Grang didnt like what he was hearing.
Anglo, how many are in Talbens throne room?
Just two.
I suspected the King would not trust many in his presence. I can handle two. All of you know it. So settle down and do your jobs.
Jingo sat down on the Kings throne, Ok, if you go and get yourself killed, who succeeds you?
As of this moment, Michael and Carrie.
Both of them said, What?!?
I trust your hearts. Anglo, lets go before Maranda arrives. Scotty stepped into a silver screen and disappeared.
Michael looked at Jingo, Im not qualified to take his place. You should be the one.
Jingo smiled and looked around the throne he was sitting on, Ya know, I could get used to this chair but Scotty is right: Im too much the warrior to be our leader. You are the perfect choice. Right, Grang?
Grang gave a low growl, No one can take his place. One can follow him; but he cannot be replaced.
Jingo tilted his head and said, Wow, youre right!
Michael and Carrie just stared at each other.
Anglo, you need to get back to Criston and make sure BC eliminates Talbens ships.
Scotty, I could handle all those ships alone. BC could do it with every scanner turned off. Youve never seen the power of a Gamma Ship. Talben can send a thousand Ultras and BC could kill them all.
Its a shame we have to destroy them. They are valuable ships in a universe without teleportation.
BC?
Yeah, Anglo?
Scotty wants to keep some of those Ultras. Do you think you can make that happen?
Sure, as long as the crews arent all suicidal.
Scotty thought a moment and said, If you can make that happen, do it. However, do not endanger the population.
I wont.
BC, Im serious.
Trust me; Im a Gamma.
Im the showoff, Scotty. Hes quite capable.
Scotty tilted his head and thought, I hope youre right.
Chapter Thirteen
Talben looked at Petlu, What do you think about this development?
Petlu shrugged, It shouldnt change your plans. It just means you have to find another way to eliminate her.
I know. Its a shame those flying creatures didnt do it for me. Talben paused, Why is she coming here?
Its probably like Varner said; she doesnt feel safe there.
Have you set up the little surprise for that wimpy daughter?
Well handle that after we take Varners kingdom. Well arrange a ship accident when we send her to our new planets as an ambassador.
Works for me. Make sure that husband and baby are with her.
Of course, Your Majesty.
Jess arrived at the jump limit and accelerated toward Brandon. Well arrive in three hours, Maranda. You might notify Ashley to meet us at the spaceport.
I will, but only when were thirty minutes out.
Thats cutting it close.
My Father will stop her if we try it sooner. Im sure shes being watched.
Youre the boss, but I think I know another way.
How?
Anglo, are you still here?
Yes, I am.
Can you find Marandas youngest sister and family?
Ive been watching them for an hour.
Jess, I dont want you to teleport them in unless you are absolutely certain they will be harmed if you dont.
Why not?
I need to persuade my Father that I killed her. It will help me get close to him.
Anglo, keep them locked on your board.
I will.
Ntwer received the signal and pushed his com, We will move in on Criston; all ships form up on me. The thirty six ships at the jump limit began accelerating in-system toward the planet.
Wesley watched his scanner with Admiral Redmit, Have they sent a signal?
Not yet, Your Majesty. Were five hours in-system so if they are going to attack as you suspect, it shouldnt be long.
Why do you think that?
We are expecting his fleet to arrive to assist us. He might be waiting for us to turn around before he sends it, now that I think about it.
Lets see if youre right. Turn the fleet around.
The three hundred ships received the order and began reversing their course. There it is, Your Majesty. A message just went out from the Bendriz.
Notify the four ships. Are those ninety traitors under surveillance?
We have two security officers in the room with all of them.
Wesley hit a com key. Four ship commanders and a hundred and eighty security officers heard a buzz in their earpieces. On my command, carry out your orders. NOW!!
Four ships that were surrounding the Bendriz opened fire, hitting the ship in her reactors and weapon magazines. The ship was blown apart so fast that one moment it was there and the next nothing remained but expanding gas. On ninety ships two security agents pulled their blasters and fired on the sailors loyal to Talben. On one ship, it was the Executive Officer. Once their orders were completed, they notified Redmit.
All lights are solid, Your Majesty.
Wesley hit his com, Officers and sailors of the fleet. Wesley told them what was happening, and the fleet began to feel the rage of betrayal. When he finished, Wesley ordered, Get us back home!
Maranda sent a com to her sister, Ashley, I need you to come help me deliver some presents to Father.
Oh! Maranda; are you back! Ive missed you so much.
I know, I know. Bring Glenn and the baby with you. I want it to be a surprise.
What kind of presents?
Well, I have all the defense diagrams of Varners ships. Im sure hell be happy about those.
Maranda felt Ashleys smile disappear. Well be there in a few minutes.
Thank you, Ashley.
Your Majesty, you might want to hear this.
Talben looked up from his display. Petlu played Marandas request.
Should I stop them from going?
No, I want those diagrams. Just get them out of here quickly. I should get a signal from Varners fleet soon.
Jess landed on a pad and opened the cargo door. Five minutes later, Maranda saw Ashley, Glenn, and Jenna coming toward the ship. Jenna was eighteen months old and insisted on walking. Ashley came up to Maranda and hugged her tightly. Glenn stood back. It was clear he didnt like the treachery of giving Varners diagrams to Talben.
Come in and help me carry a few things. Maranda picked up Jenna, gave her a kiss, and tickled her. Jenna screamed with delight and ducked her head into her shoulders. Maranda handed her to Ashley and said, Ashley, no matter what happens, you know I love you and I always will.
Ashley furrowed her brow and Maranda said, You and Glen go pick out the things from those boxes that you think Father will like.
The three walked over to the boxes and started opening one. Maranda stepped out of the shuttle and hit a lever on the hull. The cargo door quickly closed and the ship lifted.
Maranda heard on her com, Just what do you think youre doing?
Oh, hi Petlu. My sister is such a wimp. She should never be in the succession for the throne. Ive sent that shuttle on a one-way trip to the sun. Ive hated her so long. I hope this isnt something you wouldnt want done. If you like Ill call the shuttle back.
Talben quickly shook his head. Petlu said, That wont be necessary. Were expecting you in the throne room.
Talben looked at Petlu, Please tell me you recorded that?
Petlu smiled, But of course.
Talben laughed, This is great. One eliminated along with her family, and well kill the other for treason. Theyve made it too easy.
Petlu smiled.
Ashley and Glenn felt the ship lift and began trying to raise the door. What has she done?
Calm yourselves. Maranda came here to save your lives.