by Saxon Andrew
Return of the Realm
Ashes of the Realm – Book Four
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One • Chapter Two • Chapter Three • Chapter Four • Chapter Five • Chapter Six • Chapter Seven • Chapter Eight • Chapter Nine • Chapter Ten • Chapter Eleven • Chapter Twelve • Chapter Thirteen • Chapter Fourteen • Chapter Fifteen • Chapter Sixteen • Chapter Seventeen • Chapter Eighteen • Chapter Nineteen • Chapter Twenty • Chapter Twenty-One • Chapter Twenty-Two • Chapter Twenty-Three
Epilogue
Books by Saxon Andrew
About Saxon Andrew
Prologue
“Alex, it appears the time has come for us to meet our makers.”
“How do you feel about that, Grace?”
“I’m not really sure. It bothers me that Trey holds a grudge against the Realm but I can understand why he does.”
“You know the Realm must bear some responsibility for what happened.”
“Yes, but what could they have done? The Searcher that confronted Greyson was nowhere near powerful enough to take on a Black Ship. They may have been destroyed as well.”
“That’s not the issue.”
“No?”
“The issue is that they didn’t even know the destruction took place. They had totally written off the former members of the Realm and accepted no responsibility for their actions. So they discover they’re no match for the Black Ships, they could start working to find an answer just as we did. Without the release of Trey’s aura, they would have continued in the dark until the Invaders showed up at their front door. You have got to see I’m right.”
“I do, Alex. I just know the Gardners were not bad people.”
“Good people can cause terrible things to happen. You need look no further than our former universe.” Alex paused and added, “The Realm has also been written off by the Creative Force as a tool for good.”
“Do you really believe that to be true?”
“I believe that Trey has seen that force and wouldn’t lie about anything associated with it. The Realm is now a creative dead-end.”
Grace paused and then asked what she had wanted to avoid, “You know what ship will be coming?”
“I do.”
“And?”
“Sometimes brothers find themselves on different sides of issues. I was his twin thousands of years ago but time has changed me. We are no longer the same. Have no doubt that I will do what has to be done.” Alex grew silent and after an hour said, “Grace, who stands the best chance of stopping the Black Ships?”
Grace thought about the question and answered, “The Realm is still more powerful than our small Empire. Their number of warships is staggering.”
“You’re avoiding the question.”
“I know; this ship we’re on is the most powerful weapon ever created. I know that Trey is right and the Creative Force has given us a gift that is a difference maker. I just hate how far the Old Realm has fallen.”
“So do I but now they must step aside and take a back seat. That is what will bring us into conflict with them and it’s a shame it has to happen.”
“Alex, I will not allow them to harm you.”
“I love you too. However, I think you need to worry about the Realm. I just checked out the power for our weapons and it’s growing.”
Grace immediately looked at the systems and said, “Oh my back reactor! How long has this been going on?”
“Three days and the levels are rising faster with each passing day. Worry about the Realm; I think we’ll be able to hold our own.”
Chapter One
Queen Valerie Rose Gardner stared at the Searcher that had been sent to Castle Gardner by the Admiralty to answer questions about the recording he had made in the Realm’s previous universe. He stood at ease and waited for her to finish showing the recording to the other members of the Royal Family. Columbus often wondered why he had felt the urge to join the Realm’s Searchers. Most of his species would never command a warship again after all the universes they destroyed, but he felt at home on the small ship’s bridge. This encounter only cemented his feeling that he had done the right thing. He felt his life had meaning since he was given his ship.
The Royal Family sat in the map room after the video ended and listened to the Searcher as he delivered his report. The video of the encounter with the old Zeta Ship shocked them as they saw the power of the beam used to disrupt the Searcher’s force field.
Danielle said, “They said that we’re going to be destroyed?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, and he said he personally didn’t care if we were. It appears there are bad feelings between them and us.”
Tag looked at Danielle and saw her troubled expression. He turned on his panel and saw the millions of planets that had been destroyed in their former universe. He shook his head, looked at the Queen, and then said to the Searcher, “Has every civilized planet in our old universe been destroyed?”
The Spider paused and said, “Yes, they are all blasted down to bed rock and broken in multiple places. It appears the old universe was invaded and destroyed.”
“Do you think that ship was responsible for the destruction?”
“No, the readings indicate a beam that was weaker than that ship was used to cause the destruction.”
“Then where did that old Zeta Ship come from and how does it have such powerful weapons?”
“The Defense Facility we left behind had twenty of them in storage. I must assume that it came from there.”
“How long ago was the universe destroyed?”
“Between ten to twelve years ago.”
Newton looked around the table and said, “The analysis indicates a beam very similar in power to those used by the white ships caused the destruction.”
Matthew Gordon’s gaze hardened, “Are you suggesting Demons?”
