ou may phrase it differently, but honor compels you,
also."

VII

As soon as they left the briefing room and were going toward one of the
intraship shuttles, Medart said, "I'd like to start that other training
you mentioned as soon as possible. When can we do it, and is there
anything special you need?"

Once they were inside the shuttle, Corina answered. "We can begin as
soon as you like. We need quiet at first, as relaxation will speed
your learning of the basic techniques. Afterward, you will need
volunteers for practice. I do not like the idea of using unTalented
for that, but I see no choice; I can teach you only so much with myself
as your target. The techniques are not difficult; you should be able
to learn them in an hour or less. It is the practice, for control and
power, which will take most of your training time."

"Right. Emperor Chang, take us to Sherwood Forest, please."

"Yes, Ranger," the ship replied, and the shuttle began moving.

Medart turned back to his assistant. "Since you say relaxation's so
important, at least for basic training, we're going to what I think is
the most soothing part of the ship. I like trees."

"So do I, but what is Sherwood Forest? I do not remember seeing any
trees when Sunbeam was showing me the ship."

"Not likely you would, with her for a guide," Medart said, grinning.
"She's a city girl, all the way through. Except for orientation, I
don't think she's ever been there. If she thinks of trees at all, it's
probably just as potential furniture."

"It seems strange," Corina said, "that you, a Ranger, would take such
an interest in a young ensign."

"Not this one," Medart replied. "It isn't just that she's impossible
to ignore, either. I first heard about her when she was in her third
year at the Academy. Her teachers were predicting that she'd end up
either getting herself kicked out of the Navy in disgrace, or as Chief
of Naval Operations, and I'd tend to agree. She doesn't know it, but I
asked to have her assigned to my ship to give her the best chance at
the second; if anyone can keep her on the right heading without
breaking her spirit, it's David Hobison." He laughed. "As if just
running the Chang wasn't enough of a headache for him!"

The shuttle door slid open and they stepped out into a pleasant,
open-wooded area which, from all appearances, was on the surface of a
planet rather than inside the hull of a warship. It was impossible,