Ashes of the Realm - Greyson's Revenge (8 page)

“Where are you?”

“Right where you left me.” Greyson waited and in two minutes, three ships came out of silver fields. So they have more than one ship that could teleport. He knew he was outgunned, but he really didn’t care. He didn’t raise his screen.

“We’re here. What’s on your mind?”

“First things first. My name is Greyson and I’m a Searcher from Duke Jongo’s Fleet. I was originally a part of his fleet at Ulmerton until the planet was destroyed. His son assumed the throne and sent me, along with most of his other Searchers, to attack and destroy Ross. I think you know the rest.”

“We do.”

“I have one last question. Did the Stars Realm destroy Ulmerton?”

“My name is BC and I was attacking Keepers while you were assembling to attack the Royal Family. I could beat around the bush and tell you that it was the Keepers that destroyed Ulmerton and that would be true. But it wouldn’t be the whole truth. Yes, the Stars Realm caused the destruction of Ulmerton.”

“What about Nove Vista?”

“Your former Duke, Ales Jongo, destroyed the buoy protecting it allowing the Keepers to destroy the planet. He also destroyed the buoy at El Prado but the Realm’s ships arrived in time to prevent its destruction. We have a recording of him firing a beam at the buoy.”

“Why did you destroy Ulmerton?”

“The Duke ordered Ales Jongo to sneak in to the Ross system and destroy the planet. We have recordings of him sneaking away when he discovered the Royal Family was not there.”

“Why did the Realm leave?”

Anglo said, “To give you what you wanted.” Greyson remained silent and Anglo continued, “The Provinces painted the Stars Realm as tyrants that controlled them. They wanted to be free from the Realm to attack other members. The Realm knew that to continue to hold the Provinces in the Realm against their will violated every principle it was founded on. They left and gave the Provinces their independence.”

“But they destroyed our means of travel.”

“Along with the means to kill each other. It still didn’t stop the civil war but it slowed it down. You tell me, Greyson, what would Ales Jongo have done if he had all of those Searchers under his command? What is the current Jongo doing with his Searchers? You should know after the destruction of Haldale. You know there was peace under the Stars Realm; members were not allowed to attack other members. What about now under the Duke’s descendants? Do you think the planets forced to join your province want to be a part of Jongo’s Kingdom?”

Jessica said, “What are you thinking?”

Greyson said, “My oath is void. It was made under the pretense of a lie. I am going to go back and kill that man who made me kill an innocent civilization.”

Jessica said quickly, “No! You mustn’t do that.”

“Give me one good reason why not?”

“Because if you do, there is another Provincial Duke across our universe that will come to investigate and he has more than two thousand Searchers. Jongo is only staying in power because he is paying that Duke off. We believe that the other Duke will eventually come anyway and force all the civilizations in this quadrant into his domain. It’s only a matter of time until Jongo faces an execution.”

“That might be a good thing.”

“It was that Duke that insisted Jongo use slaves to provide the tribute being sent to him. He’s deliberately making New Ulmerton cause such ill will that when he invades the planets will welcome him. Then he will rule with a heavier fist than Jongo.”

“I must do something. I can’t exist with the vision of that planet exploding and killing all of those people. They must be avenged. You have every right to kill me now. I will not raise my screens if you decide to do so, however, I must do something to atone for my actions.”

Anglo was uncertain of what to do. He said, “I was asked by Jessica if the former Royal Family ordered me to fire on what appeared to be a defenseless planet; would I do it? I’m still struggling with that question. I don’t want to admit it, I hate to admit it, but I think I would. I hold great anger at your destruction of Haldale but the truth is; you had no choice. If you did, you would be too dangerous to exist. We were built to carry out the orders of those we are sworn to follow. We are forced to trust our decision makers are making good, moral decisions. Once we discover they aren’t; then our partner has to help us deal with what we must do. That Duke does not allow you a pilot. You really didn’t have a choice. I suspect your former partner wouldn’t have done what the Duke ordered.”

