s,
then returned to the living area and handed them to Chavvorth. "Mine
looks like this. It's in my quarters aboard the Empress Lindner."

Chavvorth took the pictures, clearly puzzled. "An object from an old
entertainment tape?"

"Right, and I'd recommend close study of the movies, too--Lord Vader in
particular. The Sandemans at home regard those movies as classics, and
based several aspects of their culture on them. The first clan formed
after Overthrow is named for Lord Vader, for instance, and the clothing
they call honor-black is based on his armor and robes. They put a lot
of effort into developing real lightsabers, too--I got mine as a
death-gift from the warrior Leigh DarVader, and I wear it on ceremonial
occasions or when I'm in Sandeman territory."

Chavvorth came as close to frowning as most Traiti could manage. "I
hope you do not intend to confront them personally."

"I think I'm going to have to. There isn't anything I can do
long-range that your own Rangers can't; what I can do is talk to them on
their own terms."

"I understand." Chavvorth rose. "I will give these to Major Treschler
and ask him to start preparations immediately."

"Thanks." Medart watched him leave, then asked the ship for a basic
magic text. If he was going to have to confront hostile Sandemans
again, he wanted every bit of knowledge and skill he could manage.

He was perhaps a third of the way through the tape when the ship
informed him the Emperor was calling. He went to the screen, pleased
to see that this universe's Sovereign looked like he was standing up
well to the strains of war. "Ranger James Medart of Alpha Prime, Your
Majesty. I'm at your Empire's service."

"I'm pleased to meet you, Ranger Medart, though I must apologize for
having you taken away from your own Empire."

"No apologies needed, sir. Things were quiet at home, and I was
planning to ask for temporary out-universe duty. It seems I've made
friends out of your current enemies once before, so I get the challenge
of trying to do it again."

The Emperor smiled. "I'm glad to hear you feel that way, Ranger. I'm
not sure it'll be possible to make friends out of the Sandemans, but
I'm not asking for a miracle; it'll be enough if you can just stop them
from destroying the Empire."

"I'll do my best, sir. What resources can I call on?"

"Anything that's not actually engaged in combat. Or anything that is,
if you consider it essential, includ