.

Why, then, did he want change? Perhaps that should not concern her as
much as the mere fact that he did. She was due for initiation; in
honor, could she oppose him? Or was it her duty as an Imperial citizen
to do so? She was bound by no oaths, and so free to choose. Blades!
she thought angrily. Why did Thark put her in such a position?

Perhaps if she got more information she would know what to do. Keeping
her voice steady, she asked, "Is such a rebellion not simple treason,
Master Thark? Will it not destroy the Empire, rather than improve it?"

Thark looked closely at his student. It was natural for her to be
concerned; he himself was not particularly fond of the idea of the
bloodshed that now appeared necessary. At the very minimum, the
Emperor, Rangers, and nobility would have to be eliminated, and he knew
full well that there would be others.

"It might be so construed, but it is something that cannot be helped,"
he said calmly. "You should be able to understand that for yourself.
Look at the peace and balance that rule by the Order has brought
Irschcha since it was founded, then look at the constant unrest and
controversy elsewhere in the Empire. Which is better?"

Corina shifted uncomfortably. "Peace, of course." She hesitated, then
said, "But rebellion is no way to bring true peace. And there is a
great difference between ruling one race on one planet and ruling an
Empire of thousands of worlds."

"Less than you might think," Thark replied, pleased at her composure.
A difference of opinion need not be disorderly, and her temper at times
like this was uncertain. "We need only replace key people with our own
most strongly Talented initiates. The bureaucracy and computers will,
as they do now, handle day-to-day operations."

"And because you possess the strongest Talent, naturally you will
become Emperor?" There was a distinct trace of sarcasm in that
question.

"Of course," Thark said, mildly surprised and ignoring the tone of her
voice. "It is not something I particularly want to do--" He broke
off, looked at her sharply. "It is indeed unfortunate that you did not
attend an Order school."

He probed gently. She was angry, of course; he could tell that even
through her shield, but she seemed to be keeping her emotions under
tight control. Good. She might still be amenable to reason.

"I have told you many times," he said patiently, "that possession of
Talent carries with it a c