happen.”
Robby said, “I didn’t see that Vring. I just sense that any other decision leads us to more danger.”
Scotty looked at Julie and she realized that Robby was developing a talent for sensing danger, just like the ancient rulers of the Realm. Julie took a deep breath and said, “Then we need to bring Dani back here.”
“Not yet, Mom. We’re not ready. The new armor is also not ready. When the time is right, she will come.”
Alex said, “I don’t understand how your child knows these things but he’s right. The armor is years off from completion. The modifications are going to require delicate circuit boards that we have not yet designed. It will be take time to make the changes.”
“What about the ships to confront this enemy?”
Bleath said, “Grace, we now know the power we need for a beam to penetrate their force fields to hit the Invader’s Ships. We don’t need ships as small as an Ultra. We will develop ships that are four thousand feet long. They will use the new energy technology we’ll put in the armor as well as the current force field technology. The new ships will be able to use both. We will start their construction immediately and will add the new developments when they are completed. I suspect we will need at least half a million of them.”
“How many crew members will be needed?”
“Fifty or sixty, Your Majesty.”
Alex asked, “How many planets are able to begin their construction?”
Grang said, “More than eight hundred are currently at the necessary industrial capacity. We should have more than two hundred a year added to their number with an additional four hundred a year after three years.”
Scotty, Julie, and Jingo stared at Grang. “What?”
Jingo said, “How do you know that?”
“I pay attention and listen to what’s being said. You should try it sometime.”
Julie excused herself from the bridge and went to the bath room where she almost laughed herself into spasms.
Scotty tried his hardest not to smile but had to leave and join Julie.
Jingo looked at Grang and grunted.
Timmy started laughing and found he couldn’t stop. Jingo just sat and shook his head.
Greyson said, “Alex, what is going to be our role in this?”
“You are going to have your stealth capabilities enhanced. They you will go to the universe being invaded and delay their return to our universe.”
“How are we going to do that?”
“I have several billion hornets stored here and you are going to feed them a steady supply. You won’t be able to take on more than one of them at a time but you should be able to get their attention.”
“Aren’t you worried that they’ll increase the strength of their force fields?”
“They will. But not five or six times the current level. The Video from Niles showed us that half the strength of a Zeta beam will open a hole. You’ll start at that level and gradually increase the strength as they improve their fields. They will have to take all those ships off line to modify them. It should delay them coming back. It will also focus them on that universe. I would recommend that you only penetrate one ship out of five you attack. That should make their changes in force field strength minimal.”
Greyson said, “That sounds like fun.”
“All we want if for you to keep them occupied.”
“What about them recognizing us as being from here?”
“The Zeta’s look nothing like a standard Searcher; the only thing you have in common is that you are white. Use the red generators for your outer screen and you’ll appear red.”
Gilene said, “I need a partner. I don’t want to miss out on the fun.”
Jingo said, “I know one that is only twelve but she’s perfect.”
“Who?”
“Jenna Talben. She’s young but she is way beyond most adults. She’s brilliant and has been involved in the day to day ruling of Ashley’s Kingdom.” Grang nodded at Jingo’s suggestion.
“Do you think her parents will allow her to be a partner?”
“Take June with you to ask.”
Gilene thought about it. She was little more than a child. Why were the strongest warriors in the Empire in agreement about her selection? “Grang, I want you to go with me and will you ask June to go with us?”
“You might prefer Jingo.”
“No, I want you.”
“Why.”
“You don’t offer your opinion very often but when you do, people have a way of listening.”
Grang shrugged.
“I’m teleporting you on board.”
“I’m all yours.”
Jingo shook his head and Grang disappeared.
Scotty and Julie returned to the bridge and Julie asked, “Where’s Grang.”
“Gilene took him to pick up June to see if Ashley will allow Jenna to be her partner.”
Scotty and Julie looked at each other and Jingo saw their concern.
“Hey, you know she’s not being challenged. It’s time we brought her into the Empire’s inner circle.”
Julie slowly shook her head, “I just don’t see Ashley allowing it.”
Jingo smiled, “I’ve taken the Princess on several trips. She makes it impossible to say no.” Scotty and Julie didn’t look convinced. “Gilene is taking June with her.”
Julie said, “Oh my ancient ancestors. Convincing June is another issue but if she can be persuaded, we may have the youngest Searcher ever.”
“She’s only young in years, Julie. That girl has Warrior written all over her. She will be a formidable adversary.”
Scotty shrugged, “She is talented. Even the Zord find her interesting.”
Vring said, “I don’t like arguing with her. I never win.”
Julie smiled, “Perhaps this is something that we are being pushed to make happen. Let’s see what takes place.”
Jingo smiled, “I hope Gilene is ready.”
June and Grang stood in front of Ashley Talben as she yelled, “Absolutely not. There’s no way I’ll allow her to Partner with a Searcher.”
June and Grang said nothing. They had made the request and knew what Ashley’s reaction would be.
“June how could you come here and suggest I send her out to put herself in danger? Are you out of your mind? Glen, tell them.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not!?!”
“Because I happen to agree with them.” Ashley looked at Glen and he saw her turn her anger toward him.
Before she could say anything they heard, “So you want to protect me from becoming all that I could possibly become.”
Ashley turned and saw Jenna standing next to June. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“It has everything to do with me. You aren’t willing to make the difficult decisions and sacrifices that will ensure our Kingdom’s survival. Further, you are willing to stunt my development all because you don’t have the courage to make a hard decision. You’re being outrageously selfish.”
Gilene listened in to the conversation from orbit and thought, “Oh boy. This is one little explosion waiting to go off.”
Ashley stared at Jenna and shook her head. Jenna said, “I am bored to tears. I’ve exhausted all the material in our learning centers and I find nothing challenging in court life. I know more about the Military Database than any general officer in your armed forces. There is nothing here that even remotely interests me. Life has become one boring moment after another. Now I have a chance to partner with one of the most advanced ships ever created
