to converse. So we are Terrans,
are we?"

Medart nodded, pleased by the clan-chief's calm reaction. "Yes." Then
he raised an eyebrow, grinning, and said, "You knew, didn't you? That
emphasis on the first 'are' was a giveaway."

"We--the clan-chiefs--have known for centuries." Ryan sobered. "Or
strongly suspected, at least; all the evidence pointed in that
direction."

"So why in Chaos haven't you done anything about it?" Medart demanded.

Ryan shrugged. "You know we aren't as powerful as your nobles, Prince.
We can only lead our people where they want to go--and that hasn't been
into the Empire."

"But you could have told them, at least!"

"Not and lived," Ryan retorted. "You, of all people, must know how
deeply unacceptable that particular truth is to most of us. Coming
from you it's bad enough; coming from us, it would trigger a reaction I
prefer not to think about."

Medart nodded, reluctantly. "I think I can understand that. What's
going to happen now that I've spilled the beans?"

"The warriors' hall was full when Haley gave me the news; I'd imagine
it's spreading as quickly as people can get to commsets or cast the
necessary spells." Ryan looked serious. "I should contact the
clan-chiefs as well. Prince James, would it upset you to speak to all
the chiefs through me?"

"Not a bit--I'd jump at the opportunity."

"A moment, then, while I cast the spell. And some will need a few more
moments to wake up."

"Go ahead." This wasn't anything he could have expected, Medart
thought, and he had no idea what effect it would have. A drastic one,
he was sure; Sandemans weren't known for moderation in their reactions,
especially to strong stimuli, and this was one of the strongest
possible. If he lost the duel, it could easily send them back into
combat with the determination to eliminate every trace of the Shapers
and their kin. If he won, their reaction was less predictable. They
wouldn't continue the war; honor wouldn't permit that. But that still
left two possibilities. They might pull back and refuse all further
contact, or--Medart's earnest hope--they might decide to give the
Empire the benefit of their improvements, and join it. Here, they'd be
a full Sector--probably the biggest one, Medart thought, and certainly
the strongest.

"Ready," Ryan said. "I'm linked to all the clan-chiefs and Warleaders
available, Prince James. They see and hear what I do, and can speak
through me if I