Ultimate Warrior (The Fight for Creation (Book Three)) by Saxon Andrew Page B

son’s partner was killed saving my worthless son’s life.”
    Jason stared at the Baron and said, “His partner was killed during the operation, Your Highness. They stumbled on a hidden heavy blaster and his partner rushed in and destroyed it but was killed in the process.”
    “I need the address of the Warrior’s wife, please.”
    Jason punched his terminal and pressed a few buttons. He looked up and said, “I’ve sent it to you, Your Highness. However, there’s something you might want to know.”
    “Does it have to do with that son of mine?”
    “I’ve recommended him to receive the Bristone Star, Your Highness.”
    “WHAT!”
    “His commanding General has also made the recommendation and we have removed the stipulation from his records that he never be allowed to command. The King has authorized its removal.”
    Russ stared at Jason, “What did he do?”
    “He saved the lives of two Brigades that would have died without his actions. The death of his partner has traumatized him, but we expect him to survive and be alright.”
    “Do you have a record of what he did?”
    Jason reached forward and pushed a button. “I’ve just sent it to you, Your Highness.”
    Russ opened the video and watched his son march into the teeth of the enemy leading the Life Warriors to victory. He replayed the video over and over and sat in the dark when night finally fell.
    • • •
    Ana sat in a dark room holding her daughter. The chime rang on her communicator but she ignored it. She fought her tears but just couldn’t hold them back. The chime stopped but immediately began again. She ignored it for thirty minutes and finally activated the circuit and yelled, “Can’t you just leave me alone!?”
    “Mrs. Tarver, Baron Slade wishes to speak with you on an important matter. Would you like to have him call later?”
    Ana sighed; a Royal could not be ignored. “I’ll speak with him.”
    “Please hold for just a moment.”
    Ana watched the display and a middle aged man with salt and pepper hair appeared on her display, “Mrs. Tarver, I am so sorry for your loss but I wish to talk with you about an issue.” Ana just stared at him. “Your husband died saving the life of my son. He has requested that you be given the Royalty he has been receiving to help support you and your child.”
    Ana shook her head, “I’m sorry, Your Highness. I can’t accept it. Joe would expect me to do this on my own. I will survive. Thank you for your very kind offer.” Ana reached for the disconnect button and the Baron said, “Please wait.” She hesitated and he said, “Do you have employment?” Ana shook her head. “Will you come to work for me?”
    “Doing what?”
    “I need someone to take responsibility for the guests that visit our home. I will pay you to perform that function and you may feel free to leave at any point you think you can start over on your own. This will allow you to get things together during this time. Will you please accept my offer?”
    Ana looked around the dark room and said, “I have no way to move to your planet, Your highness, and I can’t afford lodging.”
    “Employees that work in the Royal Grounds are provided a place to live along with child care as part of their employment. I will pay to have you moved here and deduct a portion of your salary to pay for it. You will earn everything you are paid.”
    Ana looked around the room and all she saw was Joe. Her tears began and she said, “I’ll do it for Genia’s sake.”
    “I’ll have the movers there in the morning. Thank you for coming to help me.”
    Ana nodded and disconnected the call.
    • • •
    Russell was sitting by himself in the dining hall when Pixie came up and handed him a message. He looked at her and she said, “You need to ask yourself what you would have told Joe to do if it was you that died. Then follow you own advice.”
    Pixie walked away and Russell opened the message. “She refused your offer. However, I persuaded