Newton looked at the Realm’s Fleet Admiral and shrugged, “I have no idea, Admiral. It just looks similar in power. It also suggests a huge fleet had to be used to cause that much destruction in such a short period of time.”
Danielle said, “They were attacked by an outside force.” Everyone looked at her and she said, “The one that spoke to you is angry at us and blames us for allowing the destruction to happen.”
“How do you know that?”
Danielle tilted her head and Admiral Gordon said, “I sometimes forget your ability. If that’s true, what does it mean for us?”
“It means there is real danger to us from the ones that made that ship. It also means that his statement about our destruction is true as well and he was talking about a different threat. He didn’t want to tell us but forced himself to do it. It’s imperative that we meet with them and determine what they know.” Danielle turned to the Searcher, “You said that your ship had no chance against that ship?”
“Yes, Your Grace, and I’m pretty certain that it could destroy our Searchers faster than we could gang up on it. I suspect that beam was attenuated and not used at its highest power.”
Admiral Gordon flinched, “What makes you say that?”
“Because it was too precise; it burned through my screen on a small section and didn’t spread. It warned me that if I attempted to teleport out, I would be destroyed. It may look like an old Zeta but it is only in appearance. My scans could not penetrate its force field.”
Queen Valerie Gardner Talant looked at her husband and he nodded, “Then we will send out strongest warriors to conduct the conversation. Are the Kosiev updates complete?”
Twig said, “Yes they are, Your Majesty.”
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br /> Valerie looked around the table and said, “Tag, Danielle, Cassandra, and Jake will go to meet with them. I want you to take Newton and Sprig with you to see if we can determine their strength. You will go in the Alexander Kosiev. How does it match up to that ship?”
Newton lowered closer to the floor and said, “It should be an even match between the two. The new modifications we completed were supposed to make it the strongest ship in creation. It appears we were somewhat premature in that judgment.”
“Then take the Twins with you. The two of them should be able to handle the situation.”
Danielle slowly shook her head, “I’m not sure a show of force is called for in this instance, especially one against a civilization with a more advanced technology. I really think they’re trying to help us, but harbor ill will toward the Realm. It wouldn’t take much to make this meeting turn violent.”
“I’m not sending you unless I know you’re protected and we should remember that these beings are descendants of the Dukes.”
Tag looked at Danielle and saw she wasn’t saying much. She glanced at him and then turned and lowered her head to the Queen. Jake said, “We’ll leave in five days to meet with the one who said we’re going to be destroyed.” Jake hoped the two ships were going to be enough.
Tag went over to Cassandra and said, “Is Alex familiar with his new systems?”
“We both are. They’re not that different from the old ones; they’re just more powerful. Why do you ask?”
“I’m concerned that we’re going to communicate with a civilization that has ships one third of Alex’s size, but with identical power. That worries me.”
“Well, the Twin will be there as well and if things get dicey, we’ll teleport out.”
“Just be sure you keep your hand on the teleport console.”
Cassandra saw Tag’s concern, “You’re worried about this?”
“I am. I sense there could be some danger in this meeting.”
“How high is the level you sense?”
“It’s not at a critical level but enough to make me nervous.”
“I’ll do as you ask.”
“Thank you.”
Tag went back to Danielle and Cassandra thought, “What do you think about that conversation, Alex?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve looked at the recording of the meeting and my weapons do match up with the power of the beam that was used on the Searcher; however, if he’s right and it was not their most powerful setting, we may not be able to stand up to them, even with the Twin.”
“Be prepared to run.”
“I don’t want to do that but I’ll not take a risk of you being harmed.”
“That’s good enough for me.”
• • •
Trey and Cassie stood at the Robbins Memorial facing the statues of Trey’s parents. Cassie’s grandmother led them through their vows for the second time and watched as the young couple stared into each other’s eyes and repeated the ancient yet new words. The massive crowd gathered around Robbins Park was silent and the monitors placed around the Capital City on New Hope played the words so all could see and hear the ceremony.
The Ceremony was also transmitted to the other sixty five planets of the Empire and there were few that weren’t watching the solemn event. Trey didn’t know how they found out but Vring, Kreej, and fifty other Zord had arrived to witness the marriage. Finally Ashley Talben said, “You may kiss your bride and may I present to all of you Mr. and Mrs. Scott Robbins III.”
The massive crowd erupted into huge cheers and the music began at a high volume. Trey and Cassie teleported to the top floor of the Empire Building in City Center and waved at the crowds below that filled every street for miles around. There were millions of citizens celebrating in the Huge City. “They appear to be almost as happy as I am.”
“Yes, they do Trey. It has taken so long for us to get here.”
Trey leaned over and kissed Cassie and the crowd erupted in cheers. “Yes it has, my love.”
Cassie looked up and said, “It’s a shame we don’t have time for a honey moon.”
Trey sighed and said, “I know, but we need to make sure the Robbins is ready to leave by tomorrow night. Perhaps we’ll have time after the meeting.”
