Vring, Kreej, and the two Algeans stood on the main floor at the Defense Facility as Alex told them about the problems with developing the power necessary to meet the Invaders head on. “We just can’t handle the heat of a star. Our equipment just melts.”
Weed said, “You don’t need to handle it if the heat doesn’t touch your devices.”
Alex paused at the suggestion, “How is that possible?”
“You have a skin on the ships that is highly reflective. However, how can you ever be sure it will handle what that being can create? You need to go in an entirely new direction.”
Vring said, “Do you know how many years we’ve committed to this project?”
Seed said, “As a matter of face we do. However, it doesn’t matter how far advanced that creature is if its ships are thrown into the middle of a star. Nothing can handle that kind of energy.”
Vring said, “That’s my point.”
Weed leaned back, “But you don’t have to handle that energy; you just have to able to direct it.”
Kreej shrugged, “Tell me what you mean.”
“If you made the power cells on the ship absorb energy and direct it into the dimension inside of it, there would be no need to handle it. You just have to make the hull surface absorb the energy instantly on contact with zero delay. It would simply pass through the skin into storage. Then it’s just a matter of giving the hull access to that energy. There’s room for a galaxy inside the skin of those ships. One star is not much in comparison.”
“Using that theory, a force field wouldn’t be needed; anything fired at it would just be collected.”
“Exactly right, Alex.”
“Then how do you propose a star be collected?”
Seed leaned forward, “We remove the safety protocols from the teleportation board and teleport the ship into the middle of a star and have the ship vacuum the star into its interior.”
Vring said, “Just like the Alexander Kosiev did with a dead star.”
“Exactly like that.”
There was a long moment of silence until Kreej asked, “So, what’s the first step?”
Weed said, “We get the hull of the ships converted to the old surface of the Megaships and move the connection to the dimension up to the outer surface.”
Alex said with sarcasm, “That’s all?”
“That may not be as difficult as developing material to handle the heat of a star.”
Vring smiled, “You may be right. Let’s take a look at it.”
Jingo and Trey were in the community clearing in the forest on Criston dueling with short swords. The swords were made of wood and Trey had been tapped numerous times by Jingo, “No, no, you’re not going with the flow of the blades. You can’t think your way through this; you’ve got to relax and let it flow.”
Trey’s arms and chest were bruised from Jingo’s hard hits and he hurt all over. He had turned eleven the week before but he wasn’t able to feel the flow Jingo kept referring to. He sat down and heard Cassie say in his mind, “Get angry.”
Trey heard her and remembered that when he was stressed during his parent’s deaths his telepathy emerged. He thought about it and said, “Once more.”
Jingo smiled and said, “I think we’ve done enough. I know you’re hurting.”
Trey said in a stern voice, “Once more.”
Jingo smiled, “I’ll give you as much as you want.”
Trey visualized Jingo as an Invader and felt his anger grow. Jingo started forward and suddenly everything slowed down. Trey saw Jingo’s swords moving in an intricate pattern and he could see each sword moving in slow motion. Jingo was only using two swords instead of the four he was capable of using to make it fair. Trey dropped one of his swords and stepped forward to meet Jingo’s advance. He parried one sword and pushed the other away as he reached through the pattern and tapped Jingo on his forehead.
Jingo stepped back and rubbed his head, “That was good. That’s what I’m talking about.”
Jingo advanced again with a determined expression and Trey moved around the clearing keeping Jingo’s swords away from him. After two minutes he started advancing on Jingo and the Cainth Warrior was doing all he could to keep Trey’s single sword at bay. He was unsuccessful and was struck eight times as the young boy kept him on the defensive. Finally Jingo said, “Enough!”
Trey backed up and the world returned to normal speed.
“What just happened?”
Trey smiled, “I think one of my psychic abilities was just revealed.”
“Let’s try this again.” Jingo picked four swords and advanced again. Time changed to slow motion and Trey only used one sword. Jingo was unable to get through Trey’s defense no matter what he tried and was struck three times during the effort. Jingo saw that Trey was not breathing hard and was moving faster than he could see. He stepped back and said, “This part of your training is over.”
Trey took a deep breath and lowered his sword, “No, I need to see the patterns you use. I must know the mechanics of swordplay.”
“I’ll show you but if you can fight this good with one sword, two would be more than you need. How are you doing this?”
Trey smiled, “It appears I can see things happening at a greatly reduced speed. It allows me enough time to respond.”
“That means you’re able to move at a greatly increased speed as well.” Trey nodded. “You are developing the powers of the ancient Rulers of the Realm. Your parents would be proud.”
