No, Ill bring them in momentarily and introduce them to him.
Scotty raised his com and saw Grang walk up to him. He lowered his com and said, You arent going with me.
Grang said, Yes, I am.
Scotty put his hand on Grangs shoulder and said, The future of these worlds lies in the hands of that young woman.
Everyone in the room turned and looked at Carrie, who was confused about what Scotty was saying. Grang looked at her and then back to Scotty, Brother, I need you to make sure she is not harmed. She is this worlds Madeline. I will be safe with the Zord. You know that. There are those here in the palace that will attempt to harm her. I trust the three of you to make sure she is not harmed.
Wesley interjected, How do you know there are traitors here?
Your ex-wife has chosen all of the personnel here, has she not?
Wesley thought about it, and Carrie said, Yes, she has.
She didnt teleport those ten guards here with her when we returned. They were already present. It will be her they attempt to kill. They do not fear Wesley.
Wesley hung his head.
Scotty walked over to Wesley and stood in front of him, Perhaps youll handle that situation when this is over.
Wesley looked up and everyone saw his determination, Ill handle that before this situation is resolved. Tell Jessica Im going to need the names of those in my fleet that are loyal to Talben.
Did you hear that, Jess?
Yes. If I gather them I expect you to use them.
Wesley almost had a snarl, Just give me the names.
Grang looked at Wesley, and then at Carrie. He looked at Scotty and said, I am sworn to follow your orders. She will not be harmed.
Scotty looked up at the huge Magrum and smiled. He looked at Michael and Jingo and said, You three are the ones that I trust with my life. He looked at Carrie and said, You have chosen well. Scotty hit his com, Send me, Anglo.
Wesley looked at Carrie and asked, What did he mean, chosen well?
Carrie walked over and put her arms around Michael, Will you have me?
Michael smiled, Only as long as there are stars in the sky. You do make the universe a more beautiful place in which to live. She stood on her toes and he kissed her.
Wesley grew angry. He hadnt sanctioned this pairing. Then he saw the first real smile on Carries face since her mother had died. He thought about it and said, The wedding will be after this affair is concluded.
Carrie ran over and jumped in his lap, Thank you. A million times, thank you. He is the one Ive been waiting on. I know it in my heart.
Grang looked at Jingo and shrugged. Jingo laughed out loud and slapped the big Magrum on his back, Lets look around this place and see where uninvited guests might try to crash our little soiree.
Wesley got on the board and started talking to his Admirals and Generals. He only spoke with those that had proven their loyalty. After four hours they arrived and met the two archers. Grang had turned his Zecka on and watched the gathering closely for any hint of danger.
Scotty arrived at the clearing and Julie was waiting for him. He raised his eyebrows and Julie said, I made Anglo promise to take me wherever you are when you returned. Scotty smiled and hugged and kissed her deeply. Maranda saw Scotty appear and watched as he greeted Julie. She remembered when she and Lem would meet each other the same way. She waited for the blond-haired archer to come closer.
Scotty held Julies hand and walked toward Bleath. Howre the communities?
Fine. Just a few settling-in issues. Nothing serious.
Good. Hello, Bleath. Have you decided what justice you wish to impose on these two?
Before we discuss that, I want to share what weve discovered in your absence. Bleath showed him Kreejs revelation to Maranda and her reaction. This is what her mind is like now.
Scotty drew back from the misery and overriding hatred he felt, Thats enough, Bleath. Scotty looked over at Maranda and saw her staring at him. She did not display any fear, unlike that weasely son of hers, and she stared straight into his eyes.
Julie looked at her and recoiled at what she saw. Scotty looked at her and motioned her over to Bleath. Julie walked away wondering what had made this woman into what she saw.
Scotty walked up to Maranda and she said, I have seen in the minds of the Zord that you are their Supreme Ruler. Scotty nodded. I know they can look in my mind and see whatever is there. I wish to ask one favor before I die. Scotty started to get angry but she said, I know I dont deserve it. However, I have seen that one of your beliefs is that you will protect those that cant protect themselves.
Scotty stared at Maranda then said, That only applies to those that are innocent of wrong.
I know that. I know there is no defense for my actions.
What is it you want?
I have to kill my father.
Scotty leaned back and Maranda continued, My father told this piece of crud son of mine that he was going to kill my youngest sister if she didnt toughen up. Now that I have been removed from the succession, he will move quickly to eliminate her.
Scotty stared at Maranda, not certain of what she was saying.
My youngest sister has a loving heart. She is like I once was before my Father bent me to his will. She doesnt stand a chance against him. It will be an arranged accident.
Maranda stood and walked up to the Giant Zord and knelt in front of him, Look in my mind Great Flyer. I will submit myself to your justice. I swear on the soul of my dead Love; I will return to face you for my crimes. I humbly beg for the chance to save one that is innocent and good. I know I dont deserve anything from you for all the horrors Ive committed. I pray youll give me a chance to save Ashley. Please.
What about your son?
He is just as responsible as I am. He has nothing good in him. I will not ask for his life. He deserves to lose it ten times over for his lust for power. He, like I, deserve our punishments.
Bleath looked at Scotty. Bleath, it is your decision. I will support whatever you decide.
Bleath gave a screech and a huge warrior ran forward, grabbed Jimmy in his claws, and lifted into the sky. Hundreds of Zord lifted and followed the rising warrior. Jimmy could be heard screaming until the flock disappeared. He will be flown over the identical path he used to chase one of our females. He will be dropped from very high up on the spot where he killed her.
Bleath looked down at Maranda and said, You are troubling. I know you are responsible for the lodges. I also know that it was your father that twisted your spirit and made you what you are. He used the death of your mate to cause your change. I see your sister in your mind and I agree; she is like you once were. I cannot allow an innocent child to die; even if it means you live.
Great Flyer, I may lose my life trying to save her but if I live, I will come back to take my flight with your warriors.
Bleath looked at Scotty and said, There are some things that should be allowed. She means what she is saying. We will delay her judgment. The one we want for our justice is the father. She will need your help to save her sister.
Scotty looked at Maranda, And she will have it.
Maranda ran forward and threw herself at Scottys feet, Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Julie looked down at the weeping woman, then looked Scotty in the eye. Scotty saw what she was saying without her having to speak. Maranda, come with me.
Maranda stood, composed herself, and followed Scotty out of the clearing. Scotty hit his com, Anglo, send us back to Varners throne room.
Julie watched them disappear and felt the despair of the black haired beauty named Maranda.
Maranda and Scotty appeared in the throne room, and Wesley and Carrie jumped up and started toward her. Scotty said, You will go back and sit down now!! Jingo and Michael stepped in front of the two and stopped them from moving forward. Maranda stood in the center of the room with her head down. Wesley snarled, Wheres that worthless son?