st agree. Healing will probably be most valuable, but it is
hardly something useful in combat. Fortunately, it is also not a
hindrance."

* * * * *

"No, Jim, no! That was painful, too strong." Corina shook her head,
half in reproof and half to clear her mind. It was getting late, the
training session lasting well beyond what the Order considered
reasonable, but both wanted to keep going as long as possible. Still,
Corina thought, his control was getting worse rather than better; they
should finish up soon, then eat and rest. "That snake image is far too
powerful for a stun effect. You must visualize something else. And
you must also visualize with more consistency, as the power you exert
is directly proportional to the clarity of your image."

"I'm sorry, Rina," Medart apologized. "You were right, though. The
technique was easy, but the control damnsure isn't. Do you think I'll
ever get the hang of it?"

"Of course you will," she replied. "Remember, it took me four years to
reach my present degree of control, but I was being trained by the
traditional methods. It took me a quarter of a year to achieve what
you have managed in two days, with this compressed training. You
should be as pleased with your progress as I am, not discouraged."

"Three months, hmm? Then I guess I don't feel so bad."

"That is good. I only hope we have the four to eight days I estimated,
even as quickly as you are learning. By then you should be able to
consistently come close to the effect you intend, and can begin working
with the volunteers."

"Yeah, me too. I have a lot to learn."

"Do not let it worry you. Despite my studies under Thark himself, I
still do not have the control I should. Ideally I should be able to
stun someone for a given length of time, plus or minus not more than a
minute, regardless of the other's strength or mind pattern. I am not
even close to that; plus or minus three minutes is the best I have been
able to manage."

"That sounds good to me!"

"It is not bad," Corina agreed, "but it is not what I am supposed to be
capable of. That is always the goal, working up to your own
potential."

Medart nodded. "I can understand that. What next?"

"Next," Corina said, getting to her feet, "we eat and rest. Those are
as important to your progress as the training itself."

X

Corina was awakened by the whooping of a siren, followed by a
surprisingly calm