The rebel who'd been killed had to be Theo, Dave thought. That was too bad—but right now, at least, he couldn't seem to feel much except mild regret. His own problems were more immediately interesting. He hadn't expected protective custody, although when Chiun mentioned it he realized he should have; it was common enough on the news as well as in holoshows. He'd never heard of it being phrased as an invitation from the Emperor before, though! The effect was the same, but it was nicer than 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 them know?"
"As soon as we get to the ship," Chiun promised. "Ranger Tarlac will be taken up first, then we'll ride up with the prisoners."
"Okay." Not that he had any choice, Dave thought. And he admitted to himself that he didn't mind all that much; it would be pretty exciting, being His Majesty's guest aboard one of the tremendous Imperial Battle Cruisers. He'd have to get something to prove it, though, or the kids at school would be certain he was making it up. "Uh … he will be all 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 good medical facilities. I think it's safe to say he'll be fine, yes."
Her prediction was accurate, though Tarlac would carry scars from the beating for the rest of his life, and they were still an angry red when he held the Tribunal. Tarlac didn't mind; at least he was alive to have scars, thanks to Dave Scanlon. And it had been no problem deciding on a reward for the youngster; as Emperor Davis had pointed out, 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 much preferred to reward the outstanding, something he had less occasion to do than he liked. Especially to this degree, or with a subject whose fondness for holodramas would make it just plain fun—and even more especially with Dave's parents and the local newsies in attendance.
The expression of satisfaction on Dave's face as the convicted rebels were led away made Tarlac want to grin, though he managed to keep his own expression carefully solemn. "That concludes the unpleasantness, gentles. But don't leave; I have a far more enjoyable conclusion for this Tribunal." He rose, going to stand in the area before the judges' bench, which had been cleared except for a small covered table. It would probably be best for Dave if this could be postponed for a few years—it involved responsibilities, as well as privilege—but justice delayed, whether punishment or reward, was damn near as bad as justice denied, and the Empire would help Dave cope with his new status. "While I could do this on my own," he went on, "my personal involvement led me to seek His Majesty's confirmation, and I am pleased to say he gave it. To use his words, 'Saving a Ranger's life is certainly a critical service to the Empire, and Mr. Scanlon certainly put himself at extreme personal risk to do so. The fact that you're that Ranger should only make giving him his reward more enjoyable.' And it will."
Tarlac found it even harder to keep a straight face as he watched Dave begin to understand the personal implications of the legal phrasing, "critical service to the Empire at extreme personal risk." The only reward Dave had mentioned wanting, when asked, was an appointment to the Imperial Military Academy—which was a part, though a small one, of what he had earned. Tarlac removed the cover from the items on the table beside him, and now he allowed himself to smile. "David Mark Scanlon, stand forth to receive your Sovereign's accolade."
Dave obeyed, feeling a little dazed. Forget what the kids at school would think; he wasn't sure he believed this! He'd seen the ceremony in enough holos that he was able to get through the noble's fealty oath without stumbling, but it still seemed unreal to have a Ranger putting a surcoat on him, embroidered with arms that were his from now on, then buckling a gunbelt around his waist. He checked the gun almost automatically, not too surprised to find it was the disruptor he'd used in the cave, fully charged, then he re-holstered it.