e knew the brain which lay
between those ears was fully equal to a human one. While it was hard
to read Irschchan expressions, Medart liked the steady look in this
one's jade-green eyes.

He did think they looked faintly ridiculous in kilt and sporran, but
that had become the Irschchan mode of dress almost as soon as MacLeod,
a man aggressively proud of his Scots heritage, appeared in one at the
official welcoming ceremony. Too bad; it not only detracted from their
graceful appearance, in his opinion, but it made telling male and
female apart almost impossible. For humans, at least, he thought with
a silent laugh. The Irschchans themselves seemed to have no
difficulty.

Well, time for business, he decided. But he'd take it as easy on her
as he could; she'd had a rough time. "How about some more information
on this rebellion?" he asked, keeping his tone casual.

"I have already told Major Dawson what I am certain about," Corina said
quietly.

"And the mind-probe of Entos confirmed all of it. But can you tell me
why it's happening?"

"Thark is convinced that the White Order can rule the Empire much more
effectively than you unTalented humans have been doing. They have,
after all, ruled Irschcha for over five millennia, and according to
Thark, brought about peace and order for most of it. He feels
honor-bound to do the same for the rest of the galaxy."

"Looks to me more like stagnation," Medart commented. "You've had
space travel for more than--what, two of those millennia?--but when
MacLeod found you, you were still system-bound. Sorry for the
interruption; go on."

"I could not agree with him, and came here," Corina said. "I have no
physical proof, however, of anything I have said. I learned what I
have reported when I broke through Thark's mind-shield this morning."

"Physical proof isn't necessary," Medart told her. "Your report,
backed up by the probe of Entos, is enough. Learn anything else?"

"Not really. The whole Order is not taking part, of course, but those
who are not active in the Crusade will also not actively oppose it."

"Oh? Why not?"

"They cannot honorably do so," Corina replied, surprised. "The oath of
the Order forbids such opposition to its leaders, though of course it
cannot compel any to follow orders which would lead them to death, as
the Crusade will."

"You're not actually a member of the Order, then?"

"No. I was to be initiated soon; however, for now I am bo