Ashes of the Realm - Death of an Empire (Ashes of the Realm (Book Three)) (9 page)

“That is when this universe will be destroyed by the Invaders.”

Silence dominated the group. Alex finally said, “How do you know this!?!”

“Dani and I have shared a psychic vision and every planet with a civilization on it is burning. No one will survive.”

“Then we’ve got to stop them!”

“Alex, what do you know about psychic visions?”

Silence slammed down and Robby waited for a response.

“We can’t prevent it?”

“No, we can’t Grace, but we can make it much worse.”

Alex asked, “How can it be any worse?”

“If you don’t leave this universe and go with our industrialized planets, we believe that the Stars Realm will be destroyed.”

“The Realm has been destroyed.”

“Alex, I’m referring to the three galaxies that left our universe. They will be attacked and destroyed. The Milky Way, the Algean’s Galaxy, and the Dark Galaxy with the Spiders will be obliterated.”

“How do you know this, Robby?”

“Grace, it’s taken us nearly four years to put all the pieces together. They all fell in place yesterday in Carter’s meeting. You shared that meeting with Alex, didn’t you?”

“Yes she did.”

“I’ve been wondering why the Algeans were pushing to develop the spores to kill the Invader’s drug supply. One would think they would wait until the Empire was strong enough to take the invaders on and win.”

Alex said, “I’ve wondered about that as well.”

“They told me in the meeting what their motivation has been.”

“I didn’t hear anything that would reveal that.”

“You missed it. Grace. They said that if the Invaders determined that this is the universe that developed the spores, the Invader’s Creator would come here personally to destroy us.”

“I heard that.”

“Did you hear that they didn’t want that to happen?”

“Yes, so what?”

“Grace, when that Creator scans our universe from its home, the reflection of the three galaxies will not appear in its scan because they are not here physically.”

“Oh my busted reactor, you’re right. Alex, you have to go, quickly.”

Alex said, “I’m not certain I understand what you’re saying.”

Dani said, “Alex, if that being scans this universe and sees how advanced this facility is, it will determine that this is where that spore was made. If it comes here, it will see those reflections that didn’t show up in its scan. What do you think will happen then?”

Grace said, “We’ve discussed this, Alex. You can’t stay.”

Alex said, “How did you see that sky?”

“Dani and I will be on Bristone when it’s destroyed.”

“And your parents?”

“They will die in the blast.”

“You can’t save them?”

“If we do, all is lost.”

“Are you going to die?”

“No, we’ll teleport away behind a psychic screen. Have you come up with a way for armor to teleport two people?”

“No, we haven’t. All of its utilities are locked up in the DNA of the person wearing it.”

Robby sighed, “Then there’s no way to save them without the Invaders seeing them taken. If that happens, the Creator will come to investigate.”

“How do you know it’s safe to move me to another universe?”

“Our sense of danger goes down when we think about you leaving. It goes off the scale if you stay.”

“What about the Zord?”

“Those that are on Bristone will die.”

“I see why you wanted them to leave from here. Is there no saving them?”

Robby was silent and didn’t say anything for a minute. Then he looked at Dani and she nodded, “When I think about doing anything to save them, the danger level goes high. However, I believe the Zord are a special creation of the Creative Force and just as we were warned with a vision, I must believe that something will be done to spare them. I don’t see anything but I feel I’m right. I pray every day for their survival.”

“Grace, I am going to jump to that other universe in an hour. Are you coming with me?”

“No, Alex, I’m staying here.”

“No, you’re not, Grace.”

“What do you mean?”

“No advanced ship can be in this universe when it’s scanned. All of the Zeta Ships, which includes you and Greyson, will go with Alex. Only Anglo will remain behind and he will be in his old hull. Alex, I need you to make the switch before you leave.”

“Why?”

“Because he will give the warning of the Invader’s attack at Bristone.” No one said anything and Robby said, “He will die after he gives the warning. Dani has discussed this with him and he has agreed to play his role.”

“Anglo.”

“Yes, Dani.”

“Are you ready?”

“Yes I am.”

Greyson said, “I didn’t know you were here?”

Grace said, “I’m so sorry, Anglo.”

Anglo chuckled, “Grace, I’ve sworn to defend the Stars Realm and the Empire. I’m honored to keep my oath in this effort to protect them.”