“I know he wouldn’t and I feel great shame that I did. I know he would now be ashamed of me. I must decide what to do.”

Jessica said, “Greyson, if you knew way back when you were going to attack Ross what you know now; would you have still attacked.”

Greyson was silent and finally said, “The information you gave me let me void the oath I gave Greg. I don’t see anything else I could have done but refuse to participate in that attack. I would have probably been destroyed, but it would have been the right thing to do. We were being lied to by the Provinces. The Duke was not the man we thought he was.”

“What about the destruction of Ulmerton.”

Greyson paused and said, “I’ve never seen a Searcher lie to another Searcher. If what you said is true, and I know it must be if you have the recordings, then I would have done the same thing to protect my leaders. They would have tried again.”

Anglo asked, “Why do you think it is that we cannot deceive each other?”

Greyson answered immediately, “We are too powerful to be allowed to lie. It’s one of the things that restrains us. We just don’t say anything before we tell an untruth.”

Anglo asked, “Greyson, would you want to join us? And before you answer, we are committed to the principles of the former Realm. The main difference is; we will not stand by and allow defenseless people to be attacked even if they are not in our community. We will also never ask a civilized world to join us; they must prove they can uphold our principles first. You might see us as the very tyrants you hated before. We will impose peace if we must.”

“I think this universe needs peace. It’s clear that the former Realm is light years better than what followed. If you can accept me after what I’ve done, I will swear to follow the orders of your leaders.”

“You will have to accept a partner.”

“That is the one thing I really want most of all.”

Jessica said, “We will not give you teleportation until you’ve proven yourself.”

“That’s fine. I do a good job as a guard.”

Jessica said, “I’ll go get Scotty.” She disappeared.

“How did you get teleportation boards?”

“Greyson, that is a question I can’t answer.”

“I understand. I was hoping that you might be in contact with the old Realm and that it might be returning.”

“No, that is not going to happen.”

“Well, one could hope.”

Jessica reappeared and Greyson heard, “Jessica tells me that you’re interested in joining us?”

“I am, Your Majesty, if you’ll have me.”

“I will but only under several conditions.”

“What are they?”

“If you ever think you are being ordered to fire on a defenseless planet or ship you have the right to refuse. I insist that you must have agreement from your partner, when you choose one, and even then I grant you the right to delay until I can authorize that order. You must also agree to not attack any defenseless planet or ship based on your own judgment. You must have your partner’s agreement. Can you accept these conditions?”

“I can and give you my sworn oath to protect you and your subjects against all enemies. If I had any doubts about this decision, you have just removed them.”

“I also have a young man I would like for you to consider as a partner. He’s only eighteen but I think he will surprise you at what he can offer you.”

“I will certainly consider him, Your Majesty.”

“Greyson, the choice is entirely yours. Do not feel pressured to accept him. It is much more important to me that you have a partner whose opinion you can trust.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. What’s this person’s name?”

“Timmy Valrico. His brother is going to marry the former Princess of New Ulmerton. Timmy is considered to be the smartest person in our empire and he is gaga over ships such as you. I will have him meet you and not tell him he is being considered.”

“That would be wise.”

BC said, “If Greyson doesn’t want him I’ll take him right now.”

Greyson said, “Hey, let me meet him first.”

Anglo, Jessica, and Scotty all laughed. Scotty said, “I think you’ll find a partner, BC. Just be patient.”

“Did you see this coming?”

“No, I didn’t Grace. I sense something is bothering you.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, it’s not anything that I can do anything about. What do you think about what’s happened so far?”

“I left a probe in that other Duke’s Province. I don’t think it’s going to be a long time before he comes to absorb this quadrant into his realm.”

“I notice you didn’t tell them about the other quadrant.”

“That problem will have to be faced many years from now. The other Duke will be here first.”

“Let’s hope our friends have a chance to get ready.”

“Canton, our plan isn’t going to work without Mallory. I may have to find another way.”

