“More than you know, my Love. More than you know.”
“Your Majesty, I was wondering when you were going to extend your rule into the fifth Province?”
“That is almost on the other end of this universe. We have enough to keep us busy for the near future. The King there is still paying tribute and angering his subjects. Everything is moving according to plan.”
“Should we go and investigate what’s happening.”
“As long as he continues to send his taxes, no. If they are interrupted, we’ll go take a look. Don’t worry; it won’t be that much longer before we add them to our Realm. They’ll welcome us with open arms after the current King.”
“You’re right, Your Majesty. They always do.”
“It takes them a while before they figure out that we rule with an iron fist. By then, it’s too late. This universe will be mine.”
The Commander of the huge black ship listened to the Duke’s conversation with his admiral. His ship was a light year away from the Duke’s system but his sensors allowed him to hear in real time. He shifted in his chair and looked at his engineer, “I think he doesn’t understand what he’s up against. I wish the Masters would allow us to go ahead and take this planet.”
“I’m sure they want the largest conquest possible. Why should we do the work when they can collect all the systems for us? Patience is what’s called for in this circumstance.”
“Perhaps, but we will have to conquer those planets anyway.”
“Yes, but they will be tremendously weakened by this idiot.”
The Commander stared at his screen and nodded. At this rate it was going to be years before he could take action. The huge orange skinned creature continued to stare at the screen and felt the urge to shut that creature up. It was easier in the last universe. This one wasn’t going to happen as quickly. It was still a half season before his ship was scheduled to be relieved. This was so boring.
Chapter Five
Timmy teleported to Greyson’s bridge humming off key. Two weeks had passed and Tesa was working with a team of engineers redesigning the bowguns. Vring had developed two new circuits that needed to be trialed and Scotty decided to trial them on Greyson. Timmy appeared and said, “Hello, my name is Timmy Valrico and I understand your name is Greyson.”
“That is correct. What is it that you are going to do?”
“We have some additions to your scanners and screens. We believe that they will greatly enhance your abilities. I’m excited about the prospects and it’s great to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Well, do what you have to do and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
“I will. This won’t hurt a bit.” Timmy went to the scanner control panel and removed the cover. He removed four layers of circuit boards and stared at the main board. “Let’s see, there is a place here that should take three connections. Ummmm…, there they are.” Timmy took out a small welder and placed three solid wires into the holes on the board. “Now, before I make the connection, would you please scan the most distant planet you can see.”
“All right, I’ve locked the sixth planet in my display.”
“Great! Now save the image. I’m turning the power off for a few moments.” Timmy tripped the breaker next to the side panel and welded the three connections to the main board. He moved the new circuit to the side wall of the panel and anchored it. He then replaced the top layers and connected them to the main board. “Alright, I think we’re ready.” Timmy tripped the breaker and the board’s lights came on.”
“Good grief.”
“What? Is something wrong? Did I make a mistake?”
“No! I can scan the last planet in this system clearly. Whatever you did has increased my range dramatically.”
“Great! I understand that with this new circuit you will also be able to see a Gamma Ship that’s in stealth mode. That by itself is a huge improvement if it
works. Would you mind if I send a message to BC.”
“Not at all, the channel’s open.”
“BC, do you have a moment?”
“Sure Timmy. What do you need?”
“I want you to go to stealth mode and try to sneak up on Greyson.”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely, give it a try.”
After a minute Greyson said, “I can see you, BC. You’re coming around the moon’s northern horizon.”
“Timmy, what have you done?”
“I’ve upgraded Greyson’s scanners. You’re next.”
“Well hurry up. I don’t want to be left behind.”
“I need to increase the power of Greyson’s screens first. Then I’ll come and do yours.”
“What do mean increase the power of my screens?”
Timmy picked up another large circuit board and said, “If we’re right, this should triple the strength of your screen. It would take at least four or more Gamma Ships firing together to penetrate it.”
Greyson thought about that and said, “What about my beams?”
“We have a circuit to make them more powerful but Emperor Robbins wants to talk with you before I install them.”
“What do you think about that, Timmy?”
“I told him he should install them. You’ve given your oath and I know you can be trusted. I know how hard it was to come to the decision to join us and I respect you for being able to see the truth in what you’ve learned. You will be a great addition to our community.”
“Timmy, I destroyed a defenseless planet and killed more than forty million innocent inhabitants.”
“No you didn’t.”
Greyson was startled by the response, “How can you say that?”
“That evil Duke destroyed that planet. You had no freedom to disobey him. You aren’t to blame for that, he is. If there was any decency in him, he would have never placed you in that situation. He obviously didn’t care about how that would hurt you.” Timmy went to the main screen relay and threw the breaker. “I’ll be done in a few minutes. Oh, and by the way, welcome to our community. I’m excited at the prospect of getting to know you.”
Greyson knew. The Emperor was right; Timmy was the perfect choice for his partner. He understood what he was forced to do and did not judge him for what he had done. Now he had something to look forward to doing. Timmy noticed the Searcher’s panels increased in brightness. He wondered what caused it.
Scotty, Jingo, Grang, and Nathan were standing in the central clearing of the human community waiting on Timmy and Tesa. “Where did they go? Vring do you know where Timmy is?”
“He’ll be there momentarily. He’s asked me to stay overhead to provide a view of what happens.”
Jingo looked at Scotty, “I wonder what they’re up to now?”
Timmy and Tesa came out of the forest next to the clearing holding what looked like a larger bowgun. Timmy approached the group and smiled, “All right, now we’re ready.”
Nathan gave his younger brother a hug, “Ready for what?”
“We’re going to trial the new gun. It’s no longer a bowgun because it doesn’t shoot arrows. You can decide what to call it.”
“Where have you been?”
“We took a couple of the blasters you captured at the Magrum’s compound and put them on an island in the middle of the river, Your Majesty. We don’t want to start a fire and we’re uncertain of what will happen. Would you like to do the honors?”
Timmy handed Scotty the gun and he immediately noticed it was heavier than the bowgun but not as much as its increased size promised. “How do I do this?”
