“I just want to make sure that I understand something before we go any further. I should have seen this relationship but I wasn’t interested in technology.”
“What is that?”
“It seems that a ships beam is usually just a bit weaker than the force field protecting the ship. I’ve noticed that it would take two Searcher Class Ships to defeat a single Searcher. As I look at the information you’ve given me, that relationship looks like it’s been consistent. Am I right?”
Alex thought a moment, “I don’t see an exception to it. Why do you think that’s important?”
“Well, if that relationship also holds true for the invaders from the other dimension, if you could take the power of their beam and focus it tighter, you should be able to penetrate its force field.”
“I’m not sure what you’re trying to communicate.”
“Well, if a Searcher could capture another’s Searcher beam and focus it into a much narrower reflection, that reflection would be much more powerful than the original beam. Right?”
“Ummmmm, if the reflection was captured and sent back without losses, yes.”
Kreej said, “I see where you’re going. If you could penetrate the force field with the reflected beam, you could then fire your own beam through the break in the field.”
Alex thought about it, “That would require extraordinary timing.”
Vring tilted his head to the right, “Hey, we’re just looking at possibilities right now. However, I’ve not seen a force field that could recover faster than two tenths of a second after penetration. It normally requires a reboot of the master coverage program.”
“I’m not sure that would be true of all technologies.”
“It’s the same principle as a flat tire on a landing gear. If it punctures, the hole must be closed. That requires going to the hole and filling it in. While that is happening, the field would be greatly weakened. Technologies may differ but the physics are the same.”
Alex thought a minute, “So what if you’re right. How does that help us?”
Vring stared at Kreej and said, “I’m not sure, but I want us to keep that in mind as we look at the weapons in the download. I think we can all agree that we don’t have a beam strong enough to penetrate their screens and I’m reasonably certain that their beams will blow through ours. We’ve got to come up with a different system to handle that ship. Let’s continue our look at the database and talk about this afterwards.”
Alex said, “Resuming download.”
Grace and Virze teleported in and commed Scotty.
“Hello Grace, welcome back.”
“Thank you, it’s good to be home. Do you have a moment?”
“I’ll make time for you. Bring me aboard.”
Scotty appeared on the Bridge and Virze bowed, “Welcome aboard, Your Majesty.”
Scotty nodded and Grace said, “We’ve been watching King Borders in the palace and we see a pattern that might help us.”
“What is that?”
“He always shuts off his com and orders no interruptions whenever he meets with his top advisor. We could teleport them out during that time and no one would know they’re gone.”
“I thought he had screens over the castle. Wouldn’t that prevent him being teleported?”
“With a standard teleport system, it would.”
“But not with yours?”
“Not with the process I use. I will use a probe to make a hole in the screen and teleport him out through the hole. I’ll pull the probe out when he has passed through it.”
Scotty thought a minute and said, “Let me think about how I can use this. Why don’t you and Virze take a few days off while I discuss this with my staff.”
“Your Majesty, would you mind if I join Timmy while you’re thinking about this.”
“Not at all, but you should know that he will be here with the rest of my staff. Grace, I want you here giving us any insights you might have.”
“It will be my pleasure.”
“Virze, I’m calling Timmy, Tesa, and Jingo back in as well. We’ll meet tomorrow at seven PM around the fire.”
Virze started getting excited at seeing Timmy and the rest of the Empire’s leaders.
“Grace, will you go and bring Vring and Kreej back so they can attend.”
“We’re on our way.”
James Silvey heard a knock on the door and heard Carol say, “Yes, he’s here. How can I help you?” He didn’t hear what was being said so he stood and went to the front door of his home. He saw a young man who couldn’t be much older than twenty standing at the door. He was wearing the uniform of a Searcher Pilot. James said, “I’m here. Is something wrong?”
“No, Sir, I hope you’ll give me a few moments of your time to discuss something with you.”
Carol looked at James and he could see her fear. There were many of the former soldiers on the planet that frowned on what James did during the liberation of the planet. She hoped he was not going to be hurt for his actions. “Please, come in.”
They entered and the Searcher saw a young girl and boy sitting at a table reading a book. James saw him looking and said, “They have not been educated and we want them to catch up.”
The Searcher looked at James and smiled, “I think we’ve made a good decision.”
“What is that?”
“My name is Tim Valrico and I am a Searcher in the Bristone Empire’s Fleet. During the liberation of the planet one of our Searchers saw your bravery in standing up to the guards while releasing the slaves. He also heard you defended by the woman you helped and was impressed with what he saw. He has humbly requested me to ask you if you are willing to become his pilot and partner.”
James showed his shock and took a step backwards into the room, “Why on New Hope would he select me? I’ve never had a higher rank that a private.”
“That’s because you did not hold to the brutality of the military. That is a good thing in our view. However, before you accept, you should know that if you do, you will be leaving New Hope and moving your family to Bristone.” Tim looked at the children, “There your children will be educated by our best teachers and have access to a Realm Learning Center.”
James looked at Carol and saw her excitement, “I want to say yes, but I know there are so many others better qualified that I am.”
Tim said, “We believe in the old principles. It’s easy to follow those when you aren’t facing a blaster. You faced the real threat of being killed for your actions but you had the courage to stand up for your beliefs. Trust me on this, you have everything our Emperor wants in his Pilots and he has approved your selection.”
James looked at Carol and smiled, “Would this mean I can stop people from being enslaved?”
Tim smiled, “Absolutely.”
“Then I’m your man.”
Tim’s com activated, “Hi James, My name is Varner and you will be my pilot. Thank you for accepting my offer and if you will pack the things you want to take with you, I’ll teleport you and your family on board when you’re ready.”
“Give me just a moment.” James looked at Carol and said, “Carol, will you marry me?”
Carol felt her tears start and came into his arms. The children ran up and hugged them around their legs. James stood there and Carol said, “I already have.”
James smiled and said, “Give us two hours.”
Carol said, “Make it three. I need some time with James.”
Tim smiled and extended his hand, “Welcome to our family, James.”
Varner waited in orbit and felt his spirit coming alive again.
The group at the fire was large. The two Zord stood just outside the circle watching the proceedings while the others renewed old friendships. Nathan and Mallory were talking with Timmy and Virze. Tesa was holding Maddy while Jesa and Jingo caught up with her experiences. Samuel and June were sitting with Jing reminiscing about life on El Prado. Grang sat on the ground and was leaning back on the log staring up at the Stars. Jeramiah
