Welcome to our motley band, Grace.
Where do you want to go first?
I want to take Julie home and then pick up Virze to take a short trip.
On my way. The huge ship disappeared.
Grace appeared above Bristone and Anglo came in at high speed challenging, You will leave this system immediately or I will open fire.
Relax, Anglo. Im bringing Emperor Robbins and Her Royal Highness Juliette home.
There was a moment of silence and they heard, Grace? Is that you?
Yes it is old friend.
Wow! Youve changed.
How do you like my new clothes?
Quite impressive.
Ive sent you the entry protocol for the Defense Facility and Alex will be waiting for you when BC returns.
Why is he waiting?
You are going to be moved into a Zeta Ship. We need to upgrade you as soon as possible. Alex will explain when you get there.
Are you in a Zeta Ship?
Yes, I am.
I kinda hate to leave this ship. Its like family.
Well save it for you and you can return once we resolve the issue confronting us.
Fair enough.
I think youll like your new home. Let me know what you think.
I will.
Scotty hugged Julie, Grace, please send Julie down to the community and see if you can find Timmy and Virze.
Its good to meet you, Grace. I look forward to working with you.
Thanks, Your Highness. Congratulations on your pregnancy.
Youre welcome. Scotty, are you coming back to make the announcement with me?
Scotty took a deep breath and said, There are some things that take precedence over work. Grace and I will delay until we can make the announcement together. Ill join you after I meet with Timmy and Virze. I may still want to delay the announcement based on what we plan. Are you ok with that?
You know I am, Scotty.
Your Majesty, Timmy is with Greyson in the Life Province. Virze is at the learning center.
Scotty smiled and kissed Julie, Go home, Ill be there momentarily. I need some personal time with you to celebrate.
Julie hugged him and disappeared from the bridge.
Grace, please teleport Virze.
Suddenly Virze appeared and was shocked at her sudden appearance on the bridge with Scotty. Whats going on? Oh, excuse me, Your Majesty.
Theres nothing to be excused, Virze. I want to make you an offer and see if it interests you.
What offer?
This is the first of a new class of Searcher Vessels. The ships name is Grace and I want you to be her partner.
Virzes eyes grew wide and she sat down on the floor, Are you serious?
Yes, I am. Ive seen how you have taken part in the planning for Bristones defense and I confess that Ive been highly impressed with what Ive seen.
Virze looked at Scotty and then said, Grace, does this meet with your approval? I know Im not worthy of you but I do promise to do my best to be a great partner. Ive been so jealous of Timmy having Greyson as his partner.
The fact that you asked about my approval goes a long way towards making me feel good about having you. Welcome aboard.
Virze looked around and said, This Bridge is a lot bigger than Greysons. How large are you?
Im a little more than 3,200 feet long.
Virze sat there with her mouth open. Then she asked, Am I the first one to be a partner on this class of ship?
You are.
Outstanding!! Now Timmy can see what jealousy feels like.
Virze, Greyson will be moved to a ship just like me soon.
Yes, but I got my ship first. Now I can give him his jacket back and get one of my own.
Youll find it in your personal quarters.
How do I get there?
Just step up to the bridges exit and say, Personal quarters and step through. When youre ready to return; say bridge and step through your door.
Oh, Grace, this is going to be the most exciting time of my life. Thank you so much for allowing me to join you! Virze jumped up and ran to the door and said, Personal Quarters, and stepped through.
Grace said, She reminds me of Melanie when she first joined me all those centuries ago.
Scotty watched Virze disappear and said, I want you to take her to the Life Province and meet Jessica and Greyson. She and you need to evaluate whats going on and help me formulate a plan on what to do next.
Well leave as soon as she comes back to the bridge. I need her to get imprinted to the systems so that she can use them.
Thanks, Grace. You know your opinion carries a lot of weight with me.
That means a lot. Im sending you down to Julie. Congratulations, again.
Scotty disappeared from the Bridge.
Virze reappeared yelling, It fits perfectly. How did you know?
I looked at you in Emperor Robbinss mind and teleported it in.
Virze tilted her head, Are you telepathic?
Yes, I am. Once youre imprinted on my systems you will be able to contact me telepathically as well.
Will that make me telepathic?
No, only with me.
Oh.
Dont act so disappointed. Once Timmy is imprinted on Greyson, youll also be able to communicate with him mentally through our communications system.
Virzes smile was huge, Great. I hate being separated from him.
Grace felt her feelings for the young woman grow. She was also an extreme level passive psychic. Her children wouldnt need a ship to communicate telepathically. Virze come and sit in the command chair and place your right hand in the indentation on the chairs arm.
Virze ran and jumped into the chair and put her hand on the arm and closed her eyes and began seeing the structure of the most powerful ship ever produced in the universe.
Chapter Nine
Greyson and Jessica were in stealth mode over the Capital of Life Province. There were a hundred Searchers with their screens overlapping Olympos protecting it. Timmy said, I dont see anything we can do. We might as well go have a shot at some of their ships.
Actually, the two of you have been given other plans for the near future.
Tesa, who said that?
I dont know.
Greyson, do you seen anything?
No, I dont.
Oh, relax. Its just me and my new partner.
Timmy frowned, Virze, is that you?
Yes it is, Tim. Ive been sent here to get you and Jess to go to the Defense Facility for further upgrades. Ive sent you some coordinates and well meet you there.
Greyson said, New Partner?
Youve got me. I dont know what shes talking about.
Lets go see. Were wasting time here.
Greyson and Jessica teleported to the coordinates and saw a huge gleaming white ship in front of them. Hi, what do you think of my new partner.
Timmy was stunned, How, what, who..
Emperor Robbins asked if I would accept a post as a Searcher on this ship and Grace allowed me to join her.
Hello Greyson and Jessica.
Jessica said, Well, I am jealous of your new outfit. If my scans are right, you are a handful of trouble for somebody.
Thank you, but dont stay jealous too long. You and Greyson are going to move into one of these ships as soon as Alex finishes with Anglo.
Silence ruled the channel. By the way, I sent one of my probes through those Searchers screens and we can listen in to the Kings conversations. Ill patch you in so you can listen while youre being upgraded.
You sent a probe through their screens?
Yes. I could just explode the castle but we have a bigger problem than that king. Alex will update you when you arrive. Ive also given you the entry protocol for the Defense Facility. You need to go now so we can start making plans. Greyson, if you will contact your family and schedule them for the upgrade I would greatly appreciate it.