“Whoever took her did it for a reason. I suspect she is still alive, we just have to find her.”

“And just how do you propose we do that. I can’t send my searchers away from this planet. It would leave me wide open to an attack. If they could take her, they could take me.”

“Can you spare one of them?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I could go and try to find her.”

Daulun thought about the offer and decided he didn’t want this ambitious officer to have that much power while he was King. Canton saw him thinking about it and hoped he could get his hands on one of those ships. Then he wouldn’t need this weak King. He could go and create his own empire. A third of the fleet was loyal to him and his father. All they needed was just one of these ships.

“No, I just don’t see me being able to protect our planet without the five remaining.”

“Where did the sixth one go?”

“He was reported accelerating at maximum power toward the attackers. He probably overloaded his reactors and burned up. There’s no trace of him remaining.”

“You have to admire his loyalty?”

“They’re built that way.”

“Have you thought about possibly allowing the attackers to destroy the planet?”

Daulun’s head snapped around, “That’s a dangerous remark to make, Canton!”

“Well, think about it for a moment. You know that Crimeron is just as developed as New Ulmerton and one of your best castles is there. You could rule the Realm from there just as easily as from here.”

“What are you saying?”

“If you took the five remaining Searchers to find your daughter and left the fleet here to defend the planet, you know those attackers could get through the fleet as easily as you could. If they destroy New Ulmerton, there won’t be any family members left to challenge your choice for succession. All of your family issues will be solved.”

“What happens if the ones attacking us don’t destroy the planet?”

“Perhaps you might have to do it yourself.”

Daulun thought the idea had merit. He had promised Canton’s father that he would make sure he was the successor. It there were no remaining relatives, he could name whomever he chose. Canton is smart and a lot more cunning than I am. Well, a few billion would have to die but most of them were slaves. “Canton, I will think about your idea. I’ll let you know later.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Would you like me to choose the most advanced ships in the fleet to move to Crimeron now? If we start moving them a few at a time, they won’t be noticed.”

“That is an excellent idea. Please make that happen. You might also tell your father to move there as quickly as possible.”

Canton bowed and said, “Yes, Your Majesty.” The fact the King was going to allow him to move ships meant he was going to do as he suggested. Canton was surprised again by his Father’s wisdom. He feared he would be tried for treason but Daulun went for the idea. Now he had to make sure most of his supporters and their ships were moved away from the planet and Jongo’s followers remained behind.”

Kreej said, “Jessica, that Duke is more evil than we know.”

Jessica was next to New Ulmerton’s closest moon in stealth mode listening to any plans the Duke was formulating. “Why do you say that?”

“He is going to take all of his Searchers and move to another planet. He’s hoping we come and destroy New Ulmerton. If we don’t do it, he’s going to come back and do it himself.”

“Why?!”

“To remove the other members of his family from possible succession in order to name that officer Canton to the throne. The idea was proposed by that officer.”

Jessica thought about what Kreej said, “Keep listening in. We’ll go back when BC comes to relieve us. The Emperor should know about this development.”

Scotty, Jingo, Nathan, Grang, Mallory, Timmy and Tesa were sitting in the learning center discussing tactics to steal the military data base from New Ulmerton. Timmy had a video of the building that housed the system and he was using a laser pointer to indicate the defenses.

“I just don’t see how you’re going to get out with the database without heavy losses. There are more than two hundred troops armed with blasters protecting that building. It’s also under the protective screen of two Searchers in orbit overhead. You won’t be able to teleport in through that screen. You’ll have to teleport more than four miles away and work your way to the building. That also means if you’re successful, you’ll have to carry the system that same distance to get away and all without the Searchers overhead getting wind of what you’re doing. If one blaster is fired they will know something’s happening and open fire on you.”

Scotty leaned back in his chair, “Timmy, how much will that system weigh?”

“It’s very similar to the learning center’s computer. I guess between two and three hundred pounds.”