ferences between them; this was
about courier size. Wondering what was going on, he got dressed--someone
had cleaned his clothes and hung them up, with his boots and weapon belt
nearby, his saber clipped to the belt.

That was a good sign, he thought as he fastened the belt. Weapons were
customary for the warrior caste, but a warrior or equivalent being
unarmed around others wasn't considered an insult, the way it was in
the Traiti Sector; they could have disarmed him without dishonoring
him.

Something to eat seemed like a good idea, so he left his cabin and
started exploring. Almost immediately, he ran into the w'woman who'd
taken part in the interrogation. He'd been aware of what was going on,
though he hadn't been able to react without prompting, so he knew she'd
been ready to help him--and he was willing to bet it was she who'd
cared for him when he'd passed out once he was free to.

He bowed to her. "I thank you for your aid, lady. Without it I would
probably be in considerable discomfort today."

She returned the bow. "I was pleased to be able to help, Prince.
Fortunately, your pulled muscles responded well to a simple healing
spell, which also insured a good rest. Would you care to join me and
Warleader Ryan for breakfast?"

"I would be delighted. That's what I was looking for, as a matter of
fact." Medart grinned at her as they started walking. "We've changed
ships; are we bound for Sandeman?"

"Yes. Have you been there?"

"To Alpha Prime's, yes--but that's a different world, in a different
part of the galaxy. I'm looking forward to seeing yours."

"It is a beautiful one, particularly near the Vader clanhome," Kelly
said. "As the first clan formed after Overthrow, we took the Shapers'
area--and they, of course, had chosen one of the best and most
attractive parts of the planet."

"The same was true at home," Medart said. "I visited there a couple of
years after Annexation, not long after they were granted the patent I
suggested they try for, on the saber's controlled-length blade."

"What is a patent?"

"The exclusive right to market something you've invented. On something
as useful as a controlled-length laser beam, that's quite an
advantage--last I heard, Clan Vader was one of the richest groups in the
Empire. And probably the only one that amount of money didn't change
much."

"Why should it change?"

Medart laughed. "No reason, really, but most people who suddenly get a
l