“Are you proud of me Jingo?”
Jingo smiled, “More than you know.”
“That means just as much to me, Father.”
Jingo still felt his sorrow for Scotty’s death but felt an immense pride in his adopted son, “Thank you, Trey.” Jingo hugged him and began showing him how to move the swords in a two sword pattern. Jingo knew he would treasure this day for the rest of his life.
Trey thought to Cassie, “Thank you.”
Cassie smiled and knew there were only a few years remaining. Her heart beat faster anticipating what was to come. She put the headband back on and continued to download the contents of the Defense Database. She wanted to be ready when their time arrived.
Eighteen year old TK Robbins stood before Emperor Valrico and bowed. Timmy smiled at the beautiful young woman before him and was amazed at how much she reminded him of her Mother, “Please rise Tommie Katherine, what brings you to our home?”
“It’s really good to see you, Your Majesty. It’s been too long since I’ve come to visit. However, I’m here to make an official request.”
Timmy nodded, “Go ahead.”
“The Flyers are losing their edge with the long years of inactivity. They need to be challenged and battle tested to be ready for the future fight against the Invaders. I want to use them to make a difference in other universes.”
Timmy stared at TK and looked at Virze who was also sharing his concern, “TK, the Invaders don’t know of our existence. If we leave here, there is a risk of them finding us.”
TK took a deep breath and nodded as she said, “You’re right. I do recognize the problem but we can take steps to minimize the risk to an acceptable level.”
“How would you do that?”
“Carter has studied the layout of the universes that the Invaders have conquered and sees a pattern; they are all on the same branch of coordinates separated by just one number. They are moving in a straight line down this branch of universal coordinates. They even destroyed the eight universes they had scouted sequentially. Ours was the last of the eight. This is a printout of the pattern of the branches that are around this universe.” TK handed Timmy a large document with one series highlighted of the universes the Invaders had visited. “Notice that they started on this branch more than a thousand years ago and have continued to follow it to the universe they are currently attacking.”
Timmy looked at the printout as Virze looked over his shoulder. “It does appear that what you’re saying is accurate. There has been no variance to another path.”
“What I want to do is go to the third branch over from this one that moves directly away from the one they’re on and send the Flyers into it to see if there is anything going on that violates our principles. The Flyers are restless and we need to keep them at the top of their skills.” TK paused and said, “Please notice that this branch is in the opposite direction from where the Spiders were operating prior to their conversion. It seems to me that the Invaders have deliberately chosen a path as far away from those universes as possible; almost like they were avoiding the domain of the Red Demons. However, this is pure speculation on my part and I have nothing to support my theory. However, if it’s accurate, the universes on these branches have not been cleared of intelligent life ever and it’s almost a certainty that our Flyers can make a difference in them.”
Timmy reflected a moment and said, “There could be some very advanced civilizations in those universes if they’ve never been attacked. They could also represent a danger to us.”
“Which is something we need to know, Your Majesty; if there is a danger we should go and take a look. The Flyers could use the experience in dealing with them and we could possibly learn some things to help us in our current situation.”
“Have you checked with Trey to see if he feels any danger following this path?”
“I have and he says, and I quote, “The danger level actually goes down.”“
Timmy looked at Virze and she shrugged. He looked at TK, “Has the leadership of the Flyers been established?”
“Yes, we’ve broken down the flocks into units of a hundred in the basic formations. The Commanders of ten of these units have selected by Grang and Jingo who share the overall command.”
“And what is your role in this?”
“I command ten Commanders; Jingo and Grang also command ten.”
“Why didn’t Jingo or Grang come and make this request?”
“They are currently training the Flyers in multi-unit tactics.”
Virze smiled, “I suspect Trey is right in the middle of that training.”
TK smiled, “Actually, Trey developed the patterns for them to use. He’s also changed their weapon mix. He has become quite formidable in combat. Grang and Jingo have done an outstanding job in working with him.”
“I don’t want to lose him.”
“Your Majesty, you are going to have to allow him to follow his destiny as he sees it. He is already light years ahead of us in what he is able to anticipate and handle. His personal flock of protectors can defeat any other flock in the Flyers. He is going to be something to see as he grows up.”
“How many Protectors are in his unit?”
“Vring assigned him a hundred. Trey hand selected them and works with them every day he’s not being trained by his two adopted Fathers. Even our Searchers know they are more deadly than any ship they’ve ever faced. Truth be told, they can take a Zeta ship on and probably win.”
Timmy furrowed his brow and said, “What is he planning to do with his Protectors?”
