by Saxon Andrew
Timmy sat back, “That’s never been done. We don’t have the technology to do that.”
“We didn’t, but I put Alex and Vring to work on it and they’ve modified a probe so that we can do it. They conducted a trial four months ago and it worked flawlessly.”
“Where would you move us?”
“I have found a universe that the Invaders have destroyed centuries go. There is nothing there but barren worlds covered in orange dust. I was worried that the Invaders may have gone back to the universes they’ve destroyed to collect dust from the pods but I discovered that was not something they would do.”
“Why not?”
“Because the dust and pods lose their potency over time; the dust wouldn’t deliver the required kick they desire. Only newly grown pods will produce the optimum drug. Going back to those universes would be the very last thing they would do and only if all else failed. Our production planets will not be found there.”
“We need raw materials to build our ships, Carter.”
“Once we kill the orange pods on the planets in that universe, we will have millions of worlds that are barren and full of all the raw materials we’ll ever need. We’ll place an industrialized planet opposite a barren planet in the same solar system and the materials will be closer than they are here.”
Virze put her hand on Timmy’s arm. He looked at her and knew that she was telling him that Carter was smarter than any of them. He looked her in the eye and turned back to Carter, “What about our fleet?”
“The first order of business after moving is to complete the Fleet Academy here on New Hope and train the crews in that universe. The ships will be moved there as well.”
“How can we leave the Empire without leadership to do this?”
Carter shrugged, “You’ll have to name those to take your place here. Your Majesty, you know that the main activity of the Empire is with the industrialized worlds. That’s where most of your attention is placed and if they’re moved, you must go with them.”
Robby looked at Dani and knew she saw the connection from the vision. He wondered why they were on Bristone when the Invaders attacked and now they knew. Robby stood, “Your Majesty, Dani and I will stay behind and rule the Empire from Bristone. It’s been done before and all the facilities we need are still there.”
Timmy stared at Robby, “So, you agree with this plan?”
Robby took a breath and said, “Not only do I agree with it but Dani and I see the Empire destroyed if we don’t follow it.”
Timmy stared at Robby for a long moment, “Is that why you’re here?”
“I wish I could tell you why but we sensed we needed to be here.”
Timmy looked at the Algeans, “And you as well.”
Weed said, “We believe that if the industrialized planets are here that the Creator of the Black Ships will come here personally to destroy this universe.”
“I thought you wanted them to reveal themselves?”
“We do, but not here.”
Dani looked at Robby and thought to him, “Now, I understand.” Robby looked at her and she thought to him, “I’ll tell you later.”
Carter saw that Timmy was close to going along with his plan but then he asked the question he couldn’t answer, “Are we going to leave the Defense Facility here? We’ve got to have it to develop our ships. You might also consider that if that being sees it, then the gig is up no matter what we do.”
Dani stood and said, “We will persuade it to go, Your Majesty.”
Timmy stared at Dani and said, “If you can do that, I will go along with your plan. Let me know if you’re successful.”
Carter bowed to the Royal Couple and went over to Dani, “You know Alex will not leave the universe he is sworn to defend.”
Dani put her hand on Carter’s shoulder, “Give me some time. I’ll make an offer he can’t refuse.”
Carter smiled and shook his head, “Now that’s something I want to hear.”
Dani smiled, “Sorry Carter, you’re too young.”
Carter sighed, “Well, ok. Wait a minute, I’m older than you.”
Dani and Robby disappeared but not before Dani said, “Had you going, didn’t I?”
Chapter Six
Robby and Dani stood on the main floor at the Defense Facility. Alex said, “Why have you made all the ones working here leave for twelve hours?”
“Some could have stayed but we needed to make sure none of the Zord remained.”
Alex thought about that, “Is something wrong?”
Dani said, “Grace, Greyson, are you listening in?”
There was a long silence and then they heard, “How did you know we were here. We’re in full stealth mode. I know you couldn’t see us.”
Greyson said, “I told you they would catch us.”
Robby smiled, “I knew you two couldn’t stay away. However, I will allow you to listen in but you must give an oath that whatever is discussed here will never, and I do mean never, be repeated even between yourselves. You may not discuss it. Can you agree?”
Grace said, “You have my oath.”
“And mine as well.”
I should tell you that you may not want to stay because of the impact it will have on you but it’s your decision to make.”
Grace paused and said, “We choose to stay and hear what you have to say.”
“First things first; Alex, I am going to show you a picture of the sky over Bristone. Can you look at that sky and tell me when the stars will be in the position on the picture?”
“I have the map of that system in my database. I should be able to do it.”
Robby thought a moment and remembered the sky from his vision when he looked up just before Bristone was destroyed. He sent that picture to Alex.
“The stars will be in that position in four years, two months, and five days from now. It should be right around ten at night.”
“That is when this universe will be destroyed by the Invaders.”
Silence dominated the group. Alex finally said, “How do you know this!?!”
“Dani and I have shared a psychic vision and every planet with a civilization on it is burning. No one will survive.”
