She very carefully scrubbed the Warlock's chest, then the rest of his body, to his embarrassment not missing a spot!
     "How do you people get around on two legs?" she remarked.
     "We wonder how you manage on three!"  the Warlock answered.
      They both smiled.  The Empress rose and held out a towel. 
     "I am simply not used to such pampering!"  the Warlock remarked.
     "Until you are healed," The Empress remarked, "We will give you as much as you are entitled to, and I do not want to hear one complaint!"
     "No, ma'am!"  the Warlock answered. "Would it embarrass you, ma'am, to say that you remind me of my mother?"
     The Empress looked quite serious.  "No, sir," she answered, "I am honored!  I am deeply honored!"
     She applied the fresh dressing and then helped the Warlock dress.  When she presented his jacket it was not his battle dress.  It was cut the same, but it was made of the same fabric that The Emperor wore, and had some additional decorations! 
     "I'm sorry, ma'am," the Warlock remarked, "somebody obviously went to a lot of trouble, but that's not regulation.  I won't be able to wear it."
     "If my son says you are to wear it," The Empress answered, "you are to wear it!  Now, put it on!"
     The Warlock obliged.  "Now!"  The Empress continued, "You are ready for your audience.  Let's see if your companion is properly attired.'
     They went out in the hall and found Rice standing there.  She, too, wore a new battle jacket.  "Is this legal?"  she asked.
     "For now," the Warlock answered.  "We have to go along."
     They were returned to the throne room but now it was immaculate.  Their troops were still there, but gathered in ranks, and all wearing the same jackets.  The Emperor motioned the Warlock forward."
     Warlock Polley," he remarked, "I am very displeased with you!  You arrived to the rescue so late that many of my people were killed!  I do not have sufficient troops to guard the city, and, the palace.  So, I therefore demand that you and your troops now become my Palace Guard, that you bring your families here, and take up residence here, and become my permanent protectors!  If that is done your tardiness will be forgiven."
     The Warlock stood, stunned.  "Your Majesty!"  he finally managed, "I am honored!  I'm sure my troops are honored!  But we're assigned to our vessels. We have duties.  We can't simply abandon them!"
     The Emperor waved his hand, and Fleet Commander Davis came into view.  "Warlock Commander!"  he snapped, "You and this company are removed from your former duties and given the opportunity to accept this new assignment.  You are not obligated to do so, but The Republic would be grateful if you would."
      The Warlock looked about him, came to attention, and with a little effort, saluted.  "With my heart and with my hand I fight for thee!"  he announced.  "I accept the command that you have given me."

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