n fact,
by allowing you to concentrate better. Why didn't you mention it
before?"

"Because I don't have much, and wanted to save it for when I'd need it
most." Medart opened one of the pouches on his belt and took out a
small injector. "As you can see, my medikit's not that big, and I
damnsure didn't think I'd need enough quidine for two months plus.
I've got four doses, which is enough for about thirty hours." He felt
for his carotid, triggered the painkiller into the artery, and seconds
later sighed in relief. "Whew--that's a lot better."

"You look better, even so soon," Kelly agreed. "That quidine appears
to be extremely strong--is it dangerous?"

"No." Medart shook his head, smiling as much at the relief from pain
as at the question. "It is strong, but it's the safest analgesic ever
discovered. It doesn't affect your reflexes or thinking, and it's not
addictive--all it does is kill pain for about eight hours. The worst
it does is numb you if you take an overdose."

"Doing that tonight might be wise. You haven't slept properly in that
same two months plus, and you will need to be rested tomorrow."

"Recommendation accepted," Medart said promptly.

"Good." Kelly smiled. "I believe it would also help if you think of
something besides the duel, so may I take advantage of your respite to
ask you some things?"

"Be my guest."

"I found it revolting at first to think of being friends with a Terran,
but after being around you for a brief time, that became a more
attractive idea than otherwise. We seem to have more in common than I
would have believed possible--do you have any idea why?"

"I know exactly why, and I think you could figure it out for
yourselves--but you're like the ones at home. You don't want to think
about it."

Kelly frowned. "I must lack information, because I've been trying to
figure it out since you began training."

Medart grinned. "You have the necessary information. Want me to prove
it, or just tell you outright?"

"Prove it," Kelly challenged.

"Remember you asked for it, and try not to attack me. I trust you
both, but I also remember how strongly the ones at home reacted to the
same information."

"I will control myself. Haley?"

"The same."

"Okay. You remember I told Ryan I recognized the design of Clan
Vader's arms from seeing the Saga as a child?"

"I remember," Kelly said.

"And your Standard is almost the same as Imperial English, right?"

"Ri