ar
fact came to light approximately three years ago, when the first
non-human Ranger found Talent in one of her human colleagues."

"The Empire!" Cortin exclaimed. "Why in God's name would you study
them?"

"Because I had a dream that night. It may have been no more than a
normal dream, triggered by that discussion--but dreams, in this group,
have of late been highly significant. Treating this one as such can do
no harm, and may be of benefit, so I have been doing so."

That was an even better change of subject, and Odeon seized on it.
"What was the dream about?"

"The arrival of two Imperial ships, a small one followed by a large.
As I say, the dream may have been nothing more than a reaction to
Joan's and my discussion, but my personal feeling is that we should be
preparing for contact--perhaps soon."

Odeon frowned. "Before the Final Coming? Or are you saying they're
part of the Final Coming? I don't think I like that idea--it makes me
uncomfortable."

"I do not like it either, and it may not be the case. Some of the more
ambiguous prophecies of that time, however, can be interpreted in the
light of such contact without distortion. What, for instance, if the
Great King references were to the Emperor rather than the High King?
And what if the Protector's form, which 'none can predict', is not
human, or at least not fully so?"

Odeon winced. "Ouch, Ivan! That's even worse."

"I am not sure I find it so," Illyanov said thoughtfully. "As I told
Joan, I believe contact will be to our ultimate benefit, though it may
be difficult at first."

"Even if one of them turns out to be the Protector?"

"Perhaps especially then."

"Do you think Shayan would permit contact if that were the case?" Chang
asked.

Illyanov chuckled. "I doubt he will have any choice in the matter.
The Protector will manifest, that promise is definite; the questions
are only when, and in what form."

"Yeah." Odeon shook his head, rubbing the scar across his mouth, and
stood. "I'm sorry, Joanie, folks--I need to be alone for a bit."

"Go ahead, then." Cortin watched him leave, frowning. "Sis--is that a
good idea?"

"I believe so, for him. I would be happier if I could be sure he would
be doing something other than brooding over his mishandling--but I
think it likely he will be; Ivan's speculation could well be providing
him that distraction."

"I can distract him further," Illyanov said with a smile. "I received
word