Youre right. I need you there with me.
Ill always be with you. Virze looked at Timmy and saw something was bothering him, Whats on your mind?
Ive always wondered why Scotty made me his successor and not Robby. I think this was a part of his decision and, without psychic abilities, he never really knew why.
Why is that important?
There are forces operating here that are unimaginable. Robby and Dani couldnt be his successor because that force knew they were going to die with them. Now, I understand.
Virze thought about Timmys comment and worried about whether the Empire was a pawn to be sacrificed in the game or a major piece. Only time would tell but the industrial planets were safe. That must mean something.
Timmy looked at Virze, That piece of information gives me hope that we have a chance. It also answers a question Ive been struggling with.
What is that?
Who is going to be my successor? Now, I know.
Virze was puzzled, Its not going to be Junior?
Timmy took a deep breath and said, I know what Scotty felt when he named me his successor because I feel it now. I know who has to be chosen; Trey will be my successor.
Virze thought about his decision and said, Ive also wondered why Scotty didnt name a psychic to follow him. Now we know the answer to that question and your choice is obvious. Trey is a second generation psychic and his abilities will eclipse his parents. It makes sense. When are you going to tell him?
Im not. Virze did a double take and Timmy said, Hell tell me when the time is right.
Virze looked across the floor at TK, I suspect youre right. I suspect TK will have a message to the Invaders as well.
Timmy looked at TK and nodded, I suspect she will.
The two Algeans were in a corner of the hall listening to what Alex said. Weed looked at Seed, I feel Ive betrayed our principles in causing this event.
Seed leaned back, There was a psychic vision that foretold this happening. You were caught up in the forces here and did not have any freedom to change it. If you didnt spread those spores, everything would have been destroyed. However, our loyalties may be misplaced.
What do you mean?
Which of the two actually holds to the principles we follow; the Stars Realm or this Empire? Im beginning to think that this small Empire is stronger in those beliefs than the old Realm. Do you see it differently?
Weed thought a moment, No, I dont.
Theres one other thing to consider, my love.
What?
The destruction of the other universe only left those worlds behind that hold to those principles. It weeded out all of those that werent totally committed.
Weed thought about that, This core is something that is going to become wonderful to behold if its given time to grow. The deaths that just happened will unify them as nothing else ever would. Are you willing to commit to it, even over the former Realm?
Seed hesitated, The former Realm is where our species live.
Yes, but they were willing to leave it behind when they did not follow its principles. This Empire will not lose their way. I can see it.
Seed thought about Weeds words for three minutes which was an incredible amount of time for an Algean. You know that if we give our oath to this Empire it may come down to a choice of survival between our species and this Empire.
Yes, but look at what would arise from that choice.
Weed looked at those gathered and said, The birth of a new force following the higher principles would pay for all the worlds we once killed. It would save more than we ever destroyed.
Seed leaned forward, All of us would gladly die to make that repentance happen.
Weed took one of Seeds branches in his and said, We should talk with the Emperor.
Seed shared her smile, Yes, we should.
They walked over and began talking with Timmy and Virze.
The worlds of the Empire received the devastating news with shock and anger. It took time but they eventually came to understand the power of a psychic vision and their sorrow turned to rage. The adoration the worlds felt for the former Royal Couple grew and a memorial was built to honor Scotty and Juliette on New Hope. The first two to receive a marker at the site were Robby and Dani Robbins. The numbers of visitors to the site were enormous and flowers were placed there to remember the family that died for the Empires survival. All the cadets that graduated from the new Robbins Naval Academy came to the site to give their oaths. The Stars Realm had its Colony Park; the Bristone Empire had its Robbins Memorial. On each side of the Monument, a huge statue of Bleath beside Scotty and Zreeg beside Julie were carved. They were at their full twenty five feet height overlooking the Royal Couple. Vring and the Zord christened the park as holy ground for their species and once again affirmed their oath to protect White Hairs creation.
Two weeks after the deaths Jingo received a thought, Jingo, I need you to meet me at Grangs home.
Trey, now is not a good time.
Jingo, this is not a request. I ask you to do it with my Grandfathers love. Meet me there in an hour.
Tesa heard Trey, You should go.
Jingo took a deep breath and released it slowly, Ill see you there.
Jingo arrived at Grangs house and was announced by the sensor. Geena came to the door and Jingo saw her sadness, Jingo, now is not a good time.
I know, but Trey has asked me to meet him here.
Geena narrowed her eyes, Why?
I dont know. He paused and looked at Geena, I just dont know.
Geena saw Jingos anguish and put her arms around him, Theres so much pain. I believe Ive lost Grang.
I understand why, Geena.
Geena looked at Jingo, I believe you do.
Trey suddenly appeared just in front of the house and walked up, I need to speak with you and Grang, Jingo.
Cant it wait?
No, it cant! The seven year old looked at Geena and she saw raw determination in his eyes, Take me to Grang now!
Geena shook her head, I dont know if hell hear you. Trey just stared at her. Geena shrugged and opened the door for them to follow her inside. She led them to a backroom and they saw Grang sitting in a chair staring out of a window at the Robbins Memorial on the hill next to the Capital. Jingo saw Grang and felt his misery return. He was feeling just as lost as the huge Magrum. Trey walked in front of Grang and said, Your time for weakness is over. Im ashamed at how you have chosen to dishonor the memory of my family. That ends today.
Jingo looked at Trey and saw something in the seven year old that just didnt seem to fit. His anger was real and he felt no pity for either him or Grang.
Grang bought his eyes to Trey and he saw the misery on Grangs face. Trey said, Im going to share my Grandfathers last thoughts with you and you will listen to them.
Grang said, I wasnt there. I should have been there.
Are you that dense? He would have never allowed you to stay. My father would have made absolutely certain that you and Jingo were not there. He knew how important you are to preserving his vision. Heres why. Trey sent his vision and they saw the four Robbins on Bristone.
They heard Robby say to Dani, How can we not face what this universe is going to have done to it? Robby looked at his parents and said, Im so sorry. Ive wanted to tell you so many times.
Scotty looked at him with a smile, Im so proud that you had the strength to do the right thing. Ive often wondered what possessed me to step away from the crown but now I know. Scotty looked at Julie, These last years with you have filled me with enough love to last a lifetime. This was a gift from the Creator. Julie came into his embrace and they looked up at the stars in the clear night sky. Scotty smiled, Im 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.