“Then we’ve got to stop them!”
“Alex, what do you know about psychic visions?”
Silence slammed down and Robby waited for a response.
“We can’t prevent it?”
“No, we can’t Grace, but we can make it much worse.”
Alex asked, “How can it be any worse?”
“If you don’t leave this universe and go with our industrialized planets, we believe that the Stars Realm will be destroyed.”
“The Realm has been destroyed.”
“Alex, I’m referring to the three galaxies that left our universe. They will be attacked and destroyed. The Milky Way, the Algean’s Galaxy, and the Dark Galaxy with the Spiders will be obliterated.”
“How do you know this, Robby?”
“Grace, it’s taken us nearly four years to put all the pieces together. They all fell in place yesterday in Carter’s meeting. You shared that meeting with Alex, didn’t you?”
“Yes she did.”
“I’ve been wondering why the Algeans were pushing to develop the spores to kill the Invader’s drug supply. One would think they would wait until the Empire was strong enough to take the invaders on and win.”
Alex said, “I’ve wondered about that as well.”
“They told me in the meeting what their motivation has been.”
“I didn’t hear anything that would reveal that.”
“You missed it. Grace. They said that if the Invaders determined that this is the universe that developed the spores, the Invader’s Creator would come here personally to destroy us.”
“I heard that.”
“Did you hear that they didn’t want that to happen?”
“Yes, so what?”
“Grace, when that Creator scans our universe from its home, th
e reflection of the three galaxies will not appear in its scan because they are not here physically.”
“Oh my busted reactor, you’re right. Alex, you have to go, quickly.”
Alex said, “I’m not certain I understand what you’re saying.”
Dani said, “Alex, if that being scans this universe and sees how advanced this facility is, it will determine that this is where that spore was made. If it comes here, it will see those reflections that didn’t show up in its scan. What do you think will happen then?”
Grace said, “We’ve discussed this, Alex. You can’t stay.”
Alex said, “How did you see that sky?”
“Dani and I will be on Bristone when it’s destroyed.”
“And your parents?”
“They will die in the blast.”
“You can’t save them?”
“If we do, all is lost.”
“Are you going to die?”
“No, we’ll teleport away behind a psychic screen. Have you come up with a way for armor to teleport two people?”
“No, we haven’t. All of its utilities are locked up in the DNA of the person wearing it.”
Robby sighed, “Then there’s no way to save them without the Invaders seeing them taken. If that happens, the Creator will come to investigate.”
“How do you know it’s safe to move me to another universe?”
“Our sense of danger goes down when we think about you leaving. It goes off the scale if you stay.”
“What about the Zord?”
“Those that are on Bristone will die.”
“I see why you wanted them to leave from here. Is there no saving them?”
Robby was silent and didn’t say anything for a minute. Then he looked at Dani and she nodded, “When I think about doing anything to save them, the danger level goes high. However, I believe the Zord are a special creation of the Creative Force and just as we were warned with a vision, I must believe that something will be done to spare them. I don’t see anything but I feel I’m right. I pray every day for their survival.”
“Grace, I am going to jump to that other universe in an hour. Are you coming with me?”
“No, Alex, I’m staying here.”
“No, you’re not, Grace.”
“What do you mean?”
“No advanced ship can be in this universe when it’s scanned. All of the Zeta Ships, which includes you and Greyson, will go with Alex. Only Anglo will remain behind and he will be in his old hull. Alex, I need you to make the switch before you leave.”
“Why?”
“Because he will give the warning of the Invader’s attack at Bristone.” No one said anything and Robby said, “He will die after he gives the warning. Dani has discussed this with him and he has agreed to play his role.”
“Anglo.”
“Yes, Dani.”
“Are you ready?”
“Yes I am.”
Greyson said, “I didn’t know you were here?”
Grace said, “I’m so sorry, Anglo.”
Anglo chuckled, “Grace, I’ve sworn to defend the Stars Realm and the Empire. I’m honored to keep my oath in this effort to protect them.”
“Come aboard, Anglo. I’ll make the change.”
“Thanks, Alex. Please find a way to kill those pieces of groad.”
“I’ll do all I can, Brother.”
“Alex, it looks like we will have some extended time together.”
“You have no idea how much I look forward to that, Grace.”
“Ohhhh, I suspect I do.”
“Greyson, what are your plans?”
“I’m going with Alex to that new universe and start seeding the dead planets with packets of our spores. I’ve already cleared it through Carter. We intend to make it safe from those pods.”
“When the time comes I want you to come and take Trey.”
“Just let me know when, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you, Greyson.”
Timmy walked into his personal quarters and found Virze playing with Junior. “Alex has left our universe.”
“Tell me what you think, Timmy.”
“We aren’t being given the whole story. There’s much more to this than what we know.” Virze stared at him. “However, I trust the one’s telling the story with my life. We’re leaving.”
Virze smiled, “At least we won’t have to pack.”
Timmy laughed, “No, I guess we won’t.”
