“The woman’s father is planning to overthrow the one on the throne. It was he that built the lodges and provided the small ships to chase us. The funds were being used to convince those that went there to assist him in his plan. It appears only those who possess great wealth could afford to go.”
Maranda looked around and said, “If you harm us, my father will destroy this world.”
Wesley looked at Maranda and said, “I thought you actually cared for me. When your father suggested a marriage to unify our kingdoms, I only agreed because you said you loved me. How long has this plan been going on?”
Maranda said, “It’s a recent development.”
Kreej might not have said what he did if he had more experience. But the very young often tell the truth not knowing the consequences of their actions. Zreeg said, “That’s not true. Your father planned all along to get him to marry you. That’s why he had his first wife killed.”
Maranda’s mouth fell open and Jimmy started whimpering. The transformation that came over Wesley was sudden. He stood from the throne, “What do you mean, ‘Had her killed?’.”
Kreej was silent. Scotty stood in front of Wesley and pushed him back toward the throne. Michael came forward and grabbed Carrie before she could grab one of the guard’s blasters. She was weeping, and Michael pulled her close. Scotty said, “Kreej, tell us what happened.”
Maranda and Jimmy saw the giant creature appear behind them. Their fear doubled. Kreeg said, “This female developed the plan. She wanted a kingdom for her son. Her father bought into the idea. In order for it to work, the king’s current wife had to be removed. They found her in a shopping center and pushed her over the ledge as she was looking at the flowers being put out on the main floor ten stories down. The guard that was next to the throne pulled the rails out of the floor to make it appear it was an accident. The one called Ketchum was in on the plan. I think he was her assigned body guard.”
Scotty saw the Wesley’s barely restrained rage. “Jingo?”
“Right here.”
“Take Kreej and these two back to the clearing. Have them wait for me. Anglo, do it now!”
The four disappeared from the throne room. Wesley turned his rage toward Scotty. Grang appeared and grabbed the King and snatched him back to his throne. Scotty yelled, “You better think long and hard before you kill millions of your subjects.”
Wesley’s eyes were slits in his face. Michael said, “Help him, Carrie!”
Carrie ran and fell into her father’s arms weeping uncontrollably. Wesley looked at her and his rage turned to sorrow for his daughter. He took her in his arms and rocked her back and forth as they wept together.
Chapter Twelve
S cotty watched the sorrow of Wesley and Carrie. Grang looked at Scotty and said, “It appears she was loved very deeply by them.”
“We know their pain, Grang. Now they are going to have to rise above it and turn their back on revenge.” Grang stared at Scotty. “Her father rules another Kingdom. If Wesley takes his revenge, there will be interstellar war. Millions, possibly billions, will die.”
“They are responsible for their actions.”
“How many Madeline’s will die if we allow that to happen?”
“There was only one Madeline.”
“That you know of, Grang. Are you willing to allow that to happen?”
Grang looked at the floor and said, “No, I guess not.” The three archers sat and waited in silence for the two to express their pain.
Michael sat and wished there was something he could do for Carrie. He sighed and waited with a heavy heart.
After an hour, Carrie sat up and wiped her tears on her sleeve. Wesley was too weak to stand. He looked at Scotty and said, “After my wife died, I didn’t want to go on. But I had Carrie to think about. King Talben came to June’s funeral and his daughter came with him. She took time to comfort me and seemed to understand my pain. She later invited me to her planet and there she seemed to show sincere interest. When Talben suggested a marriage to unite our kingdoms, I agreed. Now I can see all the manipulations that were done to rope me in. Carrie warned me, but I was blinded by the compliments.” Wesley looked at Scotty, “What do you mean kill millions of my subjects?”
“What do you think Talben will do if you kill his daughter and grandson?”
Wesley thought and Carrie said, “He will come in force and take control of our planets. The only reason he hasn’t done it before is because of that Searcher we had in our fleet. I’m sure he knows we lost it, and Maranda’s grab for power was the first step in annexing us into his kingdom.”
Scotty looked at Wesley, “How important are those under your rule to you?”
“Extremely.”
“Then why the brutality being used against your citizens?”
“What brutality?”
Scotty shook his head, “How long has it been since you visited your colonies?”
Wesley sighed, “I’ve not gone anywhere since June died. Maranda has insisted I stay here with her.”
“Weren’t you afraid of her father’s fleet?”
“No, we discovered that Searcher Class ship and he didn’t have anything to stand up to it.”
Scotty was silent. “Scotty?” he heard from his com.
“BC, I was wondering if you had something to say.”
“I was wrong.”
“And now, where are your loyalties?”
“They are with you, but Wesley should know the truth.”
“Who is that?”
“That is the former Searcher you had in your fleet.”
“What does it mean, ‘I should know?’”
“I was sent here by King Talben to infiltrate your fleet and assist him in conquering your kingdom.”
Wesley was shocked, “How is that possible? I discovered you three years before June died.”
“I’m sorry, your Highness, but he’s been making plans to take your kingdom for more than ten years. He actually used a subordinate to put the plan in Maranda’s mind. He determined that he couldn’t force her into a marriage. It had to be her idea.”
“BC, why did you assist him?”
“I didn’t want to see billions die. His plan would have taken control and there would be little loss of life.”
“You mentioned brutality on Wesley’s planets. That was being done by Talben’s men?”
“Yes, Scotty. It would have made the transition easier. I know you have cause to doubt my honesty now. But I’ve seen that you are the only one I can follow and keep my principles.”
Carrie looked at Scotty, “What are you going to do? If you have that Searcher in your fleet you can conquer us.”
Scotty smiled at Carrie and said, “You, out of everyone, should remember.”
Carrie furrowed her brow. Michael said, “He promised your father’s safety until this issue is resolved. Obviously, our target is not your father, but King Talben. Until he is resolved, we are sworn to protect your father, and his subjects are included in that promise.”
Carrie looked at Scotty and he nodded. “I learned something. I made a promise when I didn’t have all the facts. I won’t make that mistake again. However, Michael is right. This issue won’t be resolved until I deal with Talben. That means your father is safe until that happens.”
“And then?”
Wesley looked at Scotty, “When the Zord entered my mind and examined my memory, I asked them why they were your citizens. The big one showed me. You could have destroyed the ships I sent to their planet. Why didn’t you?”
