thanks, young man."
"My pleasure," Dave replied, wanting to be polite though he wasn'tquite sure which statement he was responding to. Then curiosity tookover. "How did you know me? And why're you here now instead oftomorrow?"
"Two questions, one answer." Chiun frowned. "One of the rebelsreported the torture and rescue to us, through the local IntelDivoffice. Unfortunately, we couldn't get him out; he was killed while hewas still on the screen. That's something we don't intend to havehappen to you; His Majesty invites you to stay on the Empress Lindneruntil it's safe for you to go home, probably sometime after RangerTarlac recovers and holds a Tribunal on this mess."
The rebel who'd been killed had to be Theo, Dave thought. That was toobad--but right now, at least, he couldn't seem to feel much except mildregret. His own problems were more immediately interesting. He hadn'texpected protective custody, although when Chiun mentioned it herealized he should have; it was common enough on the news as well as inholoshows. He'd never heard of it being phrased as an invitation fromthe Emperor before, though! The effect was the same, but it was nicerthan being put under arrest. Even if he'd rather be going home . . ."I accept the invitation, of course. Can I call my folks and let themknow?"
"As soon as we get to the ship," Chiun promised. "Ranger Tarlac willbe taken up first, then we'll ride up with the prisoners."
"Okay." Not that he had any choice, Dave thought. And he admitted tohimself that he didn't mind all that much; it would be pretty exciting,being His Majesty's guest aboard one of the tremendous Imperial BattleCruisers. He'd have to get something to prove it, though, or the kidsat school would be certain he was making it up. "Uh . . . he will beall right, won't he?"
Chiun gestured toward the lifepod, now being loaded aboard the lander."He was alive when they got him in the pod, and an IBC has damn goodmedical facilities. I think it's safe to say he'll be fine, yes."
* * * * *
Her prediction was accurate, though Tarlac would carry scars from thebeating for the rest of his life, and they were still an angry red whenhe held the Tribunal. Tarlac didn't mind; at least he was alive tohave scars, thanks to Dave Scanlon. And it had been no problemdeciding on a reward for the youngster; as Emperor Davis had pointedout, Imperial law made provision even for something so unusual.
Tarlac found himself looking forward to that part of this Tribunal.Punishing the guilty was necessary, but he didn't enjoy it; he muchpreferred to reward the outstanding, something he had less occasion todo than he liked. Especially to this degree, or with a subject whosefondness for holodramas would make it just plain fun--and even moreespecially with Dave's parents and the local newsies in attendance.
The expression of satisfaction on Dave's face as the convicted rebelswere led away made Tarlac want to grin, though he managed to keep hisown expression carefully solemn. "That concludes the unpleasantness,gentles. But don't leave; I have a far more enjoyable conclusion forthis Tribunal." He rose, going to stand in the area before the judges'bench, which had been cleared except for a small covered table. Itwould probably be best for Dave if this could be postponed for a fewyears--it involved responsibilities, as well as privilege--but justicedelayed, whether punishment or reward, was damn near as bad as justicedenied, and the Empire would help Dave cope with his new status."While I could do this on my own," he went on, "my personal involvementled me to seek His Majesty's confirmation, and I am pleased to say hegave it. To use his words, 'Saving a Ranger's life is certainly acritical service to the Empire, and Mr. Scanlon certainly put himselfat extreme personal risk to do so. The fact that you're that Rangershould only make giving him his reward more enjoyable.' And it will."
Tarlac found it even harder to keep a straight face as he watched Davebegin to understand the personal implications of the legal phrasing,"critical service to the Empire at extreme personal risk." The onlyreward Dave had mentioned wanting, when asked, was an appointment tothe Imperial Military Academy--which was a part, though a small one, ofwhat he had earned. Tarlac removed the cover from the items on thetable beside him, and now he allowed himself to smile. "David MarkScanlon, stand forth to receive your Sovereign's accolade."
Dave obeyed, feeling a little dazed. Forget what the kids at schoolwould think; he wasn't sure he believed this! He'd seen the ceremonyin enough holos that he was able to get through the noble's fealty oathwithout stumbling, but it still seemed unreal to have a Ranger puttinga surcoat on him, embroidered with arms that were his from now on, thenbuckling a gunbelt around his waist. He checked the gun almostautomatically, not too surprised to find it was the disruptor he'd usedin the cave, fully charged, then he re-holstered it.
"Good," Tarlac said with a quiet chuckle. "You'll do fine, Dave." Hesettled the starstone-gemmed coronet on the newest Imperial noble'shead. "Though from now on, you know, it's 'Your Grace'."
"I'm really a Life Duke?" Dave asked. Hereditary Dukes ruled ImperialSectors, and Life nobles outranked their hereditary counterparts--whichmeant he ranked just below the Rangers themselves, now!
"You really are, Your Grace," Tarlac assured him. "You earned it; nowenjoy it."
END
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