and watched as your fellow warriors all over our planet gave their lives to save my people. We cannot express how much that sacrifice means to us. We would all be dead now except for your intervention. My people are a testament to your bravery and we have made the square where you fought and died a planetary memorial to those of you that faced the green horde. The monument constructed there has every name of the five hundred that faced the horde that day and we will be teaching our descendants of your bravery; our children will learn the names of my planets saviors. We have also constructed a hundred and fifty beautiful structures at the finest locations on our world for you to live should you choose to come and live with us. My planet will care for you, your families and descendents for the rest of your life. They and my people will be waiting for you when you complete your service and we hope you will come. We promise to make your lives as pleasant as possible as befitting your sacrifice that saved us all.”
The millions of Ross citizens that had gathered around the field watching the proceedings on monitors immediately cheered the announcement. The roar was deafening. The tall being bowed to the Red Warriors and then stepped back.
Tag moved forward, waited for silence; he then announced, “Some of our member planets learned about what the Dafer were doing for these brave warriors and I have been notified that every Red Warrior present today will be given a residence on the planet of their choice. We have more than ten million requests for you to come and live on these worlds that respect and admire your accomplishment and they will be waiting for you when you are ready. They all know their worlds will be safer with you living among them.”
The assembled divisions held their heads higher. They welcomed the gifts but knowing the Realm respected their actions meant more than the actual gift.
Tag then looked down at the survivors and said, “Those of your brothers that died in the square that day have been moved to a fitting burial site. They along with all of you are hereby awarded the Crimson Crown our Realm’s highest award for bravery and upon your death you will join your fellow Red Warriors in Colony Park here on Ross to be interred with Dorg-Ross and the other heroes of the Realm.”
The Red Warriors erupted into cheers and were joined by the citizens of Ross as Danielle assisted by Admiral Grace stepped down and moved down the line of survivors and presented each of them with the Realm’s highest award for bravery. Each of them bowed to the queen and felt proud of the recognition for them and their fallen comrades.
Finally, Danielle returned to the stand and Tag raised his arms; the noise abated and then there was silence. Tag nodded at the Wiseman division and General Durk turned and ordered, “Third Division, move forward.”
Juck turned and moved back in front of the regiment he had just been promoted to command. He then moved forward to assume Brez’s place in front of Third Division. He turned and faced the division and ordered, “Third Division, Atten-shun. Forward, march.” Each of the units echoed his order in their turn to march and Third Division marched out of the ranks of the assembled divisions and moved in front of the Royal Stands. General Durk then ordered, “First and Second Divisions, Close ranks left.”
The two divisions turned and moved left to remove the space between second and fourth divisions. Durk then ordered, “Wiseman Division, Atten-shun. Right face. Forward March.” The Wiseman division then marched and assumed the position the First Division had formerly occupied.”
Brez was facing his warriors and wondered what was happening. He looked at Juck and the Cainth gave him a small shrug indicating he didn’t know.
The announcers were telling the viewers that this was unheard of and that they had no idea what was taking place. Tag looked down at the Third Division and said, “Colonel Juck, step forward.”
Juck flinched and marched forward and stood at rigid attention.
Tag looked out at the Red Warriors, “One of the benefits of our Red Warrior’s armor is that all of their actions are recorded. General Brez asked that we review the actions of Colonel Juck and we reviewed his contributions during the conflict. I can say without any doubt that we would have lost all five hundred in the square but for the fighting skill of this fine warrior. Colonel Juck, you are hereby promoted to the rank of General and you will assume command of the Wiseman Division immediately. The Wiseman division is being moved to the ranks of our Red Warriors and Third Division, which from this day forward will be named Brez’s Division, will assume the task of defending Ross and the Royal Family. Only our finest warriors will be allowed to fill the positions of the Warriors that died protecting life on Dafer. Richard Wiseman was one of my closest friends and he would demand that this be done. The Brez Division has set a standard for all of our future Red Warriors to follow.” There was no holding them back, the Red Warriors broke ranks and rushed forward to embrace the chosen defenders of the Realm. Every member of the Third Division was lifted to the shoulders of Red Warriors and carried around the field’s perimeter for the assembled crowds to cheer them. The cheering continued for hours afterward. Juck stood in shock and Brez said, “You deserve it my long time protector. Make me proud.”
Juck embraced Brez just as General Durk arrived and stood in front of Juck. Durk snapped to attention and saluted the small Cainth; Juck looked at him and said, “I relieve you, Sir,” and returned his salute. Durk dropped his salute and grabbed the small Cainth’s hand and said, “You have a good team, General.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Why retire and pick a house, Red Warrior. It’s time for me to enjoy what life remains.”
“Thank you for your confidence, General.”
“I couldn’t be leaving my Warriors in better hands. Besides, we need them to fight. They want to go to war.”
Juck remembered the savage battle and said, “Be careful what you wish for.”
“They’ll handle themselves well. They deserve the chance.”
After ten hours the announcers began broadcasting a warning for an important announcement from the Royal Family in fifty minutes. Twenty minutes before the announced time the Red Warriors received the order to assume ranks and they immediately teleported to their formations. On millions of worlds everyone wondered what was happening.
Danielle approached the podium and said, “My husband and I have ruled the Realm since its founding except for the brief period when Rose was Queen of the Realm. We initially refused to take the positions but the Realm insisted. We reluctantly agreed to do so until someone better qualified could replace us. Cassandra Gardner had a vision more than twelve hundred years ago of one of her descendents being born with higher psychic abilities than any of us in the Royal Family. Tag and I agreed to rule until that child was born and grew of age. That child is Matthew Anglo Gardner who led our fight against the Green Invaders. We are abdicating our thrones and Prince Gardner will be the new King of the Stars Realm. We are leaving the Realm in very capable hands.”
The crowd erupted into cheering. Everyone knew the role Matt had played in the war. Danielle held up her arms and the crowd slowly became silent. “We will continue to support him in any way he deems necessary. May I present to you King Matthew Gardner.
The roar was deafening not only on Ross but on every member planet of the Realm. Melanie stood next to Matt on the viewing stand with her ever present hat, which had become famous in the Realm, and waved at the cheering millions. The Realm began celebrating.
Melanie looked up at Matt and smiled. Her pride of him was obvious. Matt looked at Melanie and said, “Make sure you clean your hat.”
Melanie looked at the cheering crowd and said, “I’m giving my hat away.”
Matt furrowed his brow and Melanie said, “I am going to place it in Angels Tomb to thank her for what she sacrificed to save us.”
Matt embraced her and felt the tears. He closed his eyes and heard Angel say, “Love her, Magic. I can rest now.” Matt felt her go and knew she would always be in his heart. He looked at Melanie and knew he was going to marry her soon.
She said, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, My Love; I’m finally happy again.”
Melanie held him tight and felt him in her heart.
Epilogue
