Maranda looked at him and said, Hes dead.
Carrie and Wesley were stunned into silence.
The giant Zord carried him out over the forest and retraced the route he had followed to chase and kill a Zord Female. The warrior carrying him dropped him from high altitude over the spot where he killed her. He had plenty of time to think about his evil deeds before he landed. It will be my time shortly to make that flight with the Zord.
Carrie stared at Maranda with hate in her eyes, Why are you still alive?
Maranda looked at Carrie and said, My Father is planning to kill Ashley.
Carrie turned pale and even Wesley fell back in his chair.
My evil Father told that worthless son of mine that if Ashley didnt toughen up he was going to have to arrange an accident. Now that Ive gone missing, Ashley will be next in the line of succession. My Father will prefer my youngest brother, who we all know is rotted to the core.
Scotty looked at Wesley, She has sworn to return to the Zord after she kills her father. They looked in her mind and know she means it. They believe, as do I, that an innocent person should be saved when possible.
Maranda looked up at Wesley and Carrie, My father had Lem killed to use me to set you up. He also put the idea of killing June in my head. I look back at who I was and now see what Ive become, and I yearn for the long fall to end my suffering. But first, I must try to save Ashley.
Youll never get close to him.
I must try, Wesley.
Scotty said, She will get close if you help her.
Wesley stared at Scotty, How?
Contact him now and tell him that you sent some scouts out ahead of the fleet and they were able to find Maranda and save her. They have just jumped in and Maranda has insisted on going home to his protection. You are leaving with your fleet, but will send her home in a shuttle once you reach the jump limit. Those ships being left behind will verify the shuttle being launched.
How will that get me close?
Its not my intention to get you close.
Marandas eyes narrowed and her whole body stiffened.
Carrie asked, If you dont have any intention of getting her close, why send her?
To save Ashley.
Maranda took a deep breath and sat down on the floor.
Jess will take Maranda to the planet and she will ask Ashley and her husbandshe does have a husband Maranda nodded, to go to the shuttle and pick up your bags and bring the charts of King Varners fleet. Once shes on board, the shuttle will take off with Ashley and her family.
Maranda said, Wont that cause that shuttle to be attacked?
No, youre going to tell him that youve programmed the shuttle to fly into the sun. Tell him youre disgusted by her weakness and she needed to be eliminated.
Jess, I have a change of plans.
Ive been listening.
Anglo, pull them out as late as possible.
Her screen is as good as a Gamma, Your Majesty. She should be able to fly right up to the corona.
He could still try to stop the shuttle.
He wont.
How can you know for sure?
He hates everything about your sister. Evil knows its enemies. Hell leap at the chance to have the option of blaming you for her death.
That should allow me to have my chance.
Maranda, do you put your revenge ahead of the lives of the people in his kingdom?
Maranda just stared at Scotty saying nothing.
You will probably have a chance before he launches his attack. He will order you out so you will not be able to witness his plan. He must go through with it. If we dont get those Ultraships, billions will die. Are you still the creature he created? Will you take your revenge and ignore the citizens under your care?
Once we free your sister and he launches his attack, we will teleport him to the Zord. Once hes gone, you will be the ruler of his kingdom.
I cant do that. I have a flight with the Zord.
You can rule long enough to abdicate and put Ashley on the throne, and then make sure the leaders of the Military are loyal to her. Then you can take your flight.
Wesley stood, You trust her to just give herself up to die?
Maranda looked at Wesley, I killed June. I must pay for my sins. You may not believe this, but I know you are a good man. Ive tried to hate you because of your weakness but that was the poison my father put in me. I destroyed your happiness and I deserve to die. I will die for my crimes. That is the only way I can prove to you that I am truly sorry for what I did. You never deserved what happened. You and Carrie should have been left to your lives.
Carrie watched her and lowered her head, She means it.
BC, are you on the channel?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Youll need to bring Kreej, have him scan Wesleys fleet, and give him the ones that are Talbens lackeys. Once thats done, well send Kreej back home and await the arrival of the Ultras.
Whos, going to watch King Varners Fleet to make sure he doesnt attack Bristone?
Scotty looked at Carrie and Wesley and said, No one. Scotty continued staring at Wesley, You know what you have to do. Now all of you should get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day. You need not worry about Maranda. She will pay for her crimes. Anglo will teleport Jess into your landing bay tonight.
The next morning the fleet assembled above the planet, and Ntwer watched as the troops were moved to the fifteen ships. Thats a lot of soldiers. Finally, they were all on board and the Fleet moved out toward the jump limit. Wesley waited until they were close, then he hit his console and contacted Talben, Your Majesty, I have managed to save your daughter.
Youve what?!? Talben said in shock.
I sent some of my elite scouts and they were able to make an escape with her. They were unable to find Jimmy. I am still going to try and rescue him. Is your fleet ready to join me?
We will arrive a few hours after you. Go ahead and start in-system; well catch up.
Thank you. Maranda refuses to return to Criston. She was abducted from my capital and says she will feel safer under your protection. I am going to send her to you, if that meets with your approval. Shell arrive in a shuttle shortly.
Thats fine. Ill make sure shes safe.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Ntwer watched a large black shuttle leave the Kings ship and jump away from the fleet. King Varner appeared on his display, Commodore Ntwer. Im depending on you to protect our people. Are you sure you have enough ships?
We have plenty, Your Majesty. Good luck and come home safe.
Thank you, Commodore.
BC asked Kreej, Were you able to determine which ships are Talbens?
All of those with the Commodore are loyal to Talben. The Bendriz is also one of Talbens. Its leaving with King Varner
Have you notified Varner?
Yes, he also knows the names of ninety sailors on his other ships that are Talbens.
Ok, your task is done. Anglo?
Yes?
Send Kreej back home.
Good-bye, BC. The Zord disappeared from BCs cargo bay.
Scotty looked around the throne room and made a decision, Anglo?
Yes, Your Majesty?
I want to jump over to Talbens planet and go to his throne room. Can you scan a place to send me?
Standby.
Jingo and Grang stood up. Jingo said, What are you doing?
I have to make sure the King attacks. Im not certain Maranda will cooperate.
Grang said, Im going with you.
No, youre not. Your duty is here. Once the Ultras arrive, this room is going to be attacked. You three will hold this room against any attempts to enter.