passed the psych tests to become an Imperial officer, with his
near-xenophobia. Hmm, this was getting interesting--the anonymous
young officer was going through with it, speaking the formula of
knighthood as solemnly as if this were indeed a real Tribunal. All
Medart could see of the Irschchan was her eartips, erect and quivering
as her admirer finished on a note of triumph: "--and do name you,
Corina Losinj of Irschcha, a Knight of the Empire!"

"Confirmed," Medart said, pitching his voice so the entire group would
hear.

"Wha--" The officer turned, flushing, as the group noticed the Ranger
for the first time.

Medart smiled. "I said `confirmed', Ensign; you did that well enough I
don't see any need to repeat the ceremony. Now may I join my
assistant?"

"Uh . . . yes, sir. Of course."

Corina stared from Ranger to Ensign and back, confused. This was far
too informal, even by human standards, to mean what it seemed to--and
yet the Ranger was perfectly serious, no trace of humor in voice or
aura. "I do not understand," she said at last. "I have done only my
duty; I deserve no special recognition for that."

"His Majesty doesn't agree, Sir Corina," Medart said, stressing the
title slightly, as he took a seat. "If you'd care to argue it with
him--?"

Corina looked disbelievingly at the Ranger, who was smiling at her with
one eyebrow raised. Was this what humans called "teasing"? She
supposed it had to be; he couldn't seriously expect her to argue with
the Emperor! "No, Ranger. If His Majesty wishes to so honor me, I
must accept."

Typical exaggerated Irschchan respect for authority, Medart thought,
but if she stayed around humans long, she'd get over that! "You'd best
finish your lunch, Sir Corina. And get used to the title; I've called
a Command Crew meeting for 1400, so you can brief them."

"Yes, Ranger." Corina turned her attention back to her meal, the milk
and medium-rare steak Sunbeam had recommended.

* * * * *

The meeting began on schedule, in Briefing Room One, with Hobison
introducing his senior officers. Corina took the opportunity to make a
quick evaluation of each. There was no dishonor; she was not probing
deeply enough to intrude.

Hobison himself was shielded, well enough she could read nothing of him
. . . as he should be in his position, though it was surprising.

"My Executive Officer, Commander Sonia Pappas." She was a short
brunette, fo