Scotty said, Timmy, you and Tesa have done a remarkable job.
Timmy said Dont forget, Vring.
Scotty smiled, Yes, and certainly Vring as well. Now I have something to tell you. Timmy tilted his head wondering what Scotty was going to say. Greyson has requested that you be his partner. I am hoping that you will accept the position.
Everyone smiled as Timmys eyes grew wide and a smile split his face. Thats great! Does that mean Im a Searcher?
Scotty nodded and then saw Timmys smile fade, What about, Tesa?
Scottys com buzzed and he pressed it, Timmy, there are two chairs on my bridge. It wouldnt be the same without the two of you together. Certainly she will have a home here.
Timmy jumped straight up and ran away from the group toward the distant hill yelling Tesas name. Scotty watched him leave as Nathan smiled, His world is now complete. He has dreamed of traveling the stars since he was old enough to look up at them.
Scotty smiled, Greyson, your beams will be increased as soon as we can get Timmy and Tesa back. We will also repair your teleportation board.
Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored by your trust and I will defend the Empire.
Scotty smiled and thought about what to do about New Ulmertons King.
Grang said, Do you mind if I have a shot with that gun?
Scotty handed it to Grang, Some things never change.
Nathan said, Im next.
Mallory stood up, You can have it after me.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the former princess, What?
Grang said, Welcome to my world.
Even Mallory burst out laughing. Grang said, What?
Scotty and Julie looked at Bleath and watched as he lowered his head, How may I serve you, Your Majesty?
Bleath, we have learned that the current ruler of New Ulmerton is planning to destroy the planet.
That doesnt surprise me.
Why is that?
Ive seen the BCs recordings and he is ruthless. I wondered what he would do if there was a chance one of his relatives would take his place. Its not a leap to believe that he would destroy the planet before he let them take it.
Im thinking about taking control of the planet. New Ulmerton has the most industrial capacity of any planet in this sector and we can use those factories. Im not going to allow him to destroy it but then if we dont take control, were left with a world controlled by a ruthless military and a Royal Family that is little better than the king.
How do you intend to control the military and the population?
I plan to replace the King with his daughter. I suspect the civil population would accept her as ruler.
Bleath lowered his head, Now that might work. How do you intend to handle the military?
I was thinking about taking the flyers to make that happen. However, this is not a fight that directly affects your world. I wanted to see how you felt about it.
How would you get them there?
Well teleport them straight to the planet.
Bleath looked at the four elders with him and then turned back to Scotty, Were in this with you, White Hair. If you sent the riders without their Zord, I would have my legs full stopping them from demanding you send them as well.
There could be significant loss of life.
Just like the Night of the Torg, some things are worth fighting for, Your Majesty.
Thank you Bleath. I wish there was another way. Well be facing modern weapons and it could turn into something deadly.
I see youre going after that machine on the planet first.
Scotty nodded I guess theres no hiding whats going on. I think I have to go after it before the King leaves. Im certain hell attempt to take it with him and once its on another planet well lose track of where it is. That database will be what we need to build our defenses against future attacks. Im especially interested in the probes that would allow us to move the planet if things turn ugly.
I have a suggestion on how to help you succeed.
Julie looked at Scotty and said, We could use any suggestion that would improve their chances of making it out alive.
Instead of having them walk to the location, teleport them in with a flyer and fly to the building. Go on a night where the moon is dark and you shouldnt be seen. One of the flyers could carry the device out and you can just teleport them away when they clear the Kings protective screens.
Scotty looked at Julie and then said, Let me talk about it with my team. I think that is a good idea. Let me see what our Searchers have seen and see if the flight in and out is possible.
Why take only the flyers for the team. Take enough to cover your escape.
Scotty smiled, Bleath, are your warriors getting restless?
Bleath laughed, Now whos the mind reader. We are at heart hunters and things have really gotten to be pretty tame around here. Id go with you if I could get away with it. Scotty saw the four Elders vigorously shaking their heads.
I understand, my friend. Ill let you know after I run this by Jingo and Grang.
Its always good to see you, White Hair.
Yes it is, Bleath.
Jingo and Grang were in the forest trialing one of the new spark guns. Timmy had developed a device that would launch a disc made of ging tree wood at high speed across the clearing. The trick was to hit the disc as it flew across with the marking beam. Jingo was good but Grang was amazing. He didnt miss.
How do you do that?
Just keep it in the sights. The beam is moving at the speed of light so there is no need to lead the target. Your use of a bow has affected your aim.
Scotty walked up and watched them shoot. Jingo turned and saw him, Hey, why dont you come give it a try?
Scotty smiled and said, Stand back and learn. Scotty took the gun and said, Im ready.
The disc shot out of the launcher and Scotty hit it before it had gone twenty feet. He looked at Grang and Jingo staring at him and said, Can you launch more than one?
Jingo looked at Grang, Oh, so now we have a showoff. How many would you like, Your Majesty?
Lets try three.
Grang grunted.
Jingo raised the control and said, I agree. He pushed the button and three discs shot out across the clearing. Scotty aimed and fired three times in quick succession. All three discs were hit.
Jingo and Grang stared at Scotty. He handed the gun to Jingo and said, I guess you should leave the shooting in the hands of a professional. Scotty waited a moment and said, By the way, I had Vring work on my vision. He helped me learn how to follow objects just like when he taught me how to fire the bowguns.
Jingo looked at Grang and said, Looks like its back to school. Grang tilted his head and nodded. Jingo turned to Scotty, What brings you out to the forest?
Bleath has offered to fly the team in to take the database and Im thinking it might be a good idea. I wanted to see what the two of you thought about it.
Jingo thought about it, Scotty, I need to see a detailed aerial map of the location. Youll need two hundred feet of overhead clearance to fly an adult Zord in. I can tell you right now theyll have to come in lower than the surrounding buildings.
Scotty nodded and Grang asked, Why.
Because Im sure there are scanners on the tops of the buildings scanning for incoming aircraft that would detect a Zord.
Jingo turned to Scotty, Maybe we should get together on one of the ships and take a look at their videos.
Jessica would be the best choice for that. She has the most time in the New Ulmerton System. We need to get Nathan, Timmy, Mallory, and the flyers together so we can all be on the same page.
Jingo looked at Grang and Grang asked, Why does Timmy need to be there?