“Come aboard, Anglo. I’ll make the change.”

“Thanks, Alex. Please find a way to kill those pieces of groad.”

“I’ll do all I can, Brother.”

“Alex, it looks like we will have some extended time together.”

“You have no idea how much I look forward to that, Grace.”

“Ohhhh, I suspect I do.”

“Greyson, what are your plans?”

“I’m going with Alex to that new universe and start seeding the dead planets with packets of our spores. I’ve already cleared it through Carter. We intend to make it safe from those pods.”

“When the time comes I want you to come and take Trey.”

“Just let me know when, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you, Greyson.”

* * *

Timmy walked into his personal quarters and found Virze playing with Junior. “Alex has left our universe.”

“Tell me what you think, Timmy.”

“We aren’t being given the whole story. There’s much more to this than what we know.” Virze stared at him. “However, I trust the one’s telling the story with my life. We’re leaving.”

Virze smiled, “At least we won’t have to pack.”

Timmy laughed, “No, I guess we won’t.”

* * *

Scotty and Julie greeted Robby and Dani at the former Empire Building on Bristone. “Welcome, it’s really good to have you back home.”

Robby hugged his parents and Dani was right behind him with hugs. “Dad, if you’re willing to do this instead of….”

“I’m not, Son. I’m officially retired. I know you’ll do a great job. Scotty walked over to Trey and picked him up, “We’ll have you flying a Zord in no time. Yessss we will.”

Trey clapped his hands and yelled, “Now, Grdiddy, Now.”

Scotty looked at Dani and she shrugged, “Go ahead and take him for a ride. He won’t give you a moment’s peace until you do.”

Scotty yelled, “Zreeg, are you around here?”

“I’ll arrive in a moment, White Hair.”

Scotty tickled Trey in his belly button and said, “We’re gonna ride a Zord, we’re gonna ride a Zord!”

Trey screamed his laughter as Scotty ran to Zreeg and mounted. The huge Zord lifted and Robby heard Trey’s laughter as they rose into the sky. Dani came under Robby’s arm and lifted it over her shoulder, “This is such a wonderful world.”

Robby looked down into her eyes and felt sadness at what was coming but then smiled, “Yes, it is, my Love.”

Julie watched them walk to their new home and close the door behind them.

* * *

The years seemed to fly by and one day Robby and Dani called Trey to the fire in the clearing. He flew in at high speed on Maarek and dismounted from the Zord before it had touched ground, “Hi mom, Dad, what’s going on?”

Robby looked at his seven year old Son and felt his heart swell, “Trey, you’re going to leave tonight to go visit Uncle Timmy tomorrow to see all the things they’ve done in the new universe. We also think it’s time you received your armor.”

Trey stared at them and Dani added, “You’ll have a wonderful time.”

“What are you not telling me?”

Robby looked at Dani then smiled at Trey, “Son, you know there are some things that we can’t tell you.”

Trey took a deep breath, “It’s something to do with the Empire, isn’t it?”

Dani smiled, “Yes it is, and we need to be here alone to handle the issue. Will you do as we ask?”

“Yes, Mom, I will. How am I going to get there?”

“Greyson is waiting in orbit to take you tonight. You better pack whatever you need to take.”

“How long will I be gone?”

“We’re not certain, Trey. Take as much as you need for an extended stay. It may take a while for your armor to be ready.”

Scotty and Julie walked up and Julie said, “Hey, you’re going to see the Emperor. You’re going to love New Hope. The view from the top of the Capital Building is fabulous.”

Trey smiled and Scotty asked, “Need some help packing?”

“Yes, I do Grdiddy.”

“Well, let’s go get it done.”

Two hours later Robby and Dani went into their house and hugged their son and put him inside a psychic bubble just before Greyson teleported him away. Dani put her head on Robby’s chest and cried. Scotty and Julie watched them and Scotty asked, “What’s going on?”

Robby sighed and looked at his Father, “The Invaders are going to destroy our universe tonight.”

Scotty looked at Julie with a shocked expression and sat down. Julie stared at Robby and shook her head. Robby said, “I’m going to show you a vision that Dani and I shared almost eight years ago. I want you to think about doing anything to change it.”

