ayed it with
something cool and gray. The Traiti version of synthiskin, probably,
Tarlac thought.

Afterwards the medic checked and cleaned Hovan's cut, but didn't bother
with any further treatment. It looked half-healed, whether or not it
was.

When the medic was done with Hovan, Tarlac spoke to him. "It feels
better already. Thanks."

"He your speech knows not," Hovan told Steve, then said something to
the medic in their liquid tongue. When he turned back to the Ranger,
he was smiling. "He says you him too much honor give. He has never
before a human treated; that you well responded only fortunate was."

"I meant what I said," Tarlac replied. "It may be a minor wound, but I
know skill when I see it." He was sincere. The medic had been assured
and gentle, clearly a trauma expert, and Tarlac had to assume the
easing of pain in his arm could be credited to the synthiskin. That
was a technique the humans had so far not developed.

"He you thanks," Hovan said after a further exchange. "But he says you
should not so deep have cut. The mixing of blood now only a symbol
is."

"I didn't go deep," Tarlac said. "Just enough to nick the vein. You
can tell him I'll keep it in mind, though." He smiled at the medic,
the only direct communication he could manage, while Hovan translated.

When they left the medical center, Hovan looked thoughtfully at Steve.
The man was a guest on this ship, and he was now of Ch'kara--but he was
still human, and Hovan was well aware that there were those aboard the
Hermnaen who thought honor was no more binding toward humans that it
was toward vermin. Steve had the freedom of the ship, and while Hovan
was sure nobody would take any overt action, he was equally sure
"accidents" could be easily arranged. With a human's delicate build,
even a minor accident could prove fatal.

"Steve, ruhar," he said at last, "I must you caution. Not all
crewmembers of this adoption approve, even though it was by the Lords
decreed, and some may you ill wish. You may choose, but it would best
be if you with me stay, or with my men."

Tarlac was sure he detected real concern in the deep soft voice. This
time yesterday, if they'd met in battle, Hovan would have killed him
without hesitation, and vice versa. Now, he realized with surprise, he
was convinced the Traiti would protect him as swiftly from his own
people, if necessary.

He wondered if joining Clan Ch'kara had made him closer "kin"