TK smiled, “He told me that, as soon as they’re trained to the level he wants, he’s going to send each of them out to command a Hundred Unit and replace them and start training the new ones. Grang, Jingo, and I are fighting over who can have them.”
Timmy sat back and said, “You may start leaving to scout those universes.” Timmy leaned forward and looked TK in the eyes, “You will keep me informed of what you find.”
TK smiled, “I will, Your Majesty and we will be extremely cautious in making sure we are not found.” TK bowed and turned to leave.
Virze watched her leave the Throne Room and said, “Has she found anyone?”
“She hasn’t given any indication, yet.”
“We need her to marry and have a family.”
“I know, Love, but that’s not something we can control. If there’s someone, they’ll find each other, if they haven’t already.”
Virze smiled, “Samuel and June had to help us.”
Timmy slowly nodded, “I really miss them, Virze.”
“We all do. Everyone felt their loss deeply; Carrie and Ashley still cry.”
Timmy signed, “So many gone.”
Virze nodded as she reached over and took his hand, “We will pay them back for those that died.”
Timmy looked up at TK as she left the room and knew she was going to have a huge role in making that happen.
TK left New Hope and jumped to Criston on Malah. They removed their armor ten thousand feet above the forest and Malah caught the afternoon wind in her wings, “Trey, do you have a moment?”
Trey heard her thought and smiled, “Hello, Aunt Tommie, I’ll always have a moment for you. I’m at the weapons practice center.”
TK briefly turned on her armor and found the coordinates and Malah turned and dove for a clearing ten miles to the north. Trey had his armor active and saw the large Zord in the skies to the south. He looked at ten of his protectors that were using their armor’s beams to hit small plastic discs that were shooting across the clearing. They were only allowed to fire beams that were smaller than the high speed discs and he saw that they were making excellent progress with their accuracy. It was rare that one made it across the clearing. He turned off his armor and walked over to Malah as she landed, “Hello Aunt Tommie and Malah, It’s good to see you. What brings you to my neck of the woods?”
“I’m going to use my favored status with you to ask for some of your protectors.”
Trey smiled, “Now you know that my two Father’s would not appreciate me giving you preferential treatment.”
“I know, but I have a valid reason for my request that they can’t match.”
Trey tilted his head to the right and smiled, “What would that be?”
“My Division is the first to leave for another universe and I barely have enough time to get your protectors acclimated to their units.”
Trey’s expression turned serious, “When are you leaving?”
“The Scouts are jumping out in two weeks and the remainder of the Division two weeks later.”
“Why are you rushing this?”
TK looked at Trey and shook her head slightly, “I’m not sure, Trey; but I sense a need to do it quickly. I just get a feeling that…I don’t know; I can’t explain it.”
Trey thought about TK leaving with her Division and looked at the level of danger. He then thought about her delaying her departure and his sense of danger increased, “You’re right; something is going on in that universe that is important for our survival. You can take all but ten of them.”
“What do you sense?”
“There is something dangerous there. You need to be careful and make sure you’re not traced back here. How many Scout Units do you have?”
“Eighty at the moment.”
“Then take eighty of the Protectors and assign them to their commands today. I’ll keep twenty here to start training the next hundred on the list.” Trey paused, “Who is in overall command of your scouts?”
“I am.”
Trey shook his head, “That’s not going to work. You’re going to have to stay here to get the main body of flyers ready. It’s not good tactics to force your troops to have to contact you in another universe to get approval for their actions or questions answered. I have someone here that has been instrumental in training the Protectors and he will assume command of your scouts as an advisor. I know you’ll be pleasantly surprised at his abilities.”
TK thought about giving up command of her troops to a stranger but Trey had made some good points, “Who is he?”
Trey turned and said, “Here he comes now.”
TK turned and saw a handsome young man walking toward her. He smiled and she recognized him, “You’ve grown up.”
“It couldn’t be avoided; time has a way of doing that.”
Trey saw that the two knew each other, “This is…”
TK interrupted, “Paul Blake.”
Trey heard the way she said it and knew, “It appears your time has come.”
Paul never took his eyes off TK as he said, “Yes, it has.”
TK ran forward and wrapped her arms around Paul’s neck and an incredibly bright blue flash jumped out of them. Paul smiled, “I’ve looked forward to this day since your Father’s birthday.”
“I’ve forced myself to not even think about it.”
Paul looked at Trey, “Your sense is right. There is a species in that universe that must be slowed down in their conquests.”
Trey and TK looked at each other and Trey said, “Do you see them?”
“I do. You should also get either Grang’s or Jingo’s Division ready to follow up on the initial incursion.”