“The crew is ready. They were being trained when we went to our old universe in Greyson. They are reporting back for duty later on this evening.” Cassie paused and said, “You know the Realm will be coming fully armed for conflict.”
“I would do the same. I don’t hold that against them.”
“Do you have your anger under control? Will you be able to make good decisions when we meet them?”
Trey shrugged, “I’ll let our senses guide us. Just make sure you keep me informed of what you see.”
“You’ll be seeing it as I do.”
Trey smiled, “Yeah, there is that.” He looked out at the huge crowd again and said, “Let’s go back to the park and dance.”
Cassie laughed, “Greyson, can you send us to the dance pavilion?”
A silver field moved down on them and they disappeared from the balcony.
• • •
Timmy stood with Virze at Robbins Park and watched the multitudes celebrate. He had never witnessed any celebration this large and was amazed by its size. There was little fanfare when he and Virze assumed the Crown. Most of the citizens were frightened at losing Scotty and Julie. Though they loved them now, they had never seen a celebration just for them. Timmy felt a slight pang of jealousy, but realized that it was due to the love the Empire felt for the Robbins Family. Virze could see his feelings and said, “It won’t be long before he assumes the Throne. This celebration will make that transition easier.”
“I know.”
Virze sighed and knew he did.
Chapter Two
Danielle sat in her quarters getting a bag packed to leave with the Kosiev. She stood in front of the mirror packing her personal items and glanced at herreflection. She put both hands on the sink and stared at the mirror. She saw the sorrow she was feeling staring back at her. Tag teleported in and saw she had already packed a bag for him. “You always think of me first.” Danielle turned and went to him. He wrapped his arms around her and she held him tight. “What’s wrong, Danielle?”
“Why didn’t we know?”
Tag took a deep breath and let it out slowly, “I don’t have an answer for that. I thought we would be told if anything happened that needed our attention.”
Danielle took a deep breath and put her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and felt him in her mind. “We were prevented from finding out.”
“Who would have done that?”
“You know who.”
Tag sighed, “I just don’t want to believe that. I just don’t see why they would have done it or how they could have prevented us learning of what happened.”
Danielle leaned back and looked him in the eyes, “I find myself thinking about all of those that are no longer with us. I miss Eric, Leila, Wes, Anglo, Jenny, Tommy, Matt, Melanie, and most of all Rose. All our children and friends are gone yet we are still here.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’ve never felt like this before. I’ve always felt a sense that our reason for living so long has not been completed. I just knew there was a reason for us to be here. Now…I’m not so sure anymore. Our time may be over. I’ve never felt this empty and it weighs heavy on my soul. I can’t help but wonder if we’ve lost the thing that made us what we are. For the first time, I feel old.”
She put her head back on his chest and he felt her sorrow in his mind. He put his head on top of hers and wished he could help her, but the truth was that he was having the same feelings. He felt it to his core and sensed he had lost something and he didn’t know what it was. He had also been wishing lately to return to the past. He actually felt remorse at having left it behind, perhaps it was time to return to a normal lifespan. Danielle’s sorrow was almost more than he coul
d bear. This was a burden that was more than they should have to endure.
“What are we going to do, Darling?”
Danielle said with her eyes closed, “We’re going to talk with the ones that can tell us what happened to our old home and then we’re going to then find the source of the psychic wave. I’m hoping that whoever caused it can help us find what we need to continue to live.”
“And if they can’t?”
“I’m not ready to even think about that yet.”
Tag continued to hold her and knew he wasn’t ready either.
• • •
Cassandra sat in her Command Chair on the Kosiev and felt the ship around her. It was humming with a note that meant danger. She knew the giant ship was getting ready for combat. “Alex, is the Twin here?”
“No, he’s picking up his crew and will be here within three hours.”
Cassandra looked at the readouts and then asked, “Is he your equal?”
“He has my memories. I’m not sure if that is the same as experiencing the events. We are identical in our weapons and defense.”
“Have you been able to learn anything else from the readout on the beam used by that old Zeta?”
“Not really. It was a very intense beam and was fired with an accuracy I would have trouble duplicating. I really won’t know anything until I’m able to scan that ship.”
Cassandra looked at the floor and said, “I wish Tommy was here.”
“I know. I miss him as well.” Cassandra felt her eyes well up as Alex said, “Cassandra, accidents happen. Who would have ever thought that reactor would malfunction and explode so quickly. I wish there would have been some way to have saved him. He didn’t suffer.”
Cassandra shook her head and said, “He’ll always be in my heart. I’m sure he’s handling bullies with Wes.”
Alex remained silent and felt the void in Cassandra’s heart. He knew she wasn’t going to be able to live with the pain much longer. He was heartbroken that there was nothing he could do to save her. Alex received a message and said, “Jake and the Gardners are requesting permission to come aboard.”