Lilian and I agreed that in the new order we wanted to bring in, there was a valid place for more than one kind of government, so all viable star syst...ms, whether nobles-led or minor republics, all planets were given a similar degree of autonomy, provided they all joined the Imperial Federation and paid the taxes due to keep the administration, military, police and judiciary in place to maintain law and order.Together, almost immediately the last of the major warlord systems fell, leaving just. It wasn’t long before there was a knock at the door. She adjusted the bra, thong and sheer peignoir and answered the door.The man standing on the stoop was rather unremarkable, average in height, waistline no longer boyish, nose a bit broad and sandy hair beginning to recede. But when their eyes met both gasped slightly, he from instant recognition and her from awareness that she should know this person, yet a name and the context of knowing him were elusive.“Maria? Maria Canales?” he asked,. " Why are you coming to me, Ashton? You are taking a big chance of being seen by coming here." I know that, Mr. Morgan, but if you will shut up a minute I will tell you why I am here and sneak out before someone sees me. The runt took all your case files to his home instead of booking them as evidence. He belongs to the National Free Church, the same group you tangled with out in Texas a couple of years ago. I have worked my way up to being his number two. Right now he is looking for someone,. His scream caused everyone to freeze and turn to look. He was down and convulsing as I struck another with a needle. I stepped out of the crowd and close to Delcruise as he started to turn and run.Dragon landed on his shoulder as I pulled my weapon and turned, “Do not move.”He froze with Dragon’s teeth against his throat as I aimed at one of the killers. He was lifting a weapon when I shot him in the throat. That created the panic and the crowd surged towards the door. When one of the other.