Chapter Twelve
S cotty watched the sorrow of Wesley and Carrie. Grang looked at Scotty and said, It appears she was loved very deeply by them.
We know their pain, Grang. Now they are going to have to rise above it and turn their back on revenge. Grang stared at Scotty. Her father rules another Kingdom. If Wesley takes his revenge, there will be interstellar war. Millions, possibly billions, will die.
They are responsible for their actions.
How many Madelines will die if we allow that to happen?
There was only one Madeline.
That you know of, Grang. Are you willing to allow that to happen?
Grang looked at the floor and said, No, I guess not. The three archers sat and waited in silence for the two to express their pain.
Michael sat and wished there was something he could do for Carrie. He sighed and waited with a heavy heart.
After an hour, Carrie sat up and wiped her tears on her sleeve. Wesley was too weak to stand. He looked at Scotty and said, After my wife died, I didnt want to go on. But I had Carrie to think about. King Talben came to Junes funeral and his daughter came with him. She took time to comfort me and seemed to understand my pain. She later invited me to her planet and there she seemed to show sincere interest. When Talben suggested a marriage to unite our kingdoms, I agreed. Now I can see all the manipulations that were done to rope me in. Carrie warned me, but I was blinded by the compliments. Wesley looked at Scotty, What do you mean kill millions of my subjects?
What do you think Talben will do if you kill his daughter and grandson?
Wesley thought and Carrie said, He will come in force and take control of our planets. The only reason he hasnt done it before is because of that Searcher we had in our fleet. Im sure he knows we lost it, and Marandas grab for power was the first step in annexing us into his kingdom.
Scotty looked at Wesley, How important are those under your rule to you?
Extremely.
Then why the brutality being used against your citizens?
What brutality?
Scotty shook his head, How long has it been since you visited your colonies?
Wesley sighed, Ive not gone anywhere since June died. Maranda has insisted I stay here with her.
Werent you afraid of her fathers fleet?
No, we discovered that Searcher Class ship and he didnt have anything to stand up to it.
Scotty was silent. Scotty? he heard from his com.
BC, I was wondering if you had something to say.
I was wrong.
And now, where are your loyalties?
They are with you, but Wesley should know the truth.
Who is that?
That is the former Searcher you had in your fleet.
What does it mean, I should know?
I was sent here by King Talben to infiltrate your fleet and assist him in conquering your kingdom.
Wesley was shocked, How is that possible? I discovered you three years before June died.
Im sorry, your Highness, but hes been making plans to take your kingdom for more than ten years. He actually used a subordinate to put the plan in Marandas mind. He determined that he couldnt force her into a marriage. It had to be her idea.
BC, why did you assist him?
I didnt want to see billions die. His plan would have taken control and there would be little loss of life.
You mentioned brutality on Wesleys planets. That was being done by Talbens men?
Yes, Scotty. It would have made the transition easier. I know you have cause to doubt my honesty now. But Ive seen that you are the only one I can follow and keep my principles.
Carrie looked at Scotty, What are you going to do? If you have that Searcher in your fleet you can conquer us.
Scotty smiled at Carrie and said, You, out of everyone, should remember.
Carrie furrowed her brow. Michael said, He promised your fathers safety until this issue is resolved. Obviously, our target is not your father, but King Talben. Until he is resolved, we are sworn to protect your father, and his subjects are included in that promise.
Carrie looked at Scotty and he nodded. I learned something. I made a promise when I didnt have all the facts. I wont make that mistake again. However, Michael is right. This issue wont be resolved until I deal with Talben. That means your father is safe until that happens.
And then?
Wesley looked at Scotty, When the Zord entered my mind and examined my memory, I asked them why they were your citizens. The big one showed me. You could have destroyed the ships I sent to their planet. Why didnt you?
If I removed your fleet, I thought anarchy would break out on your planets. I was given false information by BC.
I am so sorry, Your Majesty.
You are going to have to work to make up for that, BC. However, you are forgiven. You were doing what you thought would save life. I understand your reasons. Scotty looked back at Wesley, I do not condone loss of life when it can be avoided.
I saw your bravery defending the Zord against those animals. Im ashamed that I have not protected my own subjects. Ive just stayed mired down in my sorrow. Wesley looked at Carrie and then said, Can you protect us from Talben?
BC, you know what he has to use against us. What do you think?
You can defeat him.
But?
There will be huge loss of life on Wesleys planets. Talbens fleet is much larger than King Varners. Plus, he has ten of the ancient Ultraships that can jump in close to a planet.
Are they kept together in one place?
No, they are scattered around his kingdom. He also knows the risk of a facing a Searcher.
What do you think he will do if we attack?
Hell send those Ultraships to ten of King Varners planets, and threaten to kill every inhabitant if he doesnt surrender. It was that tactic that made me decide to help him. I cant get all ten before they kill a planet.
Then we have to make him come to us.
How do we do that?
Scotty looked at Wesley and said, Youve got to make a call to him and tell him that you were kidnapped and taken to the Zords planet. The creatures read your mind and then came and took Miranda and her son. You have got to act distraught. Tell him you are planning an attack on the planet and should he assist you in the rescue.
Why would he do that?
He wont. He thinks the Searcher was destroyed. If you leave here with your fleet, he will come to seize control of your capital. Tell him youll leave a few ships in the outer system and take the bulk of your fleet to rescue his daughter and grandson.
What makes you so sure he wont go to rescue them with me?
He wont take his ships where he might face something that destroyed a Searcher. No, those that lust after power are consumed by it. Hell weep for the loss of his daughter and grandson, but hell do nothing to save them. Not when he can conquer your kingdom so easily.
You could just as easily conquer us if we leave.
Scotty shrugged.
Carrie said, You dont care if we refuse your help. Youre hoping we do, dont you?
Again, Scott shrugged.
Carrie turned to Wesley, He will not conquer us, Father. We should follow his plan.
Wesley and Scotty were both shocked by her statement. Carrie looked at Scotty, You believe in the old principles of the Ancient Realm. You made a promise to protect us. If you violate that promise, you turn your back on honor. The Zord would not choose someone with such a lack of honor. You will defend us because you have to.
Wesley looked at Scotty and said, Thats why you did not run from the giant animals. You would have lost your honor.
Michael said, He is placing the Zord in jeopardy to keep his promise to you.
Why do you say that?
Scotty said, Because you are going to have to take your fleet to their system. Im certain the good King has informers in high places in your fleet. Hell know if you dont go. I trust you to not harm my citizens.