Greyson said, Now I can let it go.
What are you talking about?
Our values prevent us from attacking those that are unable to defend themselves. We wondered how we could remove the evil of those soldiers that attacked and enslaved so many planets. Those scum reveled in the misery they caused. My Emperor suggested that I allow you to do it for us. I thank you for making that happen. All of the soldiers and shock troops were in the castle at the end of the battle and they are now gone. Crimeron lost a major city but they are now free of the evil that ruled here.
The fleet couldnt defend themselves against you.
Thats true but they destroyed an innocent city. They had to be stopped.
Daulun stared at the display. He saw that he had lost control and now there was nothing. Well, at least he had one thing, I held up my end of my promise. Now keep yours.
Greyson said, My Emperor promised to send you to one of the Provincial Capitals. We will send you there now.
Daulun smiled as his bindings were removed by Kreej. Then he saw the planet on his display. Thats not a Provincial Capital.
Ah, but it is.
What planet is that?
Greyson laughed, Welcome to El Prado. The current rulers will welcome you momentarily. Daulun disappeared in a silver screen and reappeared in the branches near the top of a giant Ging Tree.
He looked at the ground far below and saw two giant creatures that looked like cats. The cats were sniffing the air and then they looked up and saw him clinging to a branch two hundred feet overhead. The largest cat sunk his claws into the trunk and began climbing to remove the invader from their territory. Daulun cursed and screamed for twenty minutes as the cat climbed two hundred feet. Greyson and Kreej both made a record of the death that Daulun so richly deserved. Greyson said, This is for Haldale. Both of them watched the long fall of Dauluns body as the cat threw him clear of the tree. Daulun screamed all the way to the ground. The giant female on the ground caught him in her mouth and savagely shook him before she swallowed him.
Kreej thought about what had happened and decided that Greysons revenge was something he would share with the flock. It was always good to remove evil from existence. The extended time for Daulun to think about his death was always good for those whose crimes were punishable by death; maybe even better than the long fall that the flocks used to punish criminals. This death was a long one. Greyson teleported away and felt his spirit finally at peace.
Jeramiah Jongo sat at the fire in the clearing just outside the Human community on Bristone. Emperor Robbins and his wife were sitting across from him staring into the flames. Two weeks had passed and miraculous things had happened on New Ulmerton. The former slaves were recuperating nicely and most were scheduled to be transported back to their home worlds. The Military had been brought under control and most of the former troops were now doing the work of the former slaves under the watchful eyes of the Zord and their Riders. They learned quickly that to even think about rebellion would end their life. The Zord were watching the former soldiers determining which of them could be possibly be salvaged. Jeramiah was surprised to find that the vast majority were repulsed by the treatment of the slaves but were forced to their brutality. There were a small percentage of them that enjoyed causing misery and they were all moved to one camp.
Jeremiah knew that the former soldiers were going to have to play the role of slaves until the other Province could be faced. The Ambassador from that Province was due in a week and he was going to have to put on the show of his life.
Your Majesty, we have enlisted the aid of Carrie and Ashley to send ambassadors to the planets that Daulun conquered. We have told them about Dauluns demise and that a good government was not in power on New Ulmerton. They, unfortunately, do not want to have any dealings with New Ulmerton under any circumstances. I was wondering what you plan to do with them.
Jeramiah sighed, I cant really blame them for feeling that way. Daulun is a name that will go down in history as an evil tyrant. He looked at Scotty, I understand that you have promised protection to two other kingdoms.
We have.
Are they planets that you rule?
Not yet. We will not accept any new members until they prove they will live by our values. Queen Carries kingdom is close to being accepted. They have pleaded for membership and the Zord have confirmed the leaders of their worlds are committed.
May I request your protection and possible membership in your Empire for those planets we conquered and for us when we can prove our commitment to your satisfaction?
You have lost all the worlds that youve conquered and we will assist them in reconstruction. Youre alone now.
Not really. We have you and the other two kingdoms to trade with and I think we can eventually win back the good will of those worlds we mistreated. I do know that without your help, we stand no chance against the other Province. My world had the most modern factories and up-to-date ship building facilities in this sector. We can assist you in preparing for the coming conflict.
Scotty stared at Jeramiah and then looked at Julie, What do you think?
I think you should be there when this Ambassador arrives to help King Jongo in the meetings. I also think that if it comes down to it, you should move New Ulmerton to protect it after the meeting.
Scotty and Jeramiah did a double take at the suggestion. Are you able to move a planet? Scotty looked at Jeramiah and nodded. Well, I could certainly use some help. Im not sure what were going to do when our shipments of raw materials stop. I suspect that will trigger the invasion.
Were going to assist you with that. We are going to send you what you need from the kingdoms and all of the former worlds you conquered have agreed to continue providing their share. With all of us chipping in, no one planet will have to suffer. Scotty smiled and said, Ill be there when the Ambassador arrives.
Jeramiah smiled and leaned back, I am changing the name of New Ulmerton to New Hope. I am also changing my title to Baron and I look forward to the time when you accept us into your Empire.
Why didnt you take the title of Duke?
Jeramiah smiled, We both know how much evil is attributed to that title. I think that title should never be used again.
Scotty nodded slowly, Baron Jongo, my Empire will take you under our protection and do all we can to defend you. I look forward to your acceptance as well.
Jeramiah stood and kneeled, Thank you, Your Majesty. We will do all we can to make that happen as quickly as possible.
Scotty and Julie sat and looked up at the stars after Jeramiah teleported away. Im worried about that Province.
I am, too. Scotty watched a shooting star flash across the sky and smiled, I was just thinking that maybe we shouldnt wait for them to invade.
What?
Maybe they need to be preoccupied by issues facing them in their backyard.
Julie smiled, It appears Grang and Jingo will avoid boredom again.
Yes, it does.
The three Searchers holding station at the jump limit of Lizella detected a stardrive breaking into normal space. Their scans showed a large shuttle moving toward the planet. Well, what have we here?
The two of you go check it out.
Two Searchers jumped out and appeared on each side of the shuttle. You will stop and lower your screen.
Hello, I was just traveling home and thought I would stop and see if there were planets here that might be interested in trade. I see that the planet in this system is heavily industrialized. We are primarily an agricultural society and need the tools to build industries. Are you open to the possibility of trade?