Queen, “We will leave in five days to meet with the one who said we’re going to be destroyed.”

Jake hoped the two ships were going to be enough.

Books by Saxon Andrew

The Annihilation Series:

Love Conquers All

The Power of a Queen

A Rose Grows in Weeds

Tommy’s Tale

Searcher

Demon’s Sacrifice

Finding Keepers

Ashes of the Realm:

Juliette’s Dream

Greyson’s Revenge

Lens of Time

The Pyramid Builders

Planet Predators

About Saxon Andrew

Saxon Andrew is the author of the number one bestselling Annihilation Series. All seven books of the series have been a number one bestseller on Amazon’s kindle Science Fiction Series. Ashes of the Realm is the second series created by him and continues the history of the Stars Realm after its destruction. A third series, The Lens of Time, will be published in early 2012.

His books are written so that anyone can enjoy them and not worry about their children picking them up. He lives in Tampa, Florida with his wife and looks forward to each day so he can write the stories that his fans enjoy.

Copyright © 2012 by Saxon Andrew. All rights reserved. Screen Writers Guild no. VQEA3E380432.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author or publisher.

First Electronic Edition: May 2012