oopers, and
Spacer Third Class Conley made a very favorable impression on my
Family, so I can say your ordinary citizens would probably get along
with ours. And Mike is convinced that joining the Empire would be good
for us, after a transition period he does think would be difficult--he
says that's the only thing I have any real reason to worry about. None
of the Columbus' people were on a policy level, though."

"And I am. Yes." Medart was silent for a moment. "Our basic policy
is pretty simple, really, though some of the corollaries can get
complex. People everywhere in the Empire have the same basic wants and
needs: a stable environment, a secure home, safety for their family.
Those can be achieved in any number of ways, and a way that's ideal for
one person may be totally abhorrent to another. That's why we try to
preserve cultural diversity, even at the cost of some order and
efficiency, and whatever we may think of some aspects of a given
culture. If it can provide most of its citizens with the opportunity
for those basics, the Empire won't try to change it."

Cortin frowned. That matched what Mike had reported, and Medart
believed it implicitly, but it was still hard for her to believe it
could be true. She started to say as much and challenge him, but was
stopped when Matthew knocked on the door and announced Colonel David
Bradford.

Cortin made the introductions, then smiled. "You two don't need me, so
if you'll excuse me, I have a multiple rapist-murderer I've been
looking forward to."

Bradford chuckled. "I've heard about him--how long do you think he'll
last?"

"I think I can stretch him a day and a half, maybe a little longer."

"Good. I may come down and observe for a bit, if this doesn't take too
long."

"Fine. If not, I'll see you Sunday."

"I wouldn't miss it." As Cortin left, Bradford turned to Medart. "I
understand you actually have Shelton's memories, in full detail?"

"Of that particular series of events, yes. Not of his entire life."

"That series is all we need." Bradford smiled, though Medart didn't
think he meant it. "You should be as relaxed as possible for this
interview; I'd suggest you lean back, or perhaps lie down on the couch."

"In a moment. How long will this take?"

"That depends on several factors, but probably not over two hours.
Why?"

"My new bodyguard team's due down sometime this morning, and I want to
be there when they arrive." Medart touch