expect her to accept the
idea of an even more drastic one so easily or quickly."

Corina felt a flood of relief. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"So the little kitten can't take it," came a familiar voice.

Corina was shocked by the venom in the Security Chief's tone. So were
others; everyone, from the Emperor on down, stared at the defiant
Greggson.

"That was totally uncalled-for, Colonel," Davis said coldly. "One more
such outburst and you will be replaced. You will apologize to Sir
Corina at once."

Corina thought for a moment that Greggson would refuse, but he finally
said, "Please forgive me, Sir Corina." His tone was full of distaste,
but it was an apology; the Emperor looked unsatisfied, but said
nothing. Corina wondered why.

*He doesn't want to have to relieve him, especially at this point,*
Medart sent. *I don't know how he made it past the psych tests with
what I'd class as xenophobia and paranoia, but he did, and he's one of
the best Security Chiefs in the Fleet. Still, it looks to me like he's
gone over the edge this time; once this rebellion's over, I'm going to
have him retested.*

She glanced at him and nodded. Davis saw it, traded glances with
Forrest, then said, "That seems to conclude the council as such,
Captain Hobison. You and your people are dismissed; please return to
your stations, and set course for Terra. Ranger Medart, Sir Corina, I
would like you to remain."

All rose, Hobison and the Command Crew bowing before they left. The
Emperor and Crown Prince reseated themselves, and Davis motioned the
two aboard Chang to do the same. Then he leaned forward, looking at
them intently. "It's obvious the two of you are holding something
back, something important. Tell us about it."

*You tell them,* Medart sent. *It's your field of expertise, after
all, not mine.*

*Yes, Ranger.* At least, Corina thought, she had no reason to be
nervous about this. "I have discovered that Ranger Medart has a high
degree of Talent, sire. I have begun training him in its use, and we
have been `speaking'--primarily, he has been reassuring me--
telepathically throughout the conference."

"Controlled, reliable telepathy?" Davis asked, his expression intent.

"Fully, sire. He also has the potential for strong darlas, and another
Talent aspect we have not yet been able to identify."

"Does that mean he'll be able to help you against Thark?" Forrest
asked.

"It is barely possible," Corina re