Talben looked at Petlu, “What do you think about this development?”
Petlu shrugged, “It shouldn’t change your plans. It just means you have to find another way to eliminate her.”
“I know. It’s a shame those flying creatures didn’t do it for me.” Talben paused, “Why is she coming here?”
“It’s probably like Varner said; she doesn’t feel safe there.”
“Have you set up the little surprise for that wimpy daughter?”
“We’ll handle that after we take Varner’s kingdom. We’ll arrange a ship accident when we send her to our new planets as an ambassador.”
“Works for me. Make sure that husband and baby are with her.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Jess arrived at the jump limit and accelerated toward Brandon. “We’ll arrive in three hours, Maranda. You might notify Ashley to meet us at the spaceport.”
“I will, but only when we’re thirty minutes out.”
“That’s cutting it close.”
“My Father will stop her if we try it sooner. I’m sure she’s being watched.”
“You’re the boss, but I think I know another way.”
“How?”
“Anglo, are you still here?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Can you find Maranda’s youngest sister and family?”
“I’ve been watching them for an hour.”
“Jess, I don’t want you to teleport them in unless you are absolutely certain they will be harmed if you don’t.”
“Why not?”
“I need to persuade my Father that I killed her. It will help me get close to him.”
“Anglo, keep them locked on your board.”
“I will.”
Ntwer received the signal and pushed his com, “We will move in on Criston; all ships form up on me.” The thirty six ships at the jump limit began accelerating in-system toward the planet.”
Wesley watched his scanner with Admiral Redmit, “Have they sent a signal?”
“Not yet, Your Majesty. We’re five hours in-system so if they are going to attack as you suspect, it shouldn’t be long.”
“Why do you think that?”
““We are expecting his fleet to arrive to assist us. He might be waiting for us to turn around before he sends it, now that I think about it.”
Let’s see if you’re right. Turn the fleet around.”
The three hundred ships received the order and began reversing their course. “There it is, Your Majesty. A message just went out from the Bendriz.”
“Notify the four ships. Are those ninety traitors under surveillance?”
“We have two security officers in the room with all of them.”
Wesley hit a com key. Four ship commanders and a hundred and eighty security officers heard a buzz in their earpieces. “On my command, carry out your orders. NOW!!”
Four ships that were surrounding the Bendriz opened fire, hitting the ship in her reactors and weapon magazines. The ship was blown apart so fast that one moment it was there and the next nothing remained but expanding gas. On ninety ships two security agents pulled their blasters and fired on the sailors loyal to Talben. On one ship, it was the Executive Officer. Once their orders were completed, they notified Redmit.
“All lights are solid, Your Majesty.”
Wesley hit his com, “Officers and sailors of the fleet.” Wesley told them what was happening, and the fleet began to feel the rage of betrayal. When he finished, Wesley ordered, “Get us back home!”
Maranda sent a com to her sister, “Ashley, I need you to come help me deliver some presents to Father.”
“Oh! Maranda; are you back! I’ve missed you so much.”
“I know, I know. Bring Glenn and the baby with you. I want it to be a surprise.”
“What kind of presents?”
“Well, I have all the defense diagrams of Varner’s ships. I’m sure he’ll be happy about those.”
Maranda felt Ashley’s smile disappear. “We’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“Thank you, Ashley.”
“Your Majesty, you might want to hear this.”
Talben looked up from his display. Petlu played Maranda’s request.
“Should I stop them from going?”
“No, I want those diagrams. Just get them out of here quickly. I should get a signal from Varner’s fleet soon.”
Jess landed on a pad and opened the cargo door. Five minutes later, Maranda saw Ashley, Glenn, and Jenna coming toward the ship. Jenna was eighteen months old and insisted on walking. Ashley came up to Maranda and hugged her tightly. Glenn stood back. It was clear he didn’t like the treachery of giving Varner’s diagrams to Talben.
“Come in and help me carry a few things. Maranda picked up Jenna, gave her a kiss, and tickled her. Jenna screamed with delight and ducked her head into her shoulders. Maranda handed her to Ashley and said, “Ashley, no matter what happens, you know I love you and I always will.”
Ashley furrowed her brow and Maranda said, “You and Glen go pick out the things from those boxes that you think Father will like.”
The three walked over to the boxes and started opening one. Maranda stepped out of the shuttle and hit a lever on the hull. The cargo door quickly closed and the ship lifted.
Maranda heard on her com, “Just what do you think you’re doing?”
“Oh, hi Petlu. My sister is such a wimp. She should never be in the succession for the throne. I’ve sent that shuttle on a one-way trip to the sun. I’ve hated her so long. I hope this isn’t something you wouldn’t want done. If you like I’ll call the shuttle back.”
Talben quickly shook his head. Petlu said, “That won’t be necessary. We’re expecting you in the throne room.”
Talben looked at Petlu, “Please tell me you recorded that?”
Petlu smiled, “But of course.”
Talben laughed, “This is great. One eliminated along with her family, and we’ll kill the other for treason. They’ve made it too easy.”
Petlu smiled.
Ashley and Glenn felt the ship lift and began trying to raise the door. “What has she done?”
“Calm yourselves. Maranda came here to save your lives.”
Glenn looked around, “What do you mean?”
“Maranda discovered from her son that your Father was planning an accident to kill you and your family. She requested the opportunity to come here and attempt to save you.”
“Why wouldn’t King Varner allow her the opportunity?”
“She made the request of the Zord. Because of her, thousands of them were murdered. She is to be executed after she saves you. They delayed it so she could come here.”
Ashley grabbed Glenn, “Oh, no!” Glenn held Ashley tight and wondered if he had misjudged Ashley’s older sister.
“I have opened the corridor to the bridge. You may find the trip more enjoyable if you come in and sit down.”
A door slid up into the ceiling, and the couple left the cargo bay with their baby.
