The three communities were also growing to like their new home. The native Zord had started arriving and began teaching them which things on the planet were edible and which were not. The communities were thriving, and many stopped carrying their bowguns within the borders of their town. Julie looked at Grang and said, You have no idea how much I hated you.
Grang looked at her and said, Yes, I do. The Zord shared your feelings about me during that initial gathering. You were right to feel that way.
Julie stared at him and said, I believe you. Now, I expect you to watch out for my husband.
It will be my honor, your Highness.
Julie smiled and looked at Scotty. Hes not the same Magrum I knew.
And Im not the same after seeing his thoughts. One must see their crimes from the perspective of the victim to understand their mistakes.
Uh oh. Youre planning something?
Yes, I am, and you have a role now that you must accept.
What is that?
You will rule in my absence.
Scotty, the communities will never accept that!
They will and they have. Youve not noticed that most will stumble in their haste to do the slightest thing you ask?
Well, they do that out of respect to you.
Grang said, Thats not true. Ive listened to them, and they love you. You have earned your place in their hearts, and they trust you with their lives.
Julie stared at the big Magrum and Scotty said, I am not going to make a pronouncement. You will assume your role and do what is necessary in my absence. The leaders of each community will support you. I expect you to do what you think is necessary. Will you do that for me?
Julie took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Ill try.
Thats all I ask, my love.
Where are you going?
I have an issue with the former King of this planet. He hasnt sent any more ships, but I know hes planning a welcome for us when we go visiting. He should be confronted by his victims.
When are you leaving?
Tomorrow. Im taking Jingo, Michael, and Grang.
Thats all?!?
Well, Anglo and BC will also be in attendance.
Good. Im not as worried now. Julie paused and said, Whose bowgun is that standing in the corner?
Grang said, It is mine, your Highness.
Grang, that bowgun is set on a ten power setting. Whats the velocity?
Fifty six hundred feet per second.
Julie looked at Scotty and he said, He fires it easier that I do mine. He wanted one at fifteen but we arent able to make one that strong yet. The chambers keep blowing out. Were reluctant to keep wasting the compressors.
Julie looked at Grang in his Zecka and saw how big he was. He was one powerful Magrum. Have you discussed how youre going to handle it with Jingo?
Yes. He said we should just crash the Kings party and show up unannounced.
Thats Jingos style.
I tend to support the idea. If we let them know were coming, there will be huge loss of life. Im sure well have to destroy their ships. Those ships are more important than the King.
Why are you taking Michael?
BC says he is also a latent psychic. We should include him in most of our major operations. Hes smart; you even might say brilliant. His bowgun prowess is as good as any of us. He also believes in our core principles. He wont act rashly. I also sense he should go with us. Im not sure where that feeling is coming from.
Just be careful, Scotty.
You know me.
Thats why Im asking you.
Scotty sighed and Grang smiled. He had decided that his mission to protect Madelines son was worthy of his debt. He also found he liked this new Emperor. Maybe he could be killed while defending him. He longed for the peace of death.
King Wesley Varner sat on his throne and checked with his fleet commander, Anything on your scanners?
Nothing, Your Majesty.
They should have come by now.
I agree. Perhaps they are going to just leave us alone?
Would you?
No, I wouldnt. I would have been here weeks ago. I wouldnt want extra defenses added while I waited.
Well, maybe were wrong and theyre not coming.
The King heard a voice, No, both of you are quite right.
The King looked around the throne room and didnt see anyone. He slowly reached for the blaster leaning against his throne and an arrow came out of nowhere and pinned his sleeve to the huge throne. Now, reaching for a blaster is not a way to make guests feel welcome. A man in a light green uniform appeared ten feet in front of him. A giant Magrum appeared next to his throne, walked forward, and removed the blaster.
Wesley sat back in his chair and saw a Cainth appear to the right holding a drawn bowgun pointed at him. You might inform your Admiral that you will be indisposed for a while.
Wesley looked at his display and said, They are here in the throne room. Do not rush in here. They have some kind of gun pointed at me.
A what?
Ill tell you later.
Scottys com beeped, Theres someone hiding behind the throne.
Michael still had his Zecka shifting colors and he eased around the throne and saw a young woman holding a blaster. He raised his bowgun and said, I would never endanger a female; especially one as beautiful as you. However, if you dont drop that blaster, I am going to be forced to end your life. I beg you not to make me live with that memory.
The king heard the exchange and quickly turned around in his chair, Carrie, are you back there? Dont be stupid. Do as they say.
Carrie looked around and couldnt see where the voice was coming from. She couldnt let them harm her father. She was prepared to die, but then she heard. I would really hate to kill your King, but I will if you dont do as we ask.
Carrie dropped the blaster and it rose in the air. A young man appeared two feet from her and said, Thank you. The universe would not be as beautiful without you in it.
She frowned and walked from behind the throne.
Wesley looked at her, How many times have I told you not to sneak in here? Now youre trapped and I cant save you.
Michael said, She has nothing to fear from us. She is innocent and we will not harm her, except to defend ourselves.
Scotty looked at the King and said, You know why were here?
Wesley replied, You said something to my Admiral about those beasts being your citizens.
Carrie saw, out of the corner of her eye, one of the Kings guards sneak in behind the throne from a hidden door. He raised a blaster. She saw the young man that had taken her blaster whip a short sword out of his belt and throw it at the guard. A second blade instantly followed the first. He moved faster than she could see. The first sword cut the blaster down the length of its barrel and the second caught the guards backpack and pinned him to the wall. The backpack was only an inch above the guards shoulder and the green clad archer had hit it perfectly. An arrow ripped by her face, and she felt it pass through several strands of her hair. The arrow hit the door the guard had entered on the edge of its opening, and slammed the door shut. She saw the arrow was embedded all the way to the fletching. No one was coming through that door now. She looked and saw a giant yellow-colored creature lower his bowgun. The King saw the shot and knew he was in imminent danger. That shot was impossible. He had never known of a Magrum using a weapon that fired arrows.
Carrie appeared calm but she still felt that arrow flying through her hair. She didnt know if she lived because the creature had missed or if it had done it intentionally. She walked calmly around the throne and sat down beside her father. Her heart was beating incredibly fast, but she maintained her calm appearance.
Michael watched her and was amazed at the young womans composure. If the same shot had been made that close to him, he probably would have needed to change his uniform. He shook his head at her.