“What just happened?”
Trey smiled, “I think one of my psychic abilities was just revealed.”
“Let’s try this again.” Jingo picked four swords and advanced again. Time changed to slow motion and Trey only used one sword. Jingo was unable to get through Trey’s defense no matter what he tried and was struck three times during the effort. Jingo saw that Trey was not breathing hard and was moving faster than he could see. He stepped back and said, “This part of your training is over.”
Trey took a deep breath and lowered his sword, “No, I need to see the patterns you use. I must know the mechanics of swordplay.”
“I’ll show you but if you can fight this good with one sword, two would be more than you need. How are you doing this?”
Trey smiled, “It appears I can see things happening at a greatly reduced speed. It allows me enough time to respond.”
“That means you’re able to move at a greatly increased speed as well.” Trey nodded. “You are developing the powers of the ancient Rulers of the Realm. Your parents would be proud.”
“Are you proud of me Jingo?”
Jingo smiled, “More than you know.”
“That means just as much to me, Father.”
Jingo still felt his sorrow for Scotty’s death but felt an immense pride in his adopted son, “Thank you, Trey.” Jingo hugged him and began showing him how to move the swords in a two sword pattern. Jingo knew he would treasure this day for the rest of his life.
Trey thought to Cassie, “Thank you.”
Cassie smiled and knew there were only a few years remaining. Her heart beat faster anticipating what was to come. She put the headband back on and continued to download the contents of the Defense Database. She wanted to be ready when their time arrived.
Eighteen year old TK Robbins stood before Emperor Valrico and bowed. Timmy smiled at the beautiful young woman before him and was amazed at how much she reminded him of her Mother, “Please rise Tommie Katherine, what brings you to our home?”
“It’s really good to see you, Your Majesty. It’s been too long since I’ve come to visit. However, I’m here to make an official request.”
Timmy nodded, “Go ahead.”
“The Flyers are losing their edge with the long years of inactivity. They need to be challenged and battle tested to be ready for the future fight against the Invaders. I want to use them to make a difference in other universes.”
Timmy stared at TK and looked at Virze who was also sharing his concern, “TK, the Invaders don’t know of our existence. If we leave here, there is a risk of them finding us.”
TK took a deep breath and nodded as she said, “You’re right. I do recognize the problem but we can take steps to minimize the risk to an acceptable level.”
“How would you do that?”
“Carter has studied the layout of the universes that the Invaders have conquered and sees a pattern; they are all on the same branch of coordinates separated by just one number. They are moving in a straight line down this branch of universal coordinates. They even destroyed the eight universes they had scouted sequentially. Ours was the last of the eight. This is a printout of the pattern of the branches that are around this universe.” TK handed Timmy a large document with one series highlighted of the universes the Invaders had visited. “Notice that they started on this branch more than a thousand years ago and have continued to follow it to the universe they are currently attacking.”
Timmy looked at the printout as Virze looked over his shoulder. “It does appear that what you’re saying is accurate. There has been no variance to another path.”
“What I want to do is go to the third branch over from this one that moves directly away from the one they’re on and send the Flyers into it to see if there is anything going on that violates our principles. The Flyers are restless and we need to keep them at the top of their skills.” TK paused and said, “Please notice that this branch is in the opposite direction from where the Spiders were operating prior to their conversion. It seems to me that the Invaders have deliberately chosen a path as far away from those universes as possible; almost like they were avoiding the domain of the Red Demons. However, this is pure speculation on my part and I have nothing to support my theory. However, if it’s accurate, the universes on these branches have not been cleared of intelligent life ever and it’s almost a certainty that our Flyers can make a difference in them.”
Timmy reflected a moment and said, “There could be some very advanced civilizations in those universes if they’ve never been attacked. They could also represent a danger to us.”
“Which is something we need to know, Your Majesty; if there is a danger we should go and take a look. The Flyers could use the experience in dealing with them and we could possibly learn some things to help us in our current situation.”
“Have you checked with Trey to see if he feels any danger following this path?”
“I have and he says, and I quote, “The danger level actually goes down.”“
Timmy looked at Virze and she shrugged. He looked at TK, “Has the leadership of the Flyers been established?”
“Yes, we’ve broken down the flocks into units of a hundred in the basic formations. The Commanders of ten of these units have selected by Grang and Jingo who share the overall command.”
“And what is your role in this?”
“I command ten Commanders; Jingo and Grang also command ten.”
“Why didn’t Jingo or Grang come and make this request?”
“They are currently training the Flyers in multi-unit tactics.”
Virze smiled, “I suspect Trey is right in the middle of that training.”
TK smiled, “Actually, Trey developed the patterns for them to use. He’s also changed their weapon mix. He has become quite formidable in combat. Grang and Jingo have done an outstanding job in working with him.”
“I don’t want to lose him.”
“Your Majesty, you are going to have to allow him to follow his destiny as he sees it. He is already light years ahead of us in what he is able to anticipate and handle. His personal flock of protectors can defeat any other flock in the Flyers. He is going to be something to see as he grows up.”
“How many Protectors are in his unit?”
“Vring assigned him a hundred. Trey hand selected them and works with them every day he’s not being trained by his two adopted Fathers. Even our Searchers know they are more deadly than any ship they’ve ever faced. Truth be told, they can take a Zeta ship on and probably win.”
Timmy furrowed his brow and said, “What is he planning to do with his Protectors?”
TK smiled, “He told me that, as soon as they’re trained to the level he wants, he’s going to send each of them out to command a Hundred Unit and replace them and start training the new ones. Grang, Jingo, and I are fighting over who can have them.”
Timmy sat back and said, “You may start leaving to scout those universes.” Timmy leaned forward and looked TK in the eyes, “You will keep me informed of what you find.”
TK smiled, “I will, Your Majesty and we will be extremely cautious in making sure we are not found.” TK bowed and turned to leave.
Virze watched her leave the Throne Room and said, “Has she found anyone?”
“She hasn’t given any indication, yet.”
“We need her to marry and have a family.”
“I know, Love, but that’s not something we can control. If there’s someone, they’ll find each other, if they haven’t already.”
Virze smiled, “Samuel and June had to help us.”
Timmy slowly nodded, “I really miss them, Virze.”
“We all do. Everyone felt their loss deeply; Carrie and Ashley still cry.”
Timmy signed, “So many gone.”
