Julie said, Oh my ancient ancestors. Convincing June is another issue but if she can be persuaded, we may have the youngest Searcher ever.
Shes only young in years, Julie. That girl has Warrior written all over her. She will be a formidable adversary.
Scotty shrugged, She is talented. Even the Zord find her interesting.
Vring said, I dont like arguing with her. I never win.
Julie smiled, Perhaps this is something that we are being pushed to make happen. Lets see what takes place.
Jingo smiled, I hope Gilene is ready.
June and Grang stood in front of Ashley Talben as she yelled, Absolutely not. Theres no way Ill allow her to Partner with a Searcher.
June and Grang said nothing. They had made the request and knew what Ashleys reaction would be.
June how could you come here and suggest I send her out to put herself in danger? Are you out of your mind? Glen, tell them.
I cant.
Why not!?!
Because I happen to agree with them. Ashley looked at Glen and he saw her turn her anger toward him.
Before she could say anything they heard, So you want to protect me from becoming all that I could possibly become.
Ashley turned and saw Jenna standing next to June. This doesnt concern you.
It has everything to do with me. You arent willing to make the difficult decisions and sacrifices that will ensure our Kingdoms survival. Further, you are willing to stunt my development all because you dont have the courage to make a hard decision. Youre being outrageously selfish.
Gilene listened in to the conversation from orbit and thought, Oh boy. This is one little explosion waiting to go off.
Ashley stared at Jenna and shook her head. Jenna said, I am bored to tears. Ive exhausted all the material in our learning centers and I find nothing challenging in court life. I know more about the Military Database than any general officer in your armed forces. There is nothing here that even remotely interests me. Life has become one boring moment after another. Now I have a chance to partner with one of the most advanced ships ever created and you are afraid Ill be harmed. What if those Invaders attack? Will I be safe here? Or would I be safer on the most powerful ship ever created? If you could help in the fight against that invasion, would you not go because youre afraid of being harmed? Look at what Aunt June did to save us. Do you think Im not just as brave? Youre being selfish and putting your emotions ahead of whats best for our subjects. Why dont you admit the truth?
Ashley sat down on her throne.
Once this conflict is over, do you think I wont be a stronger and wiser person for having taken part. Even if I die, I would rather be fighting than wasting my time being bored here. Just think about all I can learn from this experience.
Ashley looked at Glen. He said, Shes not growing, Ashley. She has nothing to wake up for and I can see her spirit that I love so much is slowly dying. Shes so much more than what we see. We could all die in the coming invasion and shes right. She can make a difference. Just think about what shell become from being involved in the Empires fight. Millions of people would give up their life for the opportunity to partner with a Searcher. When its time for her to take your place, what do you think the experience would do for her development?
But shes so young.
Ashley, shes already more mature than all of your advisors. How many times have you taken her advice over theirs? Youre just keeping her at that level with no chance to grow. I dont want to put her in harms way but where in this universe is there no risk. We are all in danger wherever we are. Glen looked at Jenna and said, Look at your daughter, Ashley. Her face is alive with excitement I havent seen for so long.
Ashley looked at Jenna and saw her almost glowing with anticipation. She also saw her stubbornness in the firm set of her mouth. June, why did you come here?
Because Jenna needs saving just as you did twelve years ago. I dont want to see the light go out in her eyes.
Grang said, Running from the future is worse than waiting on it.
June looked at Grang and smiled, You really are more than I ever thought. I am so glad you were saved.
Not near as happy as the Zord at saving you, June. You have become the communities heart.
Ashley saw Junes tears and knew. She stood and ran to Jenna and hugged her tightly, I think just being around those that saved Maranda is worth any danger you may face. Im so frightened by what could happen but I will consent.
Ashley saw Jennas smile split her face. Mom, I love you so much.
Glen walked forward and put his arms around them.
Grang said, Gilene, are you satisfied with this selection?
The Talbens looked up as they heard over Grangs communicator, More than you can possibly know. The heart of this young woman amazes me. We will learn much from each other.
Jenna smiled and said, Ill be ready in an hour, Gilene. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my world exciting again.
Ashley squeezed Jenna and released her to run full speed from the throne room yelling at the top of her voice, Look out universe, here I come.
Ashley looked at Glen and June, Its been so long since Ive seen Jenna this happy.
Glen looked at June, You are so much more than I remember. Thank you again for saving my daughter.
June walked forward and kissed Glen on the cheek. Youve been a good father and husband; it is I that owe you.
Ashley hugged June and cried.
On the next full moons on Bristone June knelt before the Zord. Bleath said, We are still unable to gather the ten necessary for your sentence.
June said, You will never have the ten here, will you?
Bleath looked at Vring and said, We would never hurt our communities by allowing that to happen.
June looked up with tears falling, But I deserve my sentence.
June, what would happen to all the children you have helped grow up into wonderful adults if we took you from them? How many of them come to see you every day and visit with you in the forest? You are paying your sentence with your loving heart. We forgave you years ago. Now its time you forgave yourself and allowed your heart to be free.
Just like Grang.
You are our Grang. Should he be allowed to die?
June was startled by the question, No! Hes too important.
Just as you are, little one.
June nodded.
You no longer need to come on the full moons.
You made that requirement up didnt you?
Of course and having ten Elders present was also a farce.
June laughed. I should have known.
You could only see it when your heart was ready to forgive yourself.
June felt as alive as Jenna. Please take me home to Samuel.
June rushed through the door, jumped at Samuel, and grabbed Samuel around the neck, I love you, Sam.
Samuel felt the difference in her and hugged her, Welcome home to my heart, June. Ill love you forever.
June put her head on his chest and sighed, Thats not long enough, Sam.
I know, but thats all I have to work with.
June laughed out loud and kissed her husband.
Grang, we have someone who wants to see you.
Who, Your Majesty?
Are you at home?
Yes.
Im sending them there.
Grang grunted. He went back to sharpening his swords and heard a knock. He got up and opened the door. His eyes grew wide and he stumbled back into the house.
So youre the big, bad, Magrum everyone is afraid of?
Grang couldnt speak. The six foot nine inch tall Magrum female stood in the doorway staring at him. Ive also heard you dont ever have much to say; at least that appears to be true. You can close your mouth now.