TK held Paul tight and said, “Perhaps you should be in overall command and I should go with the Scouts; I can see your abilities are more advanced than mine.”
Paul laughed, “Your Flyers love you. You would only hurt their moral to make that change. Think about it for a moment and you’ll see it.”
TK closed her eyes and after a moment opened them, “You’re right.”
Paul turned to Trey and said, “You need to get the Protectors that are being reassigned moving so they can get their units ready. We barely have enough time.”
“Barely enough time for what?”
Paul looked at TK and said, “Why, to have a wedding before we leave.”
TK’s smile was dazzling and Trey knew that his time was still several years away. He really envied them as he watched the two nineteen year olds walk away to be alone for the first time. He shook his head and sent a thought to Jingo and Grang, “Fathers, it looks like it’s back to war. Please plan to meet with TK in an hour.” He watched as TK put her arms around Paul’s waist as they walked away and he smiled, “Better make it five hours.”
Vring watched as another ship melted in the star’s outer corona, “This is not going to work. Weed leaned back and said, “It appears you’re probably right.”
Eight ships had been burned in the effort to develop a hull that could absorb the energy of a star before it would burn. All eight attempts were failures.
Kreej said, “Call Carter.”
Weed leaned back, “What is he going to be able to do that we haven’t?”
Kreej smiled, “Even the Spiders said the Humans were smarter than they were. There are different types of intelligence and Carter has it in abundance. Call him in; what could it hurt?”
Alex said, “I’ll make the call.”
Weed shrugged and felt it was a waste of time.
Four days later, Carter looked up from the down loads of the eight failures and smiled, “Well, you can’t say you haven’t tried to make this happen. I also agree with Vring that this is a step in the wrong direction.”
Alex waited a moment and said, “Why do you say that?”
“Because you throw away all the work you’ve done designing the reflective hulls. Those are still formidable weapon systems that can’t be used if you move in this direction. You’re also expecting a physical material to handle the atomic heat at the core of a star. I just don’t see that happening.”
The group was silent and Kreej said, “Thanks for your input, Carter.”
“I said it can’t be done using the current process; I didn’t say it couldn’t be done.”
Weed turned sharply and said, “What do you mean?”
“You’re trying to move energy into a container. It’s the highest level of energy in creation and if you’re going to do that you have to fight fire with fire. You’ve got to move it with energy not a physical substance.”
Seed interjected, “You have something in mind to make that happen. What do you see?”
Carter said, “Alex, when we teleport objects, where does the teleportation happen? Does it take place at the back of the teleport screen or at the surface?”
“I’m not really sure. Weed, your species developed this process. Do you have the answer to this question?”
Weed looked at Seed and they thought about the teleportation process. “We believe it happens at the surface. We can run some experiments to confirm it but why do you ask?”
“I looked at your earlier efforts to teleport energy into the ship’s hulls and noticed that energy was moved but the teleportation module melted quickly after the process started. That leads me to believe that a star’s energy can be moved; you just can’t do it with a physical module that would be exposed to the heat of a star.”
Vring listened and thought he understood Carter’s point, “So you’re saying we have to move it without using a machine to make the transfer?”
“Yes, and that can be done, I think.” Carter turned back to Weed, “How thick is the teleport screen?”
“About six inches thick.”
“And how thick is the Coronado Power Cells that make up the hulls of the new ships?”
Kreej yelled, “You’re absolutely right, Carter! We can do it.”
Weed, Seed, and Vring stared at Kreej as he excitedly continued, “We make the ships the teleportation module and move the energy directly into the hull.”
Carter smiled, “That’s the direction I would go. Extend a teleport screen one inch above the ship’s surface and teleport whatever hits it directly into the skin. If you can make that happen, the heat would not get through the field to burn the ship.” Carter paused and said, “And you could use the reflective surfaces on top of the normal black hole screens. They could be charged with the energy stored inside the skins and they should be able to handle the beams of any ship imaginable.”
Weed and Seed turned to each other and started thinking. Carter saw them not moving and asked, “What are they doing?”
Vring said, “They are processing the possible equations needed for your idea to happen. They could be unavailable for a while.”
“I thought Algeans thought at an incredible pace.”
“They do. Give them some time and we’ll see what they come up with when they finish.”
Alex said, “I’ve run some initial computations and they look good.”
Carter smiled and thought about Jenna and Cassie. Cassie was growing up fast and he already missed them. He wondered what Cassie’s role was going to be in the coming conflict. He knew she was psychic and she must have a role. He decided to go home after he left here to see them. But first, was this idea possible; he had to know. He looked out the viewport and saw the unblinking stars filling the view. There was still so much to do.