Saxon Andrew - Searcher

At the conclusion of the recording Tag said, “These warriors could have teleported to safety and saved themselves. If they had done so the invaders would have scattered and millions of the local population would have been killed. They fought and held their ground against more than a fourteen hundred thousand of those green creatures. They gave their lives to save the lives they knew would be lost if they saved themselves. It made no difference that this planet was not a member of the Realm; those brave Warriors were there to protect life.” Tag paused and watched as the mass of Red Warriors all looked at the small Third Division. Most of them had not seen what had happened in the city’s square. Brez could still feel the pain of the death of his fallen warriors. Tag continued, “The one hundred and fifty survivors of this action will come forward.”

Brez came to attention and faced his warriors, “Those survivors, Atten-shun.” The survivors all snapped to attention. Brez watched them and then ordered, “Assemble in squads.”

They moved forward and formed ranks in front of his division. “Forward, March.”

The one hundred and fifty marched around the Wiseman division and moved forward toward the reviewing stand. Every warrior began quietly chanting, “Third Division, Third Division, Third Division,” over and over until they stopped directly in front of the Royal Stands. Brez stopped and ordered, “Halt. Right face.” The one hundred and fifty survivors turned and faced the reviewing stands. Brez then turned and bowed to the King of the Stars Realm. Silence then fell on the field. “Before I continue, there is one who wishes to speak about your sacrifice.” Tag stepped aside and a tall black furred being approached the podium.

“My name is Gholas and I am the leader of the world that you came to defend. We witnessed your bravery 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.”