quarter of the Empire, and are rapidly losing
more. Terra itself will be in danger within six months."

Medart winced. "That much that quickly? They must have one hell of a
big civilization!"

"We believe so, but we have no way of being sure."

"Mmpf." Medart was silent for a moment, then he said, "Damned if I
know what you expect one person to be able to do about something that's
already taken out a quarter of your Empire, but I've got to try. First
thing, I think, is to get in touch with His Majesty--or Her Majesty,
here--let @ know I'm available, and find out what resources I can use.
Emperor Barton?"

"His Majesty," the ship said, "is Emperor Ray Kennard, and he has been
informed of your arrival. On Ranger Ariel's orders, I beamed an
account to his personal comset, complete as of your departure from the
Bridge."

"Good--thank you. In my universe under these circumstances, he'd be
the one to call as soon as I made it to the top of his priority list;
would that be safe to assume here?"

"Yes, sir, I believe so."

"Okay." Medart's attention went back to Chavvorth. They'd been
expecting a visitor, so there'd be quarters ready for him--and since he
usually worked in his living area rather than his office, that seemed a
reasonable place to wait for His Majesty's call. "Shall we continue
this discussion in my quarters, Captain?"

"As you wish, sir." The two rose, and Medart followed the Traiti
again, thinking.

The Emperor Ray Kennard in his universe had limited precognition as
part of his Talent; if parallels between the two universes held as well
as they seemed to, the one here should have some equivalent means of
foreseeing parts of the future. Which might mean he'd foreseen a
solution.

Or might mean he'd foreseen the visitor would either be or bring a
solution. In that case, Medart thought, he was likely to be
disappointed--though Medart intended to do his best. He snorted to
himself. He'd gotten the challenge he wanted, all right--gotten it in
spades, and very possibly more of one than he could handle.

As he'd told Captain Chavvorth, though, he'd have to try to meet even
such an impossible-seeming challenge. He had no idea at the moment how
he'd meet it, but he was sure it'd have to be something unconventional.
He was positive that this universe's people were every bit as competent
as the ones at home; they'd have done all the conventional things as
well as he could. Probably better,