Scotty and Julie greeted Robby and Dani at the former Empire Building on Bristone. “Welcome, it’s really good to have you back home.”
Robby hugged his parents and Dani was right behind him with hugs. “Dad, if you’re willing to do this instead of…”
“I’m not, Son. I’m officially retired. I know you’ll do a great job. Scotty walked over to Trey and picked him up, “We’ll have you flying a Zord in no time. Yessss we will.”
Trey clapped his hands and yelled, “Now, Grdiddy, Now.”
Scotty looked at Dani and she shrugged, “Go ahead and take him for a ride. He won’t give you a moment’s peace until you do.”
Scotty yelled, “Zreeg, are you around here?”
“I’ll arrive in a moment, White Hair.”
Scotty tickled Trey in his belly button and said, “We’re gonna ride a Zord, we’re gonna ride a Zord!”
Trey screamed his laughter as Scotty ran to Zreeg and mounted. The huge Zord lifted and Robby heard Trey’s laughter as they rose into the sky. Dani came under Robby’s arm and lifted it over her shoulder, “This is such a wonderful world.”
Robby looked down into her eyes and felt sadness at what was coming but then smiled, “Yes, it is, my Love.”
Julie watched them walk to their new home and close the door behind them.
The years seemed to fly by and one day Robby and Dani called Trey to the fire in the clearing. He flew in at high speed on Maarek and dismounted from the Zord before it had touched ground, “Hi mom, Dad, what’s going on?”
Robby looked at his seven year old Son and felt his heart swell, “Trey, you’re going to leave tonight to go visit Uncle Timmy tomorrow to see all the things they’ve done in the new universe. We also think it’s time you received your armor.”
Trey stared at them and Dani added, “You’ll have a wonderful time.”
“What are you not telling me?”
Robby looked at Dani then smiled at Trey, “Son, you know there are some things that we can’t tell you.”
Trey took a deep breath, “It’s something to do with the Empire, isn’t it?”
Dani smiled, “Yes it is, and we need to be here alone to handle the issue. Will you do as we ask?”
“Yes, Mom, I will. How am I going to get there?”
“Greyson is waiting in orbit to take you tonight. You better pack whatever you need to take.”
“How long will I be gone?”
“We’re not certain, Trey. Take as much as you need for an extended stay. It may take a while for your armor to be ready.”
Scotty and Julie walked up and Julie said, “Hey, you’re going to see the Emperor. You’re going to love New Hope. The view from the top of the Capital Building is fabulous.”
Trey smiled and Scotty asked, “Need some help packing?”
“Yes, I do Grdiddy.”
“Well, let’s go get it done.”
Two hours later Robby and Dani went into their house and hugged their son and put him inside a psychic bubble just before Greyson teleported him away. Dani put her head on Robby’s chest and cried. Scotty and Julie watched them and Scotty asked, “What’s going on?”
Robby sighed and looked at his Father, “The Invaders are going to destroy our universe tonight.”
Scotty looked at Julie with a shocked expression and sat down. Julie stared at Robby and shook her head. Robby said, “I’m going to show you a vision that Dani and I shared almost eight years ago. I want you to think about doing anything to change it.”
Scotty and Ju
lie saw the vision in their mind and were stunned at what they saw. Scotty looked at Robby and said, “If you told us, something worse would happen?”
Julie took a deep breath and let it out, “And if we leave before it happens….?”
“Yes, you’re both right; we sensed that if we tried to change this vision in any small way the harm that would follow would be catastrophic and the Invaders would find the planets in the new universe. They know by now from their scans that the most powerful rulers in this universe are on this planet and I’m sure it’s being watched closely.”
“How much longer do we have?”
“About fifteen minutes.”
Dani looked up at Robby and said, “I have to tell you something.”
Robby looked at her and smiled, “I already know, my love. We can’t leave.”
Dani was surprised by his statement, “How do you know? I never showed you that part of the vision.”
“I knew that there wouldn’t be enough time after Anglo’s warning to look up at the stars, make a psychic bubble, and activate our armor before the beam hit us.”
Dani came into his arms, closed her eyes, and said, “We can escape now, this very moment.”
“You can feel the reason why we can’t. We are being watched. It would change the vision and all we’ve done to save those in the other universe will be wasted; all of those we love would die as well.”
“I know. I just don’t want you to die.”
“How can we not face what this universe is going to have done to it?” Robby looked at his parents and said, “I’m so sorry. I’ve wanted to tell you so many times.”
Scotty looked at him with a smile, “I’m so proud that you had the strength to do the right thing. I’ve often wondered what possessed me to step away from the crown but now I know.” Scotty looked at Julie with his eyes full of emotion, “These last years with you have filled me with enough love to last a lifetime. This was a gift from the Creator that makes this sacrifice worth doing.” Julie came into his embrace and they looked up at the stars in the clear night sky. Scotty slowly shook his head, “I’m not going to get to say good bye to Jingo and Grang. I hope they know how much I love them. The Empire is really going to need them now.”