Carter took his seat and watched the display. Planet after planet appeared in rapid succession and he knew the Algeans had already visited this universe and set up the program for dropping spores. He took a deep breath knowing that it was now beginning. He hoped the plan would work but he worried about how the Invaders were going to respond. The Empires ships werent ready to take on the Black Ships. He worried about Jenna and the baby.
Alex, the Algeans are delivering the spores. Are you any closer to a solution?
No, Grace. It appears that we are going to have to take an entirely new approach to the power delivery and it appears that the process will take years to complete.
Grace was frightened, Why!?!
We cant get a teleport screen close enough to a star to make the transfer. The heat is just too much for them.
Alex, you have to know what that means.
I do, but I cant just conjure up what we need. We really believe the new process will work, but its going to take years to put in place.
Grace teleported away, just after Alex sent a probe into her outer skin. He was going to teleport her to him if she was in trouble. She would just have to forgive him afterwards.
Scotty looked at Julie and felt his heart beat faster. She was teaching a group of ten young children the history of the Empire and somehow she was more beautiful today than he had ever seen. Grang and Geena were with her answering the childrens questions and he knew that it was a moment like this that made all the effort worth it. He didnt know what the future held but he knew that he was blessed with a love that was larger than the universe. He waited until the class ended and then walked up to her. She smiled and saw his expression Is something wrong?
No, I just need you to spend some alone time with me. I want to go back to our home on Bristone and have some time to ourselves if your schedule allows.
Julie stood and bowed, You could order me to go, Your Majesty.
Then you are so ordered.
Julie came into his arms. Scotty hit his com, Timmy, you and Virze will assume command in my absence. The Queen and I are taking a trip.
Well arrive momentarily, Your Majesty.
Scotty held Julie and looked at New Hope from the top floor of the new capital building and saw the capital of the empire was growing at a phenomenal rate. He longed for the simple surroundings of Bristone. Julie looked up at him and he smiled, Lets go home, my love.
Julie held on tight as Greyson teleported them on board and took them home. Three weeks later Scotty stepped down from the throne of the Empire and named Tim and Virze Valrico as the new Emperor and Empress. He didnt know why but he knew he wanted every moment possible to be spent loving Julie. The Empire worried about the change initially but the new Royal Family quickly put their fears to rest. Grang and Geena continued their roles as the Emperors body guards.
Greyson missed Timmy when he became Emperor but was excited that Robby and Dani had asked him and Grace to accept them as their new partners. He knew that Scottys son was going to be heavily involved in the defense of the Empire and Grace also accepted their request; they became a formidable team.
Grang would visit Scotty occasionally and saw that he was finally at peace and truly happy. He loved his adopted brother and knew he had to let him go and continue his quest to pay back his sins. He hoped that he and Geena would find the same peace one day. Scotty and Julie would be safe on Bristone.
Alex and Vring were getting the probe ready to trial its ability to absorb extreme heat. Kreej got a faraway look and said, Im going to leave you soon.
Vring turned around and looked at Kreejs thoughts. Alex said, Why, were at an important point in the new process.
Vring said, He has to go, Alex.
Why!
Robby and Dani are going to attempt to steal a dimensional drive from one of the Invaders ships.
Alex was shocked at the statement and didnt know what to say. Vring looked at Kreej, You know the risk?
We do but, if the spores work, we wont have another opportunity like this one.
Are they sure that this is the time?
No, but they sense they need to make the attempt.
When are you going?
Well be leaving tomorrow to find a suitable candidate.
Alex interrupted, Then assist us today. This experiment will determine whether or not were on the right track.
Fair enough; Ill leave after the probe sends its data.
Robby and Dani hugged each other and waited for Grace to arrive. Dani, are you sure you see yourself involved in this?
Yes, I do.
Robby shook his head slowly, I dont get that sense when I think about it.
Robby, I knew when we were originally selecting weapons for our armor at the Defense Facility that I would need those slugs. Trust me; you are going to need me there.
Robby shrugged but realized that Danis sense of anticipating danger was more developed than his. He knew he had to make the effort to steal the drive but he got no sense of what the outcome would be. He sighed and held her tighter, Are you bringing Neelah with you?
No, I sense that would be a mistake. Kreej is the one we need to take with us. Hes going to play an important role is this mission.
Do you know where were going to make this happen?
Yes, I do. Were going wherever the Algeans are currently located and I do have a sense of them not cooperating.
Robby frowned, Do tell.
I dont understand it but I know they will be a problem.
Are you ready to go?
Yes, we are Grace. Is Kreej with you?
Yes, he just teleported on board.
Robby and Dani turned on their armor and teleported to Graces Bridge. Dani went to the command chair and checked the systems status, Grace, go to full stealth and take us to the universe the Invaders are currently attacking. Scan for the Algeans as soon as we arrive.
The large white ship disappeared.
Carter watched the display and saw an Invader ship above the planet where they had dropped the first packets of spores. The two Algeans were also watching their display intently and Carter didnt see anything out of the ordinary, What are you expecting to happen?
Seed turned to him, This was one of the first ships infected with our spores. We need to see if the Invaders are going to be affected.
Seed, we need to come to your location. Please send me your coordinates.
Carter heard Danis thought and saw the two Algeans turn to each other. Im sorry, but we are in the middle of some very important observations. Now would not be a good time.
We also need to be there at this time and we insist that you send us your location.
Carter watched the two Algeans talk to each other telepathically and not include him in their conversation. He heard Weed say, Im sorry, but we must decline. We cant allow this to be disturbed.
This is not a request, Weed. The Emperor has sent us to conduct an experiment of our own and we must be there as quickly as possible.
Im sorry, we cant allow that.
Carter pulled his gun from his holster and pointed it at the two Algeans, Send the coordinates.
The two Algeans turned and saw Carters gun. We cannot do that. Dont force us to take that weapon from you. We can move faster than you can hit us.
Carters armor activated and he pointed his arm at the two Algeans, Think you can do that now?
The two Algeans froze.
Carter turned on his communicator, Ive just sent you the coordinates. Im holding our two friends at gun point. Do you know whats going on here?
Grace teleported in next to Pyle and Robby and Dani then teleported on board. The Algeans didnt move or say anything. Robby looked at them and then looked at the display with the Black Ship. He turned back to the Algeans, You know why were here.