Scotty looked at them and said, Im going to use Greyson in the attack. Timmy will be there with him and I think its important for their bonding.
Grang looked at Jingo and Jingo said, Losing him would hurt the community almost as much as losing you.
Thats another thing; Im going to go in with the team.
Grang looked at Scotty and said, What does Julie say about that?
She disagrees with my decision; however, its something that I must do.
Jingo was struggling with how to tell Scotty that he was making a bad decision. He knew how Scotty was when he made up his mind but this was not a risk that should be taken. While he struggled to find the words, Grang said, Then you should take Julie in with you. Obviously, you dont hold any value for the feelings of those who find peace of mind knowing you are here protecting them. Do you find it that hard trusting your warriors to able to carry out your commands? Oh, I forgot, its always good strategy to send the commanding officer out in the first wave of attack to insure success.
Scotty looked at Grang and Jingo just stared at the huge Magrum. Grang continued, When were investing a thousand planets trying to build our new empire, are we going to have to wait for you to show up at every planet to lead the attack?
Scotty was stunned at Grangs angry remarks. You know Im the best with our new gun.
Im the best at lifting weight. Am I going to have to lift everything that has to be moved?
Scotty took a deep breath, I wouldnt want to continue ruling if anything happened to you two.
Grang put his hand on Scottys shoulder, Sometimes you must do those things you would rather avoid. Its called command. That is your calling. He looked at Jingo, Ours is much easier and a lot more fun. We get to go play with these toys.
Jingo said, You know hes right.
Scotty looked at his two best friends and shook his head, I guess Im forced to agree with you. When Grang talks like Jingo and Jingo like Grang, something dramatic is happening. Ill let Julie know; shes been really worried.
Lets get this party started. Jingo laughed, Ill notify all those participating in the exercise and well get together tomorrow morning at the learning center.
Scotty sighed and nodded. He missed being in the center of all the action. He understood how Bleath felt now. The warrior in him craved taking part but he knew they were right.
Greyson and Timmy were in stealth mode above New Ulmerton. They watched the sun go below the horizon and watched the building that housed the Military Database on the display. Are you sure about shaping the screen?
Im positive, Timmy. Im not going to activate it unless I sense the Searcher overhead is activating his weapons.
Will you have enough time?
Oh, yes. My upgrades have made a significant difference in my reaction time. The problem will be if more than two Searchers come to this location.
They shouldnt do that if BC and Grace are hitting Dauluns Castle.
Well see.
Timmy thought a moment and decided to ask, How do you feel about killing one of the Searchers here. I know theyre your friends.
Thats why the Emperor put me here instead of the castle. He knows that would be asking too much. His wisdom really makes me glad to be a part of his Empire. However, if I had to do it to protect you; I will.
Try to avoid it if you can. I dont want you to have to endure more suffering over decisions forced on you.
That decision wont be forced. Its one Ill make willingly.
Greyson had his passive scanners extended and Tesa said, One hour to launch. Everything looks normal.
Timmy stared at the display and hoped the plan worked. They would know shortly. Mallory had told them that the night commander reported to the building at eleven pm each night and the armored door to the building would be opened for him. Fifty minutes to go.
Jingo looked at Grang, Are you ready?
Um.
Dont get all brave and do something stupid going in that door.
Um
I mean it.
According to Mallory there will only be two soldiers opening the door so Ill only have to deal with three of them. Even you could do that on your worst day.
Jingo looked at Grang. What?
Um. Grang actually smiled and mounted his Zord. It was almost show time and this is what made it all worthwhile. He lifted and began his climb into Bristones sky as Jingo, Nathan, and Mallory rose behind him.
Traffic was not allowed after dark on the street where the Military Institute of Advanced Studies was located. However there were vehicles parked along the street and the Zord were going to have to fly above them to arrive at the entrance. Timmy watched as the Night Commander approached the entrance on foot. When he was two hundred yards away he sent a message. Grang was circling on Bristone above the one way teleport screen waiting for Timmys message. He heard, Go!
Megee dove from ten thousand feet and accelerated at an incredible speed toward the huge silver screen in front of them and disappeared through it. The huge Zord had enough speed to glide the four miles toward the entrance. Three hundred yards out Grang stood and ran down Megees back and slid down his tail. They came in quickly and Megee went vertical and dropped his tail to the street. Grang released his grip, rolled twice, and came to his feet running twenty feet behind the night commander. The two soldiers opening the door had pulled the massive door open and Grang came around the commander and rolled into the hallway below the scanner being used to scan the commanders face. The three Provincial Soldiers felt a quick breeze and they looked up at the Sky. Megee had turned over below the tops of the buildings and flew a mile back up the street and landed between two large military carriers.
Tesa?
The door has moved but has not completely closed. There is no light coming around the edge. It looks like Grang was successful.
Timmy sent the message.
Nathan, Mallory, and Jingo flew at high speed through the silver screen and their Flyers glided down the long street and landed in front of the entrance. The riders dismounted quickly and the Zord moved to stand next to the walls of the buildings on the opposite side of the street. One of the guards felt the breeze of their passing and looked around but didnt see anything. The three riders ran up to the huge door and slipped inside through the narrow opening Grang had left.
Mallory went in first and immediately saw the three bodies against the back wall. It was clear that Grang had used his short swords to eliminate them. Blood was everywhere.
Mallory looked at Nathan and pointed ahead and held up four fingers. Jingo took the lead and moved up the corridor. At the end of the hall he looked around the corner and saw four guards with blasters sitting in chairs talking. He and Grang turned the corner and quietly moved toward them. Nathan put his hand on Mallorys shoulder and held up his hand telling her to wait. He counted to ten and took her hand and led her around the corner. The four guards were still in their chairs but were missing their heads which were placed in their laps.
Mallory ran by them and punched in a code on an electronic lock that opened a door to a stairway. The four entered and climbed three flights. She held up two fingers on her right hand and three on her left. Jingo looked at Grang and pointed right. He looked at Nathan and pointed left. He held up one finger. Grang and Nathan nodded and pulled the door in and slipped into the hall. The door made a small scraping sound and Mallory knew the guards were going to know they were here. She stood there with her gun debating what to do when Nathan opened the door and pulled her through.
Mallory now knew the hardest part of the exercise was about to happen. She turned off her Zecka and went to the door that protected the Military Database Computer. She prayed they had not changed the entry code and she entered her fathers birthday. The light turned green and she stepped through. The eight guards in the room jumped up and raised their blasters as she entered. She looked at the guards and said, Hey, what are you doing? My father needs some information and he sent me to get it.