from DeLayne's tapes, he found
the scar-faced man more impressive in person, as well. He was a good
twenty-five centis taller than his commander, strongly built without
looking like a weight-lifter--and the nasty-looking scar that cut
across his right cheek down across his mouth and into his chin seemed
more a distinction than a disfigurement. Both officers reminded Medart
irresistibly of predators, though he couldn't pinpoint the reason . . .
maybe that neither seemed to have any softness about @.

It had become almost a reflex for Medart to do a quick mental scan of
anyone he met, and under the circumstances, he would've scanned Cortin
and Odeon anyway. Mike Odeon was average, with no mind-screen or
perceptible Talent other than very minor telepathy, but Cortin was an
entirely different story. She had an incredible degree of Talent
latent, though it wasn't like any he'd felt before. Still, three and a
half years of experience didn't make him an expert in Talent
varieties--especially human ones, since that had been discovered only
the same three and a half years ago. Her mind-shield had a potential
strength even greater than a Sandeman warrior's, though she wasn't
using it. She also had a strong telepathic potential, of which she was
using a small, untrained portion--and there was another aspect, one he
hadn't encountered before, that it felt like she was using fully,
though unconsciously. It was a good thing, Medart thought, that he
seemed to be immune to that particular aspect. His focus had to remain
on the Empire as a whole; he couldn't afford--and had no desire--to
fall in love. He was less sure about Keith's immunity, though; even in
this brief a time, he could sense a sort of mellowing. He'd have to
keep an eye on that, he thought; if Cortin could affect a Sandeman,
even one of the rare unshielded warriors like Keith, it might be risky
letting her around too many Imperials. On the other hand . . . He
made a mental note to contact DeLayne when he was alone, and find out
what effect she'd had on the Columbus' captain and crew. Probably
none, since he hadn't said anything about it, but best to double-check.

Cortin nodded to the Sandeman. "It would be interesting to get his
reactions to the Empire first-hand."

Keith bowed. "I look forward to the opportunity, Excellency."

"Let's go inside, then, and I'll introduce you to the rest of my
Family. Did Captain DeLayne brief you about the satyr plag