Vring, tell Michael to follow that cat and see what happens. Also, Im going to throw him the spark I have. Id prefer he have it just in case.
Vetah flew under Vring and Scotty dropped the arrow with its head inside a food pouch. It fell on Vetahs back and Michael put it in his quiver.
He says hell let you know. Ive also asked one of our warriors to follow them just in case Vetah gets tired.
Good idea, Zreeg.
Zreeg paused a moment and said, White Hair, Bleath and Vring have returned to our home.
Take me there, Zreeg. The giant Zord turned and headed toward the three mountains in the south. Scotty hit his bracelet, BC, the spark performed exactly as you predicted. How many of those sparks do you have in your inventory?
About ten billion.
Scotty was stunned by the number, Did you say billion with a b? Why so many?
Cynthia was the commanding officer of the Searchers designated to attack the garrisons in the Keepers universe. We originally thought we would have to attack more than twelve million garrisons and our Searchers were loaded with millions of the weapons. They were called wasps, and were designed to home in on a Keepers thought frequency. Cynthia had me loaded with a huge number to resupply her Searchers in the event some of them ran low. I removed that guidance system from the sparks I gave you.
BC, why werent you in the Realms galaxy when it left?
BC sighed, She had me personally deliver a new probe to one of the eight trading partners to protect them from Keepers jumping in close with their universal drives. While she was in one of the new white ships the Algeans built, I waited for the probe on one of their planets. I delivered it and then jumped over to one of their fleets attempting to attack one of our members. I wanted to update Cynthia on their new tactics. That trip cost me the opportunity to leave with the Realm. While I was collecting information, the Realms galaxy disappeared and my teleport board shorted out.
BC?
Yeah, Anglo?
I was thinking about that. You are a much more powerful ship than I am. I asked Timmy about whether or not my teleport board could be used to replace yours, and he says it possibly could.
Anglo, I appreciate what youre offering, but I couldnt accept that gift. I can handle most of the ships we may encounter. Youll need that board if you run into another Gamma Ship.
Well, it really doesnt matter. Timmy said the learning center doesnt have the militarys data base. Without it, he couldnt make it work. He has to have the wiring diagrams to make the change.
BC didnt respond. Scotty said, BC, what are you thinking?
Scotty, excuse me, Your Majesty. The Realm established a secret military complex in the five Provinces. It was one of the most closely guarded secrets of the Realm. Not more than six people outside of the Royal Family knew of its existence. It is located close to a white dwarf star, whose gamma ray emissions hide its location. That base was put there by the Gardners when they were still ruling the Provinces. The Algeans took over its command after the Gardners disappeared and updated the facility to their standards. There might be some ships still there that were made before the Algeans started putting the destruct mechanisms in the teleportation consoles. It also has an updated Military data base. It was automatically updated every time Fleet Command updated their main computer. It was connected via a master teleport communication relay.
BC, you and Anglo should start calling me by my first name whenever we are in private conversation. Were all friends here. Do you know where the complex is located?
Yes, I do. It was part of my update when Cynthia was promoted to Vice-Admiral. Only Senior Flag Officers were given that information.
What made you think of this?
According to my data base, there are seven ships of Anglos class that have never been imprinted. Their cybernetic computers were never activated so there should be a teleportation console available, if we can get the complex to allow us entry.
What do you mean, Allow?
That complex is fully armed with the most modern weapons of the Algeans. Those weapons can kill a Gamma. You must have the entry protocol in order to approach it.
I dont want to ask this, but do you have that protocol?
No, I dont.
Flap. I was hoping you would.
I do know the main computer.
You do?
Yes. I think she likes me, but I dont know if her programming would allow her to override her defenses.
How do you know her?
She was moved from Melanie Gardners Alpha Ship when Melanie moved into Fly Girl. Melanie insisted she be given the position when Fleet Command decided to build the complex.
Well, I think we need to make the effort.
Theres more you should know, especially you, Anglo.
What?!?
There are automated construction facilities that could update your screens and weapons to those of a Gamma Ship.
Scotty sighed, First, we go see Bleath. Then I need to go visit a certain King. After that, well see if the complex is willing to help us.
Anglo?
Yes, BC?
Your offer means a lot to me. I know the value of your gift. Thanks.
Its the right thing to do to make us stronger. Youd do the same for me.
Im glad you know that, Brother.
Zreeg flew in toward the center mountain peak and saw that the Zord Flocks were gathered. Scotty asked, Zreeg, whats going on?
It appears we are going to go home. Bleath will tell you the rest.
Zreeg flew in over the last row of trees and flared his wings as he landed next to Bleath. All the Zord lowered their heads to the ground waiting for him to land. Please rise, Great Flyers. I am honored by your homage.
Bleath rose on his back legs, Our families on our home world were overjoyed at our return, White Hair. They have not had a royal descendant for more than two thousand cycles and they are still celebrating my visit.
What do you mean Royal Descendant?
You dont know how our leaders are selected, do you?
No, I just assumed you were elected by the flocks.
Our leaders are chosen by a color on their throat. As you have seen, when we are not shifting colors, Vring and I have a dark green band that runs around our necks. The one with the widest green band is the acknowledged Ruler of our Flocks. Vring and I possess the widest bands in our families, thus, we are the Rulers. When our six ancestors were taken from our home world, our parents were the only Royal Couple on the planet. Our eggs were the only ones they laid. There has not been a green band Zord since we were taken. All of us possess the green band on our throats and will be going home to help lead our brothers. They have struggled since our parents left to be with the Air God.
Congratulations, Bleath. They couldnt have chosen a wiser or better leader.
White Hair, you and your communities must go with us to our home world.
Scotty furrowed his brow, Why is that?
Because you are our Royal Leader.
Scotty was shocked into silence.
Bleath continued, When I gave you my oath to follow you, it meant any of those under my care were also bound to that oath. There was great consternation when I told our families that I had given the Oath of Reverence to you. Then I shared with them what you had done to earn that honor. I also showed them how you had removed their attackers from our home. The flocks immediately rejoiced at having such a great leader to follow. Our warriors were the happiest of all. You must bring your communities to our world and join us. You are our Royal Rider and its vitally important that you come and take us toward our destiny.