nd holds a Tribunal on this mess."

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 unpleasa