Carrie looked back and saw a middle-aged man come out and shoo the children away. He leaned down, kissed Maranda, and gave her a hug. He then left toward the forest. Carrie looked at Scotty, Samuel lost his wife more than twenty years ago to a wild animal attack. He has been suffering ever since.
Carrie said coldly, It appears he is no longer suffering.
I think youre right.
Carrie ran away from the group toward Maranda. Michael started to follow, but Scotty held out his arm and said, Let her go.
Carrie ran up to Maranda just as a young woman with a three year old walked up. She stopped as the child held her arms out to Carries nemesis. Maranda turned and saw Carrie. The young woman said, Hello, I havent seen you before. Are you new here?
Carrie tore her gaze from Maranda and said No, Im just visiting.
Well, welcome to our community. Come on Carrie, its time to go.
Carrie furrowed her brow, Whats your little girls name?
The young woman smiled and said, We tried to name her after June here, but she insisted that she knew a name that was as beautiful and strong as the woman that used it. She named her Carrie. It was June that saved my life during a very hard labor. Id have died, and little Carrie as well, without her help.
The woman walked away and the eight children came running up to hug Junes legs. Carrie saw Maranda hang her head, and noticed tears falling to the ground. She looked up and said, I have tried so hard to die, Carrie.
Carrie looked at her and said, I think my Mother would be proud of you to use her name. I can see Maranda died two years ago. She is no longer here.
June grabbed Carrie and hugged her, I am so sorry.
I know.
The children looked up and wondered what had June upset. June released Carrie, wiped her eyes, forced a smile, and said, All right, its time to go and pick-a-pod or two. Whos with me?
The children screamed and started skipping along beside June as she relieved their parents from the high energy of their children, Carrie watched her go as Michael came up and put his arm on her shoulder. Carrie looked up at Michael and said, I was wrong. Thats not Maranda.
Michael looked at his wife and said, No, she isnt.
Chapter Fourteen
Grang, Jingo and Scotty were lying on a hill looking up at a sky full of stars. Reminds me of old times.
I know, Jingo.
Jingo said, I wonder what that hill looks like now?
Grang said, I wonder how Bravo is doing?
Scotty said, I wonder if the Realms defense complex is going to allow us entry?
Grang and Jingo both rolled over and looked at Scotty. I thought you had given up on that?
No, Jingo. Anglo is just not enough to handle the things we need to do with three kingdoms to defend. We need to get Anglo, BC, and Jessica updated.
Didnt BC say that complex had some rather deadly defenses?
Yes, he did.
The three stared up at the stars and after five minutes Jingo said, Ok, Im in. When do we leave?
Scotty looked at Jingo and said, War gland blues, huh?
I do miss the feeling.
What about you Grang?
Anything beats this boredom.
Scotty continued to watch the stars and said, I believe that one day youll beg for boredom.
Grang smiled, Probably, but not today.
I understand youre going to talk with an old defense installation.
Scotty looked at Julie and smiled, I hear they are very talkative.
They are also very dangerous. BC tells me the installations weapons can penetrate a Gamma Ships screens. I dont want to lose you.
Well be careful. BC tells me he knows the master computer and I think it will talk before it fires on a former ship of the Realm.
The word that scares me in your statement is think. You really dont know what it will do. I dont want you taking any chances.
Ill be careful, Julie, but we need to make the effort. Anglo is overloaded, and we need to get BC and Jessica modernized.
I know! But this is risky. Just promise me youll be careful. We cant afford to lose both of you.
I will.
Promise?
Scotty took a deep breath, I promise.
Good. When are you leaving?
In about an hour; were going alone. Anglo will teleport us to the system and well move in slowly from the jump limit.
Julie reached up and kissed Scotty and shook her head, My life would be over without you. Is Jingo or Grang going with you?
Grang is going simply because I dont want him walking around here angry at being left behind.
Thats a good idea. Jingo is going to handle the training of the new riders while were gone. Have you found a replacement for Michael?
I may have. Vreeg tells me another one of our archers can be trained.
Anyone I know?
No. His name is Nathan Valrico. Even Vring likes him and sees potential.
Then he must be good. Vring is very critical in most of his judgments.
Hes Timmys older brother, and Timmy insists hes smarter than he is. Ill introduce you when I get back. Jingo and Vreeg are giving him the training later tomorrow.
Just be careful, my love.
You know me.
Thats why Im telling you to be careful.
Scotty smiled and said, Anglo, will you please send me to BCs bridge?
Julie watched as a silver field appeared and Scotty walked through it.
Hello, BC. Has Anglo found Grang?
Yes, but he wanted to bring his new bowgun.
He should have it with him. Ive never seen him without it.
Samuel made him a new one. He wanted to try it out at the range before he left.
What did Samuel make for him?
Seems hes found a way to make a frame strong enough for him.
This should be interesting.
A silver screen appeared and Grang stepped out with a bowgun that was only half the length of a standard gun. Is that your new bowgun?
Grang actually smiled, Yes, it is.
May I see it?
Grang handed Scotty the small bow and Scotty was amazed at how light it was. He checked the power level and saw it at twenty. Grang smiled, The initial compression is about eight hundred pounds, but it leaves the barrel at thirteen hundred and fifty pounds.
Scotty handed Grang the bowgun and he pulled the frame up effortlessly and held it. What is that thing made of?
Its made from pieces of the Coronado Power Cells that were on one of the Ultra Ships BC destroyed at Criston. Its incredibly strong, but its really flexible.
What about the stock?
Its made from the armor coating that covered those cells. Its clear and wont be seen unless you hold the bow and look for it. Light just passes through it.
Scotty tried to see the bowguns stock but agreed, he couldnt see it from three feet away.
How accurate is it?
Bulls eye at nine hundred yards. I didnt have time to see if it could shoot longer. The firing range isnt long enough.
Scotty shook his head, Wow! Thats impressive. Are you ready to go talk with a lady?
I guess. Julie told me to make sure you dont take any chances.
What did you tell her?
Nothing; I just shrugged.
Scotty and BC started laughing.
Whats so funny?
Between you and Jingo we have the two extremes of conversation.
Grang just shrugged and Scotty laughed harder.
What?
Nothing. Lets go, BC.
Niles looked at his display and saw that the planet had been conquered. Dauluns shock troops had dropped two weeks earlier, and the deaths of those that resisted were over quickly. The troops then went through all the news footage that had been broadcast over the previous five cycles and the name of anyone that was noteworthy was collected. The troops then found those high profile persons and executed them on the spot. More than a hundred thousand had been exterminated, and the remaining population started following their directives. Over fifty thousand had been rounded up to send back to New Ulmerton as slaves. Niles shook his head at the atrocities, but knew to object was a death sentence to the objector and their families. His Sensor Officer had quit watching two hours after the drop. He was sickened by what was taking place.