er then, and watched her come up the rubberoid walk
to his raised sundeck. As usual, she was precisely on time. And she
certainly wasn't difficult to spot; all her kilts were bright, but the
red-and-gold one she favored and was wearing today was positively
gaudy. Urr, perhaps her taste would improve as she matured. He looked
down at his own kilt, a conservative dark blue that went well with the
tawny shade of his fur. That, with its sporran, was one of the few
human innovations he appreciated.

Corina purred softly in pleasure when she saw Thark out on the sundeck.
Truly, this weather was too good to waste any of it indoors, especially
at this time of year. He stood as she approached.

"Good day, Master Thark," she said with a slight bow, her hands open
and raised to shoulder level.

Thark returned the formal bow. "Good day, Student Losinj. Be
welcome."

Formalities were certainly briefer since Irschcha had joined the
Empire, Thark thought. He wasn't sure yet whether he approved of that
or not. They had been time-consuming, but they had also given life a
certain grace that now seemed lacking, and had provided a social
lubricant that Irschchans, in his opinion, needed. He could be wrong,
though, he thought as he returned to his cushions.

Corina sat facing him. "What is today's lesson, Master?"

"At this stage, it is up to you to tell me. Further training will be
directed to any area in which you feel deficient."

Her mind-shield was down, so he could sense, as well as hear, her
surprise. "I do not understand."

"The only thing you truly require now is more confidence in yourself.
Otherwise you are fully ready for initiation, and I would like to see
that take place as soon as possible."

Corina shook her head slowly. "I do not feel ready to take on such
responsibilities, Master. I have not had the psychological preparation
of those who have attended Order schools."

"Your feelings are understandable," Thark said sympathetically. "You
know, however, that you already have as much power and control as any
Senior in the Prime Chapter."

"Urrr . . ." She hesitated. "You may be correct. I did stalemate
Senior Valla in our last practice session."

"Yes, she told me about it. She was quite pleased. She and Kainor
agree with me that you are ready, and if you are willing, they have
asked to stand as your sponsors."

"I would be most honored to have them as sponsors," Corina said,
inclining her