Virze held Timmy and said, Grace, take us home.
Grace teleported away just before fifty ships and the new Fleet Master arrived. The new Master had received the good news of having captured one of the small ships but there was nothing remaining in the system but destruction. No one survived to tell what had happened. He looked at his communication panel and saw the connection to the Ruling Masters illuminate. He had notified them that he had captured one of the enemys ships. He pressed the button and knew he was dead.
Chapter Fifteen
Robby and Carter sat on Pyle and shook their heads. Kreej, do you sense anything?
No, Carter, I dont.
Robby looked down on the planet and knew they had guessed wrong again. Pyle, call Dani and ask them to meet us at Bristone.
Theyre on their way.
Carter shook his head, What are you going to do?
Go home and think about this. Weve been at this for eight months and are no closer than when we started.
Carter hit his chair arm with a fist, I know hes here somewhere.
I agree, Carter, but where? Do you have any other ideas?
Carter shook his head. He stood up and walked to the view port and stared at the planet below. I feel something just barely below my consciousness yelling at me how to find him but I just cant get to it.
Lets go home and find out whats been happening.
Pyle said, On my way.
They arrived above Bristone and Robby thought, Dani, have everyone meet after dark at the fire.
Will do.
The six tired travelers sat at the fire watching the flames. Robby sat with Dani beside him still not making contact. Kreej and Neelah were lying on the ground just inside the logs feeling the warmth of the fire. Carter was leaning back against a log with Jenna under his arm. Jenna sighed, I just knew he would be at one of those ten planets left behind.
Robby frowned, He could very well be there and not allowing us to hear his thoughts. However, we did a good search with our scanners. If hes still there, hes able to avoid them. I guess I just have to give in and realize we arent going to find him.
Dani shook her head, Maybe were wrong and none were left behind. Perhaps it realized there was no time and left to make the move.
Jenna said, I really thought that if anyone could come up with where to find it, Carter would do it.
Carter looked down at Jenna, Why do you say that?
Because youre always in the center of everything that happens. I may have doubted your ability at first but youve proven yourself so many times during our search.
Jenna saw Carters expression change. He started laughing.
Robby said, Whats so humorous?
Carter said, Weve been going about this all wrong and its my fault.
Even the two Zord straighten up.
Carter continued, What can we guess about this imagined Algean?
Hes obviously brilliant.
Thats true, Dani. But consider this. What could possibly make an Algean miss a dead line?
Im not sure what you mean?
Robby, when is an Algean not in full control?
Robby lowered his head then looked up, When theyre an adolescent.
Exactly! If something catches their interest, it is next to impossible to stop them from investigating. They cant stop themselves. I suspect thats what caused them to miss the move.
Kreej said, Are you saying that this Algean was an adolescent?
That would explain a lot. But knowing that it was an adolescent tells us where to find him. Jenna made me see it.
Jenna did a double take, See what?
Carter stood up and looked out of the clearing toward the forest, If the Algean was an adolescent, it would be drawn to the most interesting places in our universe. Carter looked back at Robby, Where is the most interesting place in this universe?
Robby smiled, Youre standing on it.
Carter took his index finger and tipped an imaginary hat. He stepped over the log and walked to the edge of the forest and stopped next to a tall bush, Well, are you going to say anything?
I guess ya caught me.
The two Zord and Jenna were stunned.
What gave me away?
This fire is where all major decisions are made. Its where we discuss new technology, where were going next, and what our plans are. You were drawn here and you could not resist coming.
The tall bush shrank to eight feet and stepped forward. Well, Ive missed seeing you at the fire but things have still been quite interesting.
Robby smiled, Come join us. We can discuss old times tomorrow. Youre not planning to disappear are you?
I should. The reason Ive avoided contact is because I will not give you the Realms technology. Now that is pretty much a non-issue. Your technology eclipses most of what we once used and the Defense Facility has provided you access to most of our advanced systems.
Carter smiled, How old are you?
A little over six thousand years. Im still in my learning phase.
What do we call you?
Weed would be fine.
What about your mate?
The Algean did a lurch backward, What do you mean?
Carter smiled, I know that after the success of Sprig and Twig, most adolescents were sent out in pairs to see if their development could be duplicated. Am I wrong?
Another bush stepped out of the tree line, No, youre not.
Jenna looked at Carter and smiled. Now she knew even if he didnt realize it yet; he was going to rule her Kingdom with her. She no longer felt competitive toward him. He was smarter and she knew it. He carried that ability with an innocence that was charming.
Robby stood, Welcome to our home, join us and make yourselves comfortable. Im so tired from our efforts of trying to find you that my questions can wait until tomorrow. Tonight I need to rest.
Carter said, You know why we were looking for you?
Yes. We were here at your original meeting.
Will you help us?
The two Algeans looked at each other and the female said, On that one issue, yes. However, beyond that, we are just here to observe. We were ordered not to interfere in this universes development.
Dani asked, Whats your name?
Call me Seed.
Robby said, Do you want us to keep your existence secrete?
I believe its too late for that.
Two young children had walked up and were staring at the talking plants. Robby smiled, Youre probably right. I do want to introduce you to my parents.
We look forward to meeting them. We have a lot of questions about his decisions.
Robby suddenly straightened up and appeared to be listening to something. Dani also seemed distracted. Kreej said, Oh no.
Carter and Jenna watched them and Jenna said, What?
Greyson was killed.
What about Timmy!?!
He sacrificed himself to save Grace, Timmy, and Virze. The Invaders have built a much stronger ship.
Where is Timmy?
Hes at home. He just arrived.
Jenna ran away from the fire. Carter said, I better go. Jenna has a close relationship with Timmy and that ship. This loss will hit her hard.
Robby looked at Dani and said, So it begins.
Dani smiled and came forward and hugged Robby. A brilliant blue flash erupted from them and blinded everyone at the fire. Weed looked at Seed, You were right. The worst is coming.
The Algeans caused quite a stir in the Empire and they were the hot topic for months. The two were Scottys and Julies companions for weeks following their discovery. Timmy stayed at home or wandered in the forest after Greysons death and no one could pull him out of the increasing depression ravaging the young Searcher.
Virze teleported to Criston and went to see Nathan, I need your help; Im losing my husband.