ntness,
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.

"Good," Tarlac said with a quiet chuckle. "You'll do fine, Dave." He
settled the starstone-gemmed coronet on the newest Imperial noble's
head. "Though from now on, you know, it's 'Your Grace'."

"I'm really a Life Duke?" Dave asked. Hereditary Dukes ruled Imperial
Sectors, and Life nobles outranked their hereditary counterparts--which
meant he ranked just below the Rangers themselves, now!

"You really are, Your Grace," Tarlac assured him. "You ear