June looked around, All right children, come with me and allow Nathan to have a few words with Miss Mallory. The complaints were loud but they ran after June as she walked back to the field.
Mallory looked at Nathan and said, I appreciate Julie letting you know.
Nathan furrowed his brow, I havent seen Julie.
You havent. Then why did you come here?
What was Julie supposed to tell me?
Mallory smiled and said, I told her I wanted to see you to thank you for taking me from New Ulmerton. So thank you.
What changed your mind?
The Zord were able to help me see the truth about my father. You and your friend were right; hes not a good man.
Nathan looked into Mallorys eyes and said, What happens now?
Im going to stay here.
Then Nathan remembered, What are you doing wearing a Zecka?
Mallory took a deep breath, Im going with Jingo and Drang to New Ulmerton to try and steal a military database.
Nathan felt his heart go into his throat, You cant do that. Its too dangerous, especially for you.
Mallory put her hand on his arm and he enjoyed the touch, Im a member of this community now. They cant do it without my help. All of us must do whats necessary to ensure the safety of our world.
Mallory, youre a Jongo. If youre caught youll be tortured for treason.
Im only a Jongo until I marry. Then that name will be gone forever. Mallory took his hand and said, Come and sit down a minute. I want to talk with you. Suddenly, Mallory remembered, You didnt tell me why you came here?
Nathan decided to be honest. He had to see what her response would be. Anglo is of the opinion that you and I are going to be married. I came here to see what gave him that wild notion.
Its not a notion, Nathan; hes right.
Nathan was stunned, What, why, how can
Mallory put her finger to his lips and silenced him. She stared into his eyes and said, I told you when I saw the Zords planet on the display that I had dreams about this planet since I was very young. Remember? Nathan nodded. I also told you that you were in those dreams. Nathan nodded again. I couldnt remember that dream. I tried so hard but it wouldnt come to me. I could only remember the planet and your face. I had that dream again after Kreej showed me all that has happened. I slept in the rocking chair on Julies front porch and this time I remembered it.
Nathan looked at her and felt something inside him move. He saw the inner beauty of the woman in front of him and marveled that Anglo was right. He was drawn to her and felt it. Then she said something that changed everything in his life.
Im sitting on a bed holding our new born baby girl. Youre sitting on the bed with me and I can see snow on the mountain range through the window behind you. You say to me, She has your eyes.
Nathan was speechless and Mallory continued, I didnt know if that dream was real or just something else. So I started looking at all the homes in our community that have a view of the mountains from a bedroom. There was only one that did.
Nathan looked into her eyes and said, Its my home.
Mallory felt her tears and reached forward and hugged Nathan tightly. I felt my happiness and my love for you in that dream. The happiest time in my life is ahead of me and the biggest part of that happiness is you.
Nathan knew. He lifted Mallorys face and kissed her. We need to get to know each other better.
Mallory shook her head, Ive known you my entire life. Youre going to have to catch up.
Nathan laughed out loud and hugged his new found love. Anglo was so right, this happiness was overwhelming.
June watched the couple and saw Nathan hug Mallory. She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and looked at the sky, Thank the Creator.
That evening Nathan and Mallory walked to Scottys house hand in hand and knocked on the door. Julie answered and Nathan said, If his Majesty would grant me a few moments, I need to discuss an important issue with him.
Julie looked inside and Scotty came to the door, Of course youre going with Jingo and Drang. You need to meet them for a planning session at the learning center in the morning. Scotty looked at Mallory and said, You look lovely tonight, Mallory. That big smile really becomes you. You should also attend that meeting.
Scotty raised his eyebrows and looked back at Nathan, Is there anything else?
Nathan stood wide mouthed and Mallory said, No, I think that covers it. She elbowed Nathan in the ribs and said, Right?
Nathan nodded. He shook his head and turned with Mallory back toward his house. Now he had to make sure she was not harmed in the coming attack.
Chapter Four
Niles and Toland were sitting on two rocks next to a fire in the clearing at the center of the Human Community. Niles was staring up at the night sky and took a deep breath, I have almost forgotten how beautiful the stars are. Its been so long since Ive looked at them without wondering who we were attacking next.
I used to look up at the sky with my wife. That was a very happy time for me.
Niles looked at Toland, I didnt know you had a wife?
Toland sighed and shook his head, She was killed for treason when my son turned her in for complaining about the Kings slaves.
Niles sat up straight and said, Are you serious?
Toland nodded.
I hate to be nosey but why did you serve in the Navy if the King did that?
My son was five at the time and he told his teacher what she said. He was awarded a medal and named a hero of the state.
Why didnt they come after you?
I was away in flight training. My next door neighbor commed me and told me what happened. I was devastated but knew Id be killed if I didnt take the Kings side. I told the security agents when they came that it served her right. I guess they bought it. I joined the navy to get away from my son.
Are you worried about whats going to happen to your son now that youve deserted?
Toland looked at Niles and said, I hope they kill him slowly. He is no son of mine.
Niles leaned back and looked up at the stars and slowly shook his head at all the evil that was in the Province.
Niles.
Yeah.
Im going to ask to go with them to New Ulmerton to take the database.
Why?
I hear the Princess is going to help them. I dont want her to be hurt. I also have a debt to pay for those worlds I helped conquer.
Niles looked at Toland and said, Im no longer your captain but I do consider myself your friend. Ill go with you. I also have a debt to pay.
Toland smiled, You will always be my Captain. Youre the one that remembered me when we were going to be destroyed. You also never turned me in when you knew I hated the King. Thank you, Captain. I owe you my life many times over.
Lets go see if the Emperor will allow us to go.
Scotty sat at the fire with the two former New Ulmerton sailors and said, You want to go and help steal the military database?
Yes, Your Majesty. We understand the Princess is going and we dont want to see her harmed. We also want to balance the scales on what weve done. We have both been in the building and can help the ones going to take it.
Why are you worried about the Princess? Shes the Kings daughter.
Yes but everyone knows she has a good heart.
They do?
Yes.
Well, you cant go.
You dont trust us?
Scotty looked across the fire and said, If I had to say, Id say they are trustworthy. What do you say?
Niles and Toland looked where he was looking and heard, Youd be right. They can be trusted.
Who said that?
Vring