"That is not the oath that is commonly given," The Emperor answered, "but I think it is sufficient and acceptable.  These warriors will advise you of your duties.  Kindly assign your people, Guard Commander, and assume your duties!  But I will request that you make as much time available for me as possible, as I wish to come to know you much better.  I have been told that your mother is a widow, that your father died valiantly, in the service of his people.  I request that you bring her here.  I wish to make her acquaintance.  I would be honored to meet the mother of such a man!"
     The new Imperial Guard Commander nodded.  "If it is The Emperor's wish," he answered, "I will summon her.  I think she would very much like to make his acquaintance, also."  He turned around.  "Troops!" he snapped, "Present arms!  About face!  Disperse!" 
     They went outside.  Warlock Polley grabbed his superior.  "Is there any way you can get me out of this, Jeff?"  he asked.
     "Not a prayer!"  his former superior answered.  "You've now become permanent ground troops assigned to this station.  I'll be getting you some more people as quick as I can, but The District Speaker at Mozambique wants you to stay put.  If we needed these people's good will before, we need it even more, now.  You made yourself a hero, now you gotta live with it!"
     "Well, I don't think it's going to be very hard to live with," the Warlock answered. "They’re very nice people, and I think being around here will give me plenty of adventure!"
     His former superior nodded and hurried off, and Guard Commander Polley got busy.  A while later The Emperor was strolling through the courtyard when he saw Damon Mud sitting on a bench working with a writing board.
     "A letter home?" The Emperor asked.
     "Oh!  Sorry sir!" the Damon snapped, rising, "Didn't see you coming.  No, sir!  Taking a break, sir.  Working on my hobby."
     "Hobby?" The Emperor asked.
     "Yes, sir," the Damon answered, "I've got this theory, sir, that we can create a hyper beam by using the energy of the black hole at the center of the universe, that could get a ship to another galaxy in twenty years or so.  It would make such a trip within the realm of possibility, sir!  But it takes a lot of calculations, and I only get to work in my spare time."
     "This is your hobby?"  The Emperor remarked, "I thought a hobby was supposed to be something fun, enjoyable!"
     The warrior looked puzzled.  "This is fun, sir, this is enjoyable!  It's how I relax, sir."
     "Twig!"  The Emperor cried. His aide came up. 
     "Yes, My Lord?" he snapped.
     "Get this warrior whatever he needs to work on his hobby. Get him our finest mathematicians to assist him.  Give him space in The Imperial Library, and keep me advised of his progress.  This is one interesting hobby!"
     "Yes, Your Majesty!"  the aide snapped.  "Come along, sir!" he instructed.  "Let's see what you need."
     "Thank you," the Damon managed, "thank you!"

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