did probe
Ranger Kennard while he was being treated, since his shield was
weakened by his injuries. He does have good potential, though somewhat
less powerful than Jim's. Since Captain Hobison and Lieutenant
DarLeras are both Ranger-level and shielded, as well, I would say that
hypothesis is correct."

"What about Rick and myself?"

It hadn't occurred to Corina to check the Emperor or Crown Prince; now
she did so. "Both shielded, Your Majesty."

"Good. Next time you're on Terra, you can train us; in the meantime
you can work with Jim, and I'll send the others to you for training as
I can spare them from other duties. We'll worry about lower-ranking
ones with Talent later."

"Sir," Medart said.

"Yes, Jim?"

"What do you have planned for the rest of our assault group?"

Davis smiled. "I think you can guess, for a mission that valuable to
the Empire that they didn't expect to come back from. Since they're
military and risking their lives for the Empire is technically part of
their jobs, I can't quite justify Life Nobilities--but I can damnsure
give them Sovereign's Medals and merit promotions, plus choice of next
assignment."

"That sounds good, except for Hobison," Medart said. "He's already
refused promotion half a dozen times to keep command of the Chang."

"Considering his total career, that's one Life Nobility I can justify,"
Davis said. "And I think he will take promotion if it doesn't mean
losing his ship."

"I think so too, sir." Medart grinned. "I like it--that'll make him
the only ship captain whose position title is lower than his Navy
rank."

Davis chuckled, then sobered. "That's it, then. I'll see you all at
the Tribunal, gentles--in the meantime, we all have work to do." He
stood.

The others rose and bowed, then left. Corina waited until she and
Medart were on an elevator to the Rangers' apartment floor, then she
said, "It is strange, Jim. I was afraid to take this job, and I am
still not positive that I should have been offered it--but I find
myself enjoying even the danger and the responsibility."

"Which," Medart said with a grin, "should prove to you that you are
right for the job. It's one challenge after another, and you'll
eventually run into one you won't get back out of--but in the meantime
you can be damn sure you won't be bored."

For a brief outline of the rebellion's consequences, see AFTRWORD

AFTRWORD

(A basic overview of the general situation