g at the row of autochefs with
Major Dawson. Medart and Corina got in line behind them and, when
Sunbeam turned around, were invited to join the pair. They agreed; it
was, after all, what they had hoped for. Corina decided on hellbeast
steak again; it was becoming one of her staples, since Sunbeam had
introduced her to it. Besides that, she ordered two things she hadn't
yet tried--a taco and tapioca pudding--and her usual milk.

Medart looked at her tray. "That's quite an assortment you've got
there. What're you trying to do, sample everything on board?"

"Not quite, though I am trying a number of things. It appears I will
be aboard for some time, and I prefer variety. The tastes are strange,
but some are quite good."

They were carrying their orders to the table when Medart noticed
something seemed to be missing. "No coffee?"

Corina shook her head. "No. I cannot understand how you can drink
something so corrosive, much less appear to enjoy it."

"It's an acquired taste," the Ranger agreed. They sat down as he
continued, "But the Navy seems to run on it, and I'll admit to drinking
more than I should."

"Drink what?" Sunbeam asked, having missed the first part of the
conversation.

"Coffee," Medart replied. "Sir Corina thinks we're crazy to drink it."

Sunbeam giggled. "If she thinks coffee's bad, she should try tea!"

"I did!" Corina said emphatically, trying to imitate Sunbeam's gaiety.
"The things you humans ingest and claim to enjoy, it is a wonder that
you survive at all."

"It's not that bad," Sunbeam said, still amazing Corina with her
ability to eat and talk simultaneously--and neatly. "You remember
Major Dawson, don't you, Sir Corina? His name's Pat; we got to talking
while you were hassling with Colonel Greggson. He's going to coach me
in unarmed combat--he's the ship's men's champion, since Lieutenant
DarLeras says it wouldn't be proper for him to compete with
non-warriors--and he thinks I may have a chance at the women's
championship next month."

"You must be quite good, then," Corina said.

"What hassle with Greggson?" Medart demanded.

"It was nothing serious," Corina said, and summarized the incident for
him. "I was nervous, but not badly upset."

"That's good," Medart said, then continued silently. *Maybe it doesn't
bother you, but it does me. I'll let it go for now, since His
Majesty's already warned him and I have a feeling we may need his
shield, but if he tries