control, we’re left with a world controlled by a ruthless military and a Royal Family that is little better than the king.”
“How do you intend to control the military and the population?”
“I plan to replace the King with his daughter. I suspect the civil population would accept her as ruler.”
Bleath lowered his head, “Now that might work. How do you intend to handle the military?”
“I was thinking about taking the flyers to make that happen. However, this is not a fight that directly affects your world. I wanted to see how you felt about it.”
“How would you get them there?”
“We’ll teleport them straight to the planet.”
Bleath looked at the four elders with him and then turned back to Scotty, “We’re in this with you, White Hair. If you sent the riders without their Zord, I would have my legs full stopping them from demanding you send them as well.”
“There could be significant loss of life.”
“Just like the Night of the Torg, some things are worth fighting for, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you Bleath. I wish there was another way. We’ll be facing modern weapons and it could turn into something deadly.”
“I see you’re going after that machine on the planet first.”
Scotty nodded “I guess there’s no hiding what’s going on. I think I have to go after it before the King leaves. I’m certain he’ll attempt to take it with him and once it’s on another planet we’ll lose track of where it is. That database will be what we need to build our defenses against future attacks. I’m especially interested in the probes that would allow us to move the planet if things turn ugly.”
“I have a suggestion on how to help you succeed.”
Julie looked at Scotty and said, “We could use any suggestion that would improve their chances of making it out alive.”
“Instead of having them walk to the location, teleport them in with a flyer and fly to the building. Go on a night where the moon is dark and you shouldn’t be seen. One of the flyers could carry the device out and you can just teleport them away when they clear the King’s protective screens.”
Scotty looked at Julie and then said, “Let me talk about it with my team. I think that is a good idea. Let me see what our Searchers have seen and see if the flight in and out is possible.”
“Why take only the flyers for the team. Take enough to cover your escape.”
Scotty smiled, “Bleath, are your warriors getting restless?”
Bleath laughed, “Now who’s the mind reader. We are at heart hunters and things have really gotten to be pretty tame around here. I’d go with you if I could get away with it.” Scotty saw the four Elders vigorously shaking their heads.
“I understand, my friend. I’ll let you know after I run this by Jingo and Grang.”
“It’s always good to see you, White Hair.”
“Yes it is, Bleath.”
Jingo and Grang were in the forest trialing one of the new spark guns. Timmy had developed a device that would launch a disc made of ging tree wood at high speed across the clearing. The trick was to hit the disc as it flew across with the marking beam. Jingo was good but Grang was amazing. He didn’t miss.
“How do you do that?”
“Just keep it in the sights. The beam is moving at the speed of light so there is no need to lead the target. Your use of a bow has affected your aim.”
Scotty walked up and watched them shoot. Jingo turned and saw him, “Hey, why don’t you come give it a try?”
Scotty smiled and said, “Stand back and learn.” Scotty took the gun and said, “I’m ready.”
The disc shot out of the launcher and Scotty hit it before it had gone twenty feet. He looked at Grang and Jingo staring at him and said, “Can you launch more than one?”
Jingo looked at Grang, “Oh, so now we have a showoff. How many would you like, Your Majesty?”
“Let’s try three.”
Grang grunted.
Jingo raised the control and said, “I agree.” He pushed the button and three discs shot out across the clearing. Scotty aimed and fired three times in quick succession. All three discs were hit.
Jingo and Grang stared at Scotty. He handed the gun to Jingo and said, “I guess you should leave the shooting in the hands of a professional.” Scotty waited a moment and said, “By the way, I had Vring work on my vision. He helped me learn how to follow objects just like when he taught me how to fire the bowguns.”
Jingo looked at Grang and said, “Looks like it’s back to school.” Grang tilted his head and nodded. Jingo turned to Scotty, “What brings you out to the forest?”
“Bleath has offered to fly the team in to take the database and I’m thinking it might be a good idea. I wanted to see what the two of you thought about it.”
Jingo thought about it, “Scotty, I need to see a detailed aerial map of the location. You’ll need two hundred feet of overhead clearance to fly an adult Zord in. I can tell you right now they’ll have to come in lower than the surrounding buildings.”
Scotty nodded and Grang asked, “Why.”
“Because I’m sure there are scanners on the tops of the buildings scanning for incoming aircraft that would detect a Zord.”
Jingo turned to Scotty, “Maybe we should get together on one of the ships and take a look at their videos.”
“Jessica would be the best choice for that. She has the most time in the New Ulmerton System. We need to get Nathan, Timmy, Mallory, and the flyers together so we can all be on the same page.”
Jingo looked at Grang and Grang asked, “Why does Timmy need to be there?”
Scotty looked at them and said, “I’m going to use Greyson in the attack. Timmy will be there with him and I think it’s important for their bonding.”
Grang looked at Jingo and Jingo said, “Losing him would hurt the community almost as much as losing you.”
“That’s another thing; I’m going to go in with the team.”
Grang looked at Scotty and said, “What does Julie say about that?”
“She disagrees with my decision; however, it’s something that I must do.”
Jingo was struggling with how to tell Scotty that he was making a bad decision. He knew how Scotty was when he made up his mind but this was not a risk that should be taken. While he struggled to find the words, Grang said, “Then you should take Julie in with you. Obviously, you don’t hold any value for the feelings of those who find peace of mind knowing you are here protecting them. Do you find it that hard trusting your warriors to able to carry out your commands? Oh, I forgot, it’s always good strategy to send the commanding officer out in the first wave of attack to insure success.”
Scotty looked at Grang and Jingo just stared at the huge Magrum. Grang continued, “When we’re investing a thousand planets trying to build our new empire, are we going to have to wait for you to show up at every planet to lead the attack?”
Scotty was stunned at Grang’s angry remarks. “You know I’m the best with our new gun.”
“I’m the best at lifting weight. Am I going to have to lift everything that has to be moved?”
Scotty took a deep breath, “I wouldn’t want to continue ruling if anything happened to you two.”
Grang put his hand on Scotty’s shoulder, “Sometimes you must do those things you would rather avoid. It’s called command. That is your calling.” He looked at Jingo, “Ours is much easier and a lot more fun. We get to go play with these toys.”
Jingo said, “You know he’s right.”
Scotty looked at his two best friends and shook his head, “I guess I’m forced to agree with you. When Grang talks like Jingo and Jingo like Grang, something dramatic is happening. I’ll let Julie know; she’s been really worried.”
“Let’s get this party started.” Jingo laughed, “I’ll notify all those participating in the exercise and we’ll get together tomorrow morning at the learning center.”
