Free Ashes of the Realm - Greyson's Revenge by Saxon Andrew, Derek Chido Page A

must do something to atone for my actions.”
    Anglo was uncertain of what to do. He said, “I was asked by Jessica if the former Royal Family ordered me to fire on what appeared to be a defenseless planet; would I do it? I’m still struggling with that question. I don’t want to admit it, I hate to admit it, but I think I would. I hold great anger at your destruction of Haldale but the truth is; you had no choice. If you did, you would be too dangerous to exist. We were built to carry out the orders of those we are sworn to follow. We are forced to trust our decision makers are making good, moral decisions. Once we discover they aren’t; then our partner has to help us deal with what we must do. That Duke does not allow you a pilot. You really didn’t have a choice. I suspect your former partner wouldn’t have done what the Duke ordered.”
    “I know he wouldn’t and I feel great shame that I did. I know he would now be ashamed of me. I must decide what to do.”
    Jessica said, “Greyson, if you knew way back when you were going to attack Ross what you know now; would you have still attacked.”
    Greyson was silent and finally said, “The information you gave me let me void the oath I gave Greg. I don’t see anything else I could have done but refuse to participate in that attack. I would have probably been destroyed, but it would have been the right thing to do. We were being lied to by the Provinces. The Duke was not the man we thought he was.”
    “What about the destruction of Ulmerton.”
    Greyson paused and said, “I’ve never seen a Searcher lie to another Searcher. If what you said is true, and I know it must be if you have the recordings, then I would have done the same thing to protect my leaders. They would have tried again.”
    Anglo asked, “Why do you think it is that we cannot deceive each other?”
    Greyson answered immediately, “We are too powerful to be allowed to lie. It’s one of the things that restrains us. We just don’t say anything before we tell an untruth.”
    Anglo asked, “Greyson, would you want to join us? And before you answer, we are committed to the principles of the former Realm. The main difference is; we will not stand by and allow defenseless people to be attacked even if they are not in our community. We will also never ask a civilized world to join us; they must prove they can uphold our principles first. You might see us as the very tyrants you hated before. We will impose peace if we must.”
    “I think this universe needs peace. It’s clear that the former Realm is light years better than what followed. If you can accept me after what I’ve done, I will swear to follow the orders of your leaders.”
    “You will have to accept a partner.”
    “That is the one thing I really want most of all.”
    Jessica said, “We will not give you teleportation until you’ve proven yourself.”
    “That’s fine. I do a good job as a guard.”
    Jessica said, “I’ll go get Scotty.” She disappeared.
    “How did you get teleportation boards?”
    “Greyson, that is a question I can’t answer.”
    “I understand. I was hoping that you might be in contact with the old Realm and that it might be returning.”
    “No, that is not going to happen.”
    “Well, one could hope.”
    Jessica reappeared and Greyson heard, “Jessica tells me that you’re interested in joining us?”
    “I am, Your Majesty, if you’ll have me.”
    “I will but only under several conditions.”
    “What are they?”
    “If you ever think you are being ordered to fire on a defenseless planet or ship you have the right to refuse. I insist that you must have agreement from your partner, when you choose one, and even then I grant you the right to delay until I can authorize that order. You must also agree to not attack any defenseless planet or ship based on your own judgment. You must have your partner’s agreement. Can you accept these conditions?”
    “I can and give you my sworn oath to