s approximately spherical, a kilometer in diameter, and massed on the
close order of eight hundred million tons. But pictures and statistics
couldn't convey the emotional impact of actually seeing one at close
range for the first time. Corina swallowed an exclamation of awe,
trying to remain calm, but she could feel Medart's gaze, and felt
certain he knew how the ship affected her.

The lander surged slightly as it was gripped by a tractor beam from one
of the Chang's equatorial hangars. Nevan released the controls,
allowing the beam operator to settle the lander to the deck while
hangar doors closed behind them. As soon as his gauges showed
Terra-normal atmosphere, he opened the airlock and the group disembarked,
with Medart in the lead and Corina trailing behind.

The hangar deck was large, much bigger than necessary for the lander it
now held, yet Corina had a feeling of things closing in on her.
Precognition was no part of her Talent, though, so she attributed the
sensation to her surroundings, familiar from pictures but strange in
reality. She felt like a young, unbladed child again, everything
around her seeming odd and alien in spite of her studies.

But this was her new reality, here aboard the Chang. She had no way to
know how she would fit in yet, but she did know she would have to.
This ship was going to be home for however long the Ranger wanted her
help; she would have to adapt.

When they left the hangar, they were met by a stocky officer in Navy
working khaki; from the eagle on his collar, Corina knew he was the
ship's captain. There were several others, with different rank
insignia, but it was the first man who saluted Medart.

The Ranger returned the salute, then introduced them. "Captain David
Hobison, this is Ms. Corina Losinj. She will be accompanying us on
this trip as my special assistant. She won't have any formal Navy
rank, but I want her quartered in a senior officer's cabin, preferably
near mine. Have someone see to that, bring the ship to Condition
Yellow, then meet me in Briefing Room One. I have to call the Emperor,
and I don't want to have to go through everything twice."

He started to leave, then turned to Corina. "Before I go, what's your
ident code?"

"ISCCJ-1643-2048," she replied.

"Got it." Medart strode past the group and entered an intra-ship
shuttle, one of several, partway down the passage.

Hobison gave Corina a thoughtful look, then turned to one of the