Scotty said, Jing, Samuel, this is Juliette Larson. She was one of the prisoners being held in the northern lands.
Juliette bowed to the two leaders and looked them in the eye, I am honored to meet you. I thank you on behalf of my friends and family that you are going to free. Your help is more than we can ever ask for, but I know we will honor your effort to free us. I am amazed at the bravery of your warriors and the great spirit and ideals of your communities. You represent all that the Ancient Holy Realm taught us. Juliette knelt in front of the two leaders and lowered her head.
Jing and Samuel looked at each other and smiled. Jing said, Please rise, Juliette. We thank you for your honor, and now we know our quest is worthy. We see a kindred heart in you.
Juliette stood and smiled at the two leaders, then stepped forward and hugged them both. Jing was surprised but now he knew; she was worthy of his Human son. Her openness was refreshing.
Scotty smiled and said, We are going to take her back with us. We need a Zecka made for her.
Samuel looked at Scotty, Are you sure we should allow our guest to go back into that danger?
Scotty looked at him and they saw his reluctance, I dont want to do it, but if we dont, there will be many lives lost. Zreeg has chosen to be her protector. You know we will do all we can to make sure shes not harmed.
The two leaders looked up at the giant Zord standing and staring at Juliette. Jing looked out over the community and yelled, Kess, may I see you for a moment? The community watched as Kess walked up and Jing talked with her. Kess looked at the female, then took her out of the clearing. The older women were going to have a discussion with Kess about this stranger.
Kess walked toward her home and said, Its unusual for a female to don warriors clothing.
Juliette smiled, Are you not willing to fight for your loved ones if they are placed in danger?
Kess jerked her head around and said, I will kill anyone who threatens my family.
Juliette said, It is always the females that know the value of their loved ones. We would be the most dangerous to anyone that tries to harm them. I can do no less, Kess. I dont choose to don the Zecka, and I know Im not worthy to wear it. But if it will save my loved ones, I will wear it. I would fight naked if I had to.
Kess laughed, So would I. Come and let us make your Zecka. I see you understand its holy nature.
It is the skin of one of my protectors ancestors. I will honor it with my life. It deserves it.
Kess nodded and knew; Juliette was worthy of the light haired Human. She also knew no one had better step in on her territory. She sensed the bravery of this small Human female.
Jing looked at Scotty after Juliette had left with Kess and said, Have you now found a mate?
Scotty looked at Jing and said, Are you always this blunt?
Jing and Samuel looked at each other and Jing turned back to Scotty, Absolutely. Now have you chosen a mate?
Scotty grew angry, Jing, there are two people that make that decision. Ive only known her less than a week.
Samuel said, Hes chosen her.
Jing replied, Yep, he has.
Scotty said, Hey, you two! Things like this dont happen this quickly. She doesnt know me well enough to even consider me.
Lets ask her.
No you dont!!
Now there you go, challenging the wisdom of your chosen leaders. You should know better than that.
Scotty shook his head and stormed off.
Samuel looked at Jing and said, Should we ask her?
Absolutely.
Lets go.
The two dismissed the gathering and left for Kess home. The entire community had been listening to them and decided to follow to see what was going to happen. Jing walked up and knocked on Kess door.
Kess heard the knock while she was writing Juliettes measurements down, Answer that and tell them were busy.
Juliette answered the door and saw Jing and Samuel along with most of the community behind them. Kess came to the door and said, What are you two up to this time?
Jing looked at Kess and said, We want to know if Juliette is going to be Scottys mate?
Kess yelled, You meddling bunch of old timers! What kind of question is that? Get away from here!
Juliette said, Why do you want to know?
Kess was shocked into silence. She looked at Juliette and saw she was calm under the scrutiny of the crowd.
Samuel looked at Jing and said, Scotty is the son of every family in our communities. After his parents died we all adopted him.
Did you ask him this question?
As a matter of fact we did.
And his answer was?
He said you dont know him well enough to consider him.
Juliette looked out at the crowd slowly shaking her head. She smiled and said, I had a young Zord, he fought for and saved, show me his bravery in defending him during the Night of the Torg. They love him. I listened to the parents of the young Zord and they also love him. I listen to Vrings thoughts and he loves him more than I can describe to you. Jingo would die for him and their love for each other is clear. She looked over the heads of the two leaders, I look at all of you who are here because you also love him. You should know by now that anyone that spends more than ten minutes with Scotty will love him. His heart is that good. He has it wrong. It is I that hopes he will consider me. I also love him even though Im undeserving.
Scotty walked forward out of the back of the crowd and pushed his way through to Kess house. Juliette saw him coming. He walked up to her, pulled her close, and kissed her.
Jing looked at Samuel and said, See? I told you he chose her.
Scotty looked at Juliette and said, I have been waiting for you.
Juliette said, I have seen you my whole life. Now I am home.
The community began cheering and the old women had seen enough. This child was strong enough to match their sons bravery. The young women were disappointed and knew they had to look elsewhere for a mate. Scotty went into Kess home with Juliette. Kess remained outside and joined some friends. We can finish her Zecka later.
Jesa looked at Jingo and smiled. Jingo was getting emotional. Whats wrong, Jingo?
You should have seen how the young Zord adore her. She is so much like Madeline. I wish she were here to see her.
Jesa saw the tears in the corner of Jingos eyes and said, She is, Jingo. She made him wait for her. Now she can rest and not worry about him.
Jingo stared at the door, then turned with Jesa and Maddy to go home and show them how much he loved them.
Scotty and Juliette were on Scottys favorite hill staring up at the stars. Juliette was lying next to him and enjoying the feeling. Finally, she decided, Scotty?
Yes, my Love?
Ive not told you about my dream.
Scotty turned and looked at her.
Ive had the same dream since I was five years old.
Yes?
I am with you on a star ship and we are looking down on a planet; its not El Prado.
How do you know its not El Prado?
There are no wastelands anywhere, and there is no evidence of it ever having cities.
Is there anyone else there with us?
Yes, but they always remain just out of my vision.
Then how do you know theyre there?
Because I hear them say, The weapons are ready, your Highness. They were talking to you.
Scotty shook his head, Juliette, that dream cant be real.
Thats what I know, but Ive had it so many times and it seems so real. When I saw your face for the first time on Vring, I knew I have known you my whole life.
Scotty didnt know what to say.