had interfered with their fleet. The color, lines, size, and shape were identical but that was all that was similar. It looked at a read out next to the display and saw that the power of the beams being fired by those ships was incredible. It looked at the panel again and saw that the recording was sent to him from one of the ships that survived the battle. It was heavily damaged but had been able to transmit the recording.
His display changed and the Council was staring at him, “What is happening in that universe!?!”
The former Distributor started feeling extremely nervous. Evidently the origin of those ships had not been in one of the destroyed eight universes. He had to think of something to deflect the Council’s anger from him.
The new Distributor glanced at the data, “It appears that the builders of those ships escaped our efforts to destroy them.”
The first three Council Members looked at the former Distributor but turned back to the new Distributor when he said, “That really shouldn’t surprise us.”
The First Councilor jerked its attention back, “Why do you say that?”
“If these beings are advanced as we believe them to be, they must have made plans to escape our retribution. I’ve looked over the data from the destroyed eight universes and we were unable to find any civilizations that possessed a technology high enough to develop the spores. That leads me to believe that they were smart enough to move somewhere else to avoid us.”
“I’m not clear on how you came up with that analysis.”
“I agree with my predecessor that we were seen by one of the universes we were scouting. They had to know that they would be attacked after they used the spores. They had enough time to move their operations to another universe before we could return with another fleet.”
The former Distributor knew that he now owed his replacement and he didn’t like being indebted. However, he knew he would pay him for his help.
The First Three looked at the Fourth and he said, “Our Distributor is right and it couldn’t have been avoided. We didn’t have the ships to strike fast enough after the infection. It makes sense that they moved to another universe and set up operations there.”
“Then where did they go?”
“I’ll open a view of that universe and follow them next time they return. However, we will be delayed in our response.”
The First was enraged, “And why is that!!”
“I’ve just sent you the power of the beam that was used by those ships. Please examine it for a moment.”
The First looked at the readout and felt his rage evaporate, “Is this possible?”
“I’m afraid it is. We don’t have a ship in our reserves that can stand up to that beam. We’ll have to build the last two designs and hope the first one handles them.”
“You think it won’t?”
“I hope it will but we should know that whoever is building those ships is a very advanced civilization.”
“We may have to eliminate them with our own ships.”
“I hope I don’t have to interrupt the sleep of the Nation and will attempt everything possible before I suggest that course of action.”
The First snarled, “See that you do. Keep us informed.”
“I will.”
The new Distributor kept its eye on the Fourth and saw it nod just before the screen went dark. Good, it knew it had a debt to pay. It turned and set the scanner on the universe being harvested and set the alarm. Next time it would know instantly when those ships returned. It had no doubt about their returning. The question of where they were going afterwards had to be answered.
He notified the production planets to start construction on the final three models. Perhaps the first of the three would prove efficient. It could only hope.
Trey sat in the small clearing in front of Grang’s house and stared at the Robbins Memorial five miles away. It was lighted at night and was beautiful to see. The white marble gleamed and Trey thought about all that had happened since that terrible night on Bristone. He looked up at the stars and remembered lying between his parents as they stared at the sky with billions of stars from horizon to horizon. This universe didn’t have as many and the view was not as breathtaking as the one from Bristone. He wished he could go back and see them again but knew that Bristone was dead and no longer had an atmosphere. He felt his anger begin to grow but looked at the Memorial and felt it fade. Soon it would be time to be angry but not just yet.
“Do you want to discuss Greyson’s idea?”
“Hi, Cassie. Yes, now is a good time.”
“Tell me what you sense.”
“The short term danger level doesn’t go up but the long term does.”
“Do you know why?”
“Yes.”
“You do?”
“The danger is not to us.”
“You’re right.”
Trey didn’t say anything and felt Cassie in his mind. It always brought him peace to have her with him. “I find myself tempted to forget the possible fallout from jumping to the Eight Leg’s former universe.”
“You’re just angry about the loss of your family.”
“How can I not be? They were sacrificed to save those cowards.”
“You know that’s not true. You’re placing the blame on the wrong place.”
Trey remained silent and finally took a deep breath and let it out slowly, “If the spores weren’t rushed into production, would that vision have been needed?”
“The vision happened years before. Everyone was held captive to that vision’s reality; even the Algeans.”
“But if my Parents had not searched for them, the vision would not have been needed.”
“It would have happened at another time but it would have happened.”
“You and I are what necessitated that event.”
“I’m glad you finally see that I am to blame as well.”
“What would have happened if we were released and they were still alive?”
“Both of us and them would have died through the feedback.”
Trey looked at the stars and remained silent. After an hour Cassie said, “I’ve seen four possible futures surrounding this decision and I feel that you should use Greyson’s suggestion.”
“What have you seen?”
“Your fear that the Invader’s Creator would go there is valid but happens in only one of those visions.”
“What about the others?”
“They still go there but don’t find anything.”
Trey sat up straight, “If they don’t find them there, where?”
“Where they should have been all along; they will become the bait.”
“How long after the event will that happen?”
“It won’t take place until after we confront them. Then it’s up to them.”
“Thank you my love. It won’t be long.”
“You have no idea how I’m counting the seconds.”
“Yes I do.”
Cassie smiled, “I know. I just love to hear you say it.”
Emperor Valrico was meeting with the Command Team in the conference room on the top floor of the Capital Building on New Hope. He had asked for a plan on the next incursion into the Invader’s universe and looked forward to the coming campaign. The new ships were ready to launch against them and he looked forward to killing all the Black Ships still there.
Paul Blake looked around the table, “Where’s Trey?”
