.

"That is hard to say," Corina replied thoughtfully. "It all depends on
what Ranger Medart has planned for me. Right now, though, I would like
a glass of milk." She started toward the service panel, but Sunbeam
was already there.

"I'll get it for you," Sunbeam said. "I could use a glass myself."

"Thank you." Corina wasn't used to having others do things for her,
but she sensed that Sunbeam was agitated about something and wanted to
move around, so she sat in one of the armchairs, tucking her feet under
herself.

She took the glass Sunbeam brought, enjoyed a deep swallow, then said,
"What is disturbing you, Sunbeam? Can I help?"

"Well . . ." Sunbeam hesitated, then blurted, "It's that demonstration
you gave yesterday. Stars above! The whole ship's talking about how
you put down five top Marines with no more trouble than I'd have, oh,
swatting a fly! I'm about half scared to be in the same room with you!"

"You should not be," Corina said, projecting amusement to try and calm
the human Ensign. "I am the same person you met yesterday, and I
certainly had no intention of frightening anybody."

Sunbeam ventured a half smile. "Maybe not, but you did a great job
without meaning to, then."

"Are the Marines all right?"

"They're fine, from what I hear," was the slightly steadier reply.
"Except for their pride; that was pretty badly battered." Sunbeam
paused, then grinned. "Four of them, anyway. That cute Sandeman keeps
saying how pretty you are, and what a warrior you'd be if you'd been
lucky enough to be born on Sandeman. If I didn't know better, I'd say
he has a crush on you."

"I am quite content being Irschchan," Corina said, no longer needing to
pretend her amusement. "Though I must admit his compliments are
flattering . . . I do regret causing the others distress, though the
demonstration was necessary. Nor was there any dishonor in their
defeat; they did as well as possible for those who lack Talent."

Sunbeam looked more cheerful. "Maybe it would help if you told them
so."

"I will, then, at the first opportunity."

"And you should see Colonel Greggson!" Sunbeam barely managed to
suppress a giggle. "He's grumping around the ship like an old bear,
snapping at everyone. I don't think he's too fond of you. Maybe I
shouldn't say it, but he keeps talking about an oversized kitten making
monkeys out of his men."

"He seemed to dislike me even before that," Corina said.

"Probably