Their stop over in The Philippines had been pleasant, but as they made their way through Indonesia their ship picked up a distress call from an American ship ahead of them. They were under attack by a large raider and several smaller boats. The Republic ship put on speed to come to the rescue. The pirates never even knew they were there until the Republic vessel opened fire, its big gun blew the larger boat right out of the water with its first shot, then its smaller guns ripped up the other boats as she plowed right through the middle of them. It was all over in moments! But it took them several hours to rescue survivors and to wait for Indonesian warships to come and take charge of them.
The Indonesian commander paid his compliments to his Republic counterpart and they were on their way again. "Some of those prisoners were just young boys," Sharon complained. "What will happen to them?"
"The Indonesians will try them," the Captain explained, "seize their families and pay our government to ship them off to one of our penal colonies under the condition they don't come back. They're trying to stop the raiding. It's hurting their economy. Other countries won't deal with them as long as it's going on. They don't usually end up too bad, if they behave themselves. Some of our colonies are on pretty rugged territory. Life is hard, but not cruel."
The rest of the trip was just smooth sailing. India was another nice stop, though they were warned not to wander off by themselves. Finally they anchored in Mogadishu Harbor, and a special party greeted them.
"Come along!" Samuel's senior officer, Warlock Hightower insisted, "your things will be taken care of. The president insists you visit! Your fame precedes you! The papers have talked of nothing but the young hero coming to protect and help rebuild the country. A motorcade has been arranged. The street will probably be full of people. Try to show a little enthusiasm, Warlock!"
Samuel was overwhelmed! The street was packed with people waving and cheering. President Barrah met them on the steps of his residence. "Oh! The children!" he cried, "I do hope I can hold them!"
Joy practically leaped into his arms. "You're so black!" she remarked, "Doesn't it ever wash off?"
"Joy!" her mother cried.
"Madame!" the president laughed, "How often has she seen people as dark skinned as us? No, dear one!" he laughed. "I'm always this dirty. Come, come!"
The president suddenly stopped. "Where is his medal?" he cried, "He wears his ring but not his medal! he must wear it on formal occasions. The people will be slighted. They will think he does not want to show them his honors."
"I'm sorry sir," Samuel remarked, "that medal was won in another service. I may display it but it would be improper to wear it."
"I won't HAVE it!" the president insisted. "It MUST be fetched! He must wear it while he is greeting the local commanders. This will never do! It WILL NOT DO!" He turned to Samuel's superior. "Franklin, change your silly rules! I insist upon it! Find some way IMMEDIATELY!"
The Warlock looked totally bewildered. Finally he turned to Samuel. "Warlock Star," he ordered, "I am granting you a special dispensation that will allow you to wear the medal you won while at Morndorf Academy during ceremonial occasions while on duty at this station. Kindly fetch it and don it IMMEDIATELY!"
Little Sam laughed joyously. "Goodie! Goodie!" he cried, "Everybody likes daddy's pretty ribbon!"
Samuel went to his bag, dug through it, got the medal out and quickly donned it. When he returned the president smiled brightly. "Ah!" he said, "Yes! Much, much better! Come! We've got a good meal ready, everything grown right here in Somalia. I want to hear the story of how you got this. I have read it, but I am sure from your own lips it will be more interesting."
Samuel hated to tell that story, but to please the president he repeated it again. All at the table listened, spellbound. When he was done the president raised his glass.
"May you serve the people of Somalia," he cried, "as well as you served your friend!"
"Here! Here!" everyone cried.
With the lunch done they got down to business. Sharon and the children were led away, and Samuel was lead into a room to be introduced to the leaders in his sector. As he entered they all looked at him nervously.

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