the results
to be posted outside the cadet-candidates' dining hall, and all of them
were there waiting. The results determined the incoming cadets'
initial standings, so James Medart was as eager--and as
apprehensive--about them as any of the others.

Promptly at 1300, the display board lit, and Medart skimmed the list
for the M's. He was confident he'd made it through the grueling
tests--though even at this point, about a quarter didn't--and he was
hoping for a good ranking. In the planet-wide testing, he'd rated #1.
That was good enough to get him to the main Academy at the Palace Complex
but everyone here had scored high on their home worlds; he wouldn't be
too disappointed, he told himself, as long as he made the top quarter.

When he found his name, though, it was all he could to to hold back a
whoop of delight. He'd made #1 again, even in this picked group! It
was Cadet Medart now, no longer Cadet-Candidate, #1 of the Class of
2516! At least, he cautioned himself, until regular academic rankings
started coming out. Then he'd be working hard to keep his rating, with
the rest working equally hard to take it over--but for today, coming
through Test Week on top was plenty of grounds for satisfaction.

The new cadets spent some time congratulating each other and
commiserating with those who'd be going to branch Academies instead,
then the group broke up to pack. This afternoon was theoretically free
time, but the new cadets were anxious to move to the Academy proper,
the others to leave the scene of their disappointment, so within half
an hour Medart was back in his room.

He packed automatically, his mind busy. He was relieved to have Test
Week behind him, still excited by his ranking, and trying for what felt
like the millionth time to decide on his third major when there was a
knock on the door. He called, "Come in," expecting to see one of his
classmates or an upperclasswen, when he finished closing his carryall
and turned around.

The woman standing in front of the again-closed door was neither, and
Medart couldn't help staring at her in shock. Outside the Palace
Complex no ordinary Imperial citizen, and very few nobles or officers,
could reasonably expect to see one of these people in the flesh. He
tried to regain control, but when the woman said, "Cadet Medart?" all
he could manage was a nod.

The woman smiled. "I'm sorry for the shock, Cadet. I'm Ranger Arlene
Perry. Do you have a few min