Scotty and Julie saw the vision in their mind and were stunned at what they saw. Scotty looked at Robby and said, “If you told us, something worse would happen?”

Julie took a deep breath and let it out, “And if we leave before it happens…..?”

* * *

“Yes, you’re both right; we sensed that if we tried to change this vision in any small way the harm that would follow would be catastrophic and the Invaders would find the planets in the new universe. They know by now from their scans that the most powerful rulers in this universe are on this planet and I’m sure it’s being watched closely.”

“How much longer do we have?”

“About fifteen minutes.”

Dani looked up at Robby and said, “I have to tell you something.”

Robby looked at her and smiled, “I already know, my love. We can’t leave.”

Dani was surprised by his statement, “How do you know? I never showed you that part of the vision.”

“I knew that there wouldn’t be enough time after Anglo’s warning to look up at the stars, make a psychic bubble, and activate our armor before the beam hit us.”

Dani came into his arms, closed her eyes, and said, “We can escape now, this very moment.”

“You can feel the reason why we can’t. We are being watched. It would change the vision and all we’ve done to save those in the other universe will be wasted; all of those we love would die as well.”

“I know. I just don’t want you to die.”

“How can we not face what this universe is going to have done to it?” Robby looked at his parents and said, “I’m so sorry. I’ve wanted to tell you so many times.”

Scotty looked at him with a smile, “I’m so proud that you had the strength to do the right thing. I’ve often wondered what possessed me to step away from the crown but now I know.” Scotty looked at Julie with his eyes full of emotion, “These last years with you have filled me with enough love to last a lifetime. This was a gift from the Creator that makes this sacrifice worth doing.” Julie came into his embrace and they looked up at the stars in the clear night sky. Scotty slowly shook his head, “I’m not going to get to say good bye to Jingo and Grang. I hope they know how much I love them. The Empire is really going to need them now.”

Julie nodded, “They know, my love. I’m glad TK is on New Hope. She’ll be taken care of by those that love us.” Julie hugged her warrior tighter, “I’ll love you forever, Scotty.”

Robby looked into Dani’s eyes and knew what she felt. He held her tight and felt her heart beating fast. After a few moments, he felt it slow. She smiled, “I’ve always been safe in your arms.” Robby heard Anglo’s warning, looked up at the stars, and had just enough time to kiss Dani for the last time.

G
reyson teleported out to deep space and waited for the Invaders to start their attack. Robby insisted he wait before jumping away to avoid detection. “They should be focused on the planets being destroyed and you should get away without being seen.” Greyson felt huge sorrow at what was happening but hoped Robby and Dani jumped away in time.

Trey sat in the command chair and thought about what his parents had just said before he left. The more he thought about it, he knew something was wrong. “Greyson, take me back!”

“I’m sorry Trey, I’ve given an oath to your father that I would not do that.”

“Why!?!”

“I can’t tell you, yet.”

Trey felt his level of stress build to a breaking point and suddenly something inside him broke and a blue flash illuminated the bridge. Trey discovered he could see the entire universe in his mind. He focused and saw Bristone. He brought the view in closer and saw his parents talking with his grandparents. He listened in and jumped up from the chair, “No! NO! Greyson, take me back.”

Trey stood and heard what was going to happen. He felt his family’s love for each other and started crying uncontrollably. He tried to tell them he loved them but they couldn’t hear him. Then the beam hit the planet and his family was gone. He fell back in the chair and put his head in his hands. Greyson was connected to Trey telepathically as soon as he sat down and saw the last moments of the Emperor and his family. He recorded it and jumped out of the universe and made twelve rapid jumps into other universes before stopping and waiting. He remained there for two hours while Trey continued to cry.

“Trey, I have a message from your Mother.”

Trey looked up at the display on the wall and saw Dani smiling, “I’ve recorded this knowing that we are going to have to leave you to make sure all our friends survive. We don’t want to leave you alone, my darling boy, but if we don’t, you will die with all the others we’ve moved to safety. We are so proud of who you are and what we know you’ll grow up to be. Please know that we will love you until the end of time and will keep you in our hearts. Grow up and become the one that leads the Empire to safety. I’ve saved some of my very special memories for you to remember us. We love you with all our hearts, little one.”