“He hates everything about your sister. Evil knows its enemies. He’ll leap at the chance to have the option of blaming you for her death.”
“That should allow me to have my chance.”
“Maranda, do you put your revenge ahead of the lives of the people in his kingdom?”
Maranda just stared at Scotty saying nothing.
“You will probably have a chance before he launches his attack. He will order you out so you will not be able to witness his plan. He must go through with it. If we don’t get those Ultraships, billions will die. Are you still the creature he created? Will you take your revenge and ignore the citizens under your care?”
“Once we free your sister and he launches his attack, we will teleport him to the Zord. Once he’s gone, you will be the ruler of his kingdom.”
“I can’t do that. I have a flight with the Zord.”
“You can rule long enough to abdicate and put Ashley on the throne, and then make sure the leaders of the Military are loyal to her. Then you can take your flight.”
Wesley stood, “You trust her to just give herself up to die?”
Maranda looked at Wesley, “I killed June. I must pay for my sins. You may not believe this, but I know you are a good man. I’ve tried to hate you because of your weakness but that was the poison my father put in me. I destroyed your happiness and I deserve to die. I will die for my crimes. That is the only way I can prove to you that I am truly sorry for what I did. You never deserved what happened. You and Carrie should have been left to your lives.”
Carrie watched her and lowered her head, “She means it.”
“BC, are you on the channel?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You’ll need to bring Kreej, have him scan Wesley’s fleet, and give him the ones that are Talben’s lackeys. Once that’s done, we’ll send Kreej back home and await the arrival of the Ultras.”
“Who’s, going to watch King Varner’s Fleet to make sure he doesn’t attack Bristone?”
Scotty looked at Carrie and Wesley and said, “No one.” Scotty continued staring at Wesley, “You know what you have to do. Now all of you should get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day. You need not worry about Maranda. She will pay for her crimes. Anglo will teleport Jess into your landing bay tonight.”
The next morning the fleet assembled above the planet, and Ntwer watched as the troops were moved to the fifteen ships. “That’s a lot of soldiers.” Finally, they were all on board and the Fleet moved out toward the jump limit. Wesley waited until they were close, then he hit his console and contacted Talben, “Your Majesty, I have managed to save your daughter.”
“You’ve what?!?” Talben said in shock.
“I sent some of my elite scouts and they were able to make an escape with her. They were unable to find Jimmy. I am still going to try and rescue him. Is your fleet ready to join me?”
“We will arrive a few hours after you. Go ahead and start in-system; we’ll catch up.”
“Thank you. Maranda refuses to return to Criston. She was abducted from my capital and says she will feel safer under your protection. I am going to send her to you, if that meets with your approval. She’ll arrive in a shuttle shortly.”
“That’s fine. I’ll make sure she’s safe.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Ntwer watched a large black shuttle leave the King’s ship and jump away from the fleet. King Varner appeared on his display, “Commodore Ntwer. I’m depending on you to protect our people. Are you sure you have enough ships?”
“We have plenty, Your Majesty. Good luck and come home safe.”
“Thank you, Commodore.”
BC asked Kreej, “Were you able to determine which ships are Talben’s?”
“All of those with the Commodore are loyal to Talben. The Bendriz is also one of Talben’s. It’s leaving with King Varner”
“Have you notified Varner?”
“Yes, he also knows the names of ninety sailors on his other ships that are Talben’s.”
“Ok, your task is done. Anglo?”
“Yes?”
“Send Kreej back home.”
“Good-bye, BC.” The Zord disappeared from BC’s cargo bay.
Scotty looked around the throne room and made a decision, “Anglo?”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“I want to jump over to Talben’s planet and go to his throne room. Can you scan a place to send me?”
“Standby.”
Jingo and Grang stood up. Jingo said, “What are you doing?”
“I have to make sure the King attacks. I’m not certain Maranda will cooperate.”
Grang said, “I’m going with you.”
“No, you’re not. Your duty is here. Once the Ultras arrive, this room is going to be attacked. You three will hold this room against any attempts to enter.”
Grang didn’t like what he was hearing.
“Anglo, how many are in Talben’s throne room?”
“Just two.”
“I suspected the King would not trust many in his presence. I can handle two. All of you know it. So settle down and do your jobs.”
Jingo sat down on the King’s throne, “Ok, if you go and get yourself killed, who succeeds you?”
“As of this moment, Michael and Carrie.”
Both of them said, “What?!?”
“I trust your hearts. Anglo, let’s go before Maranda arrives.” Scotty stepped into a silver screen and disappeared.
Michael looked at Jingo, “I’m not qualified to take his place. You should be the one.”
Jingo smiled and looked around the throne he was sitting on, “Ya know, I could get used to this chair… but Scotty is right: I’m too much the warrior to be our leader. You are the perfect choice. Right, Grang?”
Grang gave a low growl, “No one can take his place. One can follow him; but he cannot be replaced.”
Jingo tilted his head and said, “Wow, you’re right!”
Michael and Carrie just stared at each other.
“Anglo, you need to get back to Criston and make sure BC eliminates Talben’s ships.”
“Scotty, I could handle all those ships alone. BC could do it with every scanner turned off. You’ve never seen the power of a Gamma Ship. Talben can send a thousand Ultras and BC could kill them all.”
“It’s a shame we have to destroy them. They are valuable ships in a universe without teleportation.”
“BC?”
“Yeah, Anglo?”
“Scotty wants to keep some of those Ultras. Do you think you can make that happen?”
“Sure, as long as the crews aren’t all suicidal.”
Scotty thought a moment and said, “If you can make that happen, do it. However, do not endanger the population.”
“I won’t.”
“BC, I’m serious.”
“Trust me; I’m a Gamma.”
“I’m the showoff, Scotty. He’s quite capable.”
Scotty tilted his head and thought, “I hope you’re right.”
Chapter Thirteen
