couple of my technicians without even touching them. I had to
hit him with another stunner, and I'm going to keep him under until I
get orders to the contrary."

"Uh-huh, that confirms what she told me. He probably doesn't have
enough rank to know any details. Was he the only one?"

There was a grim laugh from the intercom. "Hardly! From what I got,
every Order member on Irschcha is either out to kill her themselves or
report her whereabouts to the Sanctioners so one of them can do it."

"Thanks, Joanie, that's a big help." Dawson switched off the intercom
and turned to Corina. "That exonerates you, Ms. Losinj. There's no
more need to confine you." He touched a switch on the desk, and the
restraining straps retracted into the armchair.

"Since I am proven innocent, may I have my blade back?" Corina
couldn't keep a note of pleading out of her voice.

Dawson looked at her sharply. "It means that much to you? Well, I
don't see why not; take it."

"I thank you." Corina retrieved the blade, ran her fingers gently
along it before returning it to its sheath, and resumed her seat. She
sensed the Marine's puzzlement, and decided she should try to explain.
"It is a part of me, in a way. Having it in someone else's possession
makes me quite uncomfortable."

Dawson shook his head. "I don't understand. I know it means you're an
adult, but it's just a knife."

"It is more," Corina said, her ears twitching. "My mind pattern--" She
broke off at Dawson's blank look. "It is an Irschchan thing," she said
apologetically. "I fear I cannot explain it well."

"Or I don't have the background to understand." Dawson gave her a
lopsided smile. "Ranger Medart will; whether or not I do isn't really
important." He turned his attention back to his report.

Corina took that opportunity to think. She was, she had to admit to
herself, still more than a little frightened. It was less fear for her
life now, as it had been when the Sanctioners captured her; it was more
nervous apprehension about her future. She could not remain on
Irschcha, she knew. If she did, as she had told Dawson, she would be
killed.

But then where could she go? What could she do? Her peaceful life had
not prepared her for this kind of situation, suddenly caught in the
midst of a rebellion. Things were happening too fast, overwhelming
her. She wasn't sure what to expect from the Ranger, either. He'd
said she had to be valuable; what had h