instead of a blaster?" she asked curiously.

"Personal preference," Medart replied. "For one thing, I happen to
like slugthrowers--and computers with keyboards, and paper books. For
another, more practical reason, it has stopping power a blaster can't
match, and it's noisy. A snap shot, if I'm surprised, will give me
time enough to get in a second, well-aimed round. That's saved my life
a couple of times."

Corina handed it back, watched him reload and holster it. "It seems to
be an excellent weapon, but I prefer to rely on my blade and darlas."

Medart shrugged. "No arguing preference. And it's about time we get
to work, so--" He called the Comm Center, told them to set up a
scrambler call to the Emperor either at the Palace or aboard the
Empress Lindner. "And have it put through to my quarters," he added.
Then he turned to Corina. "We'll have to have your quarters rigged for
priority communications, but until the techs can get to it, you'll have
to use mine or go to Briefing Room One. And my quarters are right next
door. I'd also recommend a comm implant, but that can wait if you
don't want to spend a couple of hours in sick bay; a wrist-com will do
everything you need for now."

"A wrist-com, then, until we complete this mission."

* * * * *

The screen was flickering blue even as they entered the human Ranger's
cabin, then it cleared to show a sleepy-looking Davis. "Morning, Jim.
What's up?"

"Sorry to wake you, sir, but for a change it's good news. We have
another Ranger."

Davis smiled. "Losinj? That's the kind of news I don't mind getting
out of bed for. How did you manage to convince her?"

"I didn't, sir, at least not in any conventional way. We had a
training accident." Medart briefly described the pattern rapport and
memory exchange, then went on, "I'm putting her in charge of this
mission and going on backup."

"Right," the Emperor said. "That's what I'd do; Thark's her problem
anyway. I'll pass on the good news to Rick and the others." He turned
his attention to the young Irschchan. "I'm glad to have you with us
all the way, Ranger Losinj."

"Thank you, sir." Corina hadn't expected to be put in complete charge,
but she wasn't totally surprised; it was logical, given the
circumstances, and Jim's memories did indicate that Ranger training--
what there was of it--had a tendency to be rather abrupt.

"Before we get to serious planning," the Emp