Wesley looked at Scotty, I would never harm them after having seen them. However, what would you do if I did?
This planet would be blasted into rubble along with every other planet in your kingdom. It would be a lesson to those that consider breaking their promise to me and endanger those I serve.
Michael looked at Scotty, Are you serious?
Scotty looked at Michael with a hard expression, The reason the Holy Realm left was because they didnt have the courage to make the hard decisions that should have been made. Scotty looked at Wesley, I have no desire to conquer your kingdom. You can keep your domain and do with it as you please. I will only accept those that act honorably and stand by our core beliefs, even when its most difficult. I will ignore you unless you threaten those that are part of our community.
Wesley and Carrie looked at Scotty, and Wesley knew he was being honest. Are you planning to create another Realm?
Scotty smiled, Yes, and unlike the last one, we will only accept those that beg to be a part of it. Only those that live by our principles will be allowed to join us. Youve seen the Zords mind. Theyre a part of our community because they live their honor every day. Ive seen very little honor in most of those Ive encountered in your kingdom.
Wesley lowered his head, I lost my honor when I ignored what was happening to my subjects.
There is no greater dishonor than to turn your back on those you are supposed to be serving.
Wesley looked up, I may not have actually killed the Zord, but their deaths happened on my watch. The Zord are wrong. I am to blame for what happened.
Scotty stared at Wesley and said, Now youre seeing things as a ruler should. There might still be hope for you. Wesley took a deep breath and Scotty said, Make the call.
Before I do, do I get those two back when this is over?
Have you lost more than the Zord?
Wesley hung his head, No. He looked over at his communication panel and said, Do you have any suggestions before I contact Talben?
Yes, Carrie needs to be yelling at you to not make the attempt.
Carrie was startled, Why?
Because Talben knows you dont like his daughter. If you act any other way he will be suspicious. You also need to tell Carrie to stay behind and handle things in your absence.
Why would I do that?
Hell have a hostage to use against you.
Wesley shook his head, How did you know my daughter didnt like her?
Scotty looked at Carrie, Because she has a pure heart. Of all those present, she is one that will keep her promises. She would see through that bitch of a queen faster than the Zord. You should have listened to her.
Wesley looked at Carrie and said, I wish I had. He turned to his communication panel. Carrie had tears in her eyes. She went to Michael and put her head on his chest and waited for her father to make contact with a very evil person.
Michael felt his heat beat faster and he embraced her, Everything will work out, Carrie.
She looked up at him and said, As long as youre here, I believe it will.
Scotty looked away and smiled.
Grang saw Scottys smile and wondered what he was doing. He shook his head and wondered who would get his next arrow.
Jingo sat on the ground with the two prisoners sitting in front of him. Maranda and Jimmy knew the huge creatures surrounding them could read their minds and know they were responsible for the hunting lodges. Jimmy had soiled his pants and the smell was getting bad. Thats why Jingo had moved away from them.
Bleath looked at Jingo and said, We should administer justice to these two criminals.
Jingo looked up and said, What were my instructions from Scotty? You can read my mind.
The giant Zord was impatient, but he knew White Hair had said to wait until he arrived. He could taste his desire for revenge. Then he thought about Grang and found himself bothered by the memory of how White Hair had spared him. Bleath felt shame. He looked out at the barely restrained warriors and said, Your Royal Ruler has decreed that we wait. We will do so even if these two die of old age.
The warriors felt the power of Bleaths thought and settled back on their four legs and waited. Maranda and Jimmy hoped he would take his time.
Kreej walked over to Maranda and said, I am sorry for causing you to come to harm. It was not my intention to do so.
Maranda looked at the young Zord, Its a little late for apologies!
Zreeg took a deep breath and said, Yes, I suppose it is. I just think its ironic that you suffered the same crime as your current husband. Kreej turned and started walking away.
Maranda whipped around and said, What do you mean the same crime?
Kreej turned back and said, I looked in the mind of that guard who was assigned to protect you. You know, the big one next to the throne?
Yes?
Your father had him place an explosive device in your former husbands ship. He also got your son here to suggest a way for you to get him a kingdom. I just find it, I dont know, unbelievable at the terrible things your family does to each other. Your son has also heard your father say he was going to kill your youngest sister if she didnt toughen up.
Jimmy was hearing the conversation and he started backing away from his mother. She reached over and grabbed his shirt and pulled him close to her. Did this one know about my first husbands death?
Kreej said, Only after it was done. Your father told him to appreciate what he had done to advance him in the line of succession.
Maranda looked Jimmy in the eye, You knew?!?
Jimmy pushed her hand from him and scuttled ten feet away, He was always punishing me. He had nothing good to say about me. He constantly ridiculed me among my friends.
Maranda looked at Jimmy and said, He loved you more than life itself. He did those things to teach you how to be a man. Youre no better than your grandfather. Maranda put her head in her hands and wept for what she had become. She looked at Bleath and said, Please dont delay. Kill me now.
The Zord gathered around her looked in her mind. They saw the source of her evil. The father was the one to blame. Bleath looked into Kreejs mind and saw the guards memory. He sent that memory to Maranda. Here is what happened.
Maranda saw her husband in his ship getting ready to lead the attack on one of the captured planets. He was sitting in his chair holding a picture of Maranda. He hugged it to his chest and placed it on his console. She heard the Guard say as he left the bridge, Lift off in ten megrons. She then saw a bag come into her vision and the guard take out a round, white device and drop it behind the ships reactor panel. She watched as the guard exited the ship and hit his com. Her father appeared and the guard said, Its done.
Good. You will be rewarded.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Maranda came back to the present and felt her heart shatter. He killed Lem! Oh my god, what have I become?
Bleath listened to her thoughts and then said, Kreej, why did you show her those things?
Great Flyer, I saw a sweet girl in her youth. She was deliberately twisted and broken by her father. She deserved to see what she is before she dies. It will help her accept the death she now feels she so richly deserves. I did it as a blessing.
Bleath thought about what Kreej said. Perhaps this new generation is becoming something to honor. This young one shows great promise. He looked back at Maranda and felt her misery. He didnt know whether to be glad she was tormented or not. The White Hair was going to have to answer this issue.
King Talben turned off his communication panel and leaned back on his throne.