. He isn't too fond of non-humans, and he doesn't even like
many of us. Sometimes I don't think he even likes himself. But there
aren't many of that kind aboard Chang; most of our people are really
nice. You'll like them."

There was another chime at the door. Without bothering to find out who
it was, Corina called out, "Come in."

Medart entered, and she and Sunbeam stood.

"I'd like to talk to Sir Corina alone," he told Sunbeam. "Can you find
something to keep yourself occupied till we're done?"

"Can I ever!" Sunbeam exclaimed happily. "I've been trying to finish
that new xenology tape for days!"

Medart shook his head slowly, watching her leave with a lopsided grin.
Then he seated himself in the other armchair and gazed intently at
Corina for several seconds. She returned the look with equal
intensity, wishing she could get through this unusual human's mind
screen.

Finally he spoke. "I have to ask you something very important, Sir
Corina. I don't want you to answer me now; I just want you to think
about it for awhile. Will you do that?"

"Of course," she replied, puzzled by his strangely hesitant manner.

"I was talking to the Emperor again earlier today. I spent most of the
morning studying your records, then told him what I'd found. We were
both quite impressed." Medart paused, seeming unsure of himself, then
hurried on. "We need more Rangers, especially non-human ones, and you
more than qualify. We're--I'm asking you to consider joining us."

Corina's first reaction was to wonder about Medart's mental stability.
He couldn't possibly be serious!

No, from the look on his face, he was serious. "I cannot," she
protested, shaking her head. "I have not even finished school--I am to
graduate this summer, and Thark did not insist I join the Prime Chapter
until then--I am only twenty-two, Standard, I could not possibly--"

"Hold it," Medart interrupted mildly. "You said you'd think about it
before you answered. I'm keeping you to that."

"Urr . . . all right." Corina nodded reluctantly. She would not be
graduating, or joining the Prime Chapter, or . . . She forced those
thoughts from her mind. The past was past; she had to go on. "I did
say that. But I will not change my mind."

"Don't be too sure," Medart said. "At least three of us said the same
thing, and they're part of the group now."

Both were silent for almost a minute, with Corina trying to think of
some way to change