ding to speak
aloud. *Perhaps if we combine what you are doing now with a discussion
of something else for awhile, it will be more effective.*

"Yeah, maybe." Excellent, Corina thought. He could definitely
receive, then--a very good sign. "What do you want to talk about?"

*It does not really matter. Something you like, a memory you find
relaxing or humorous.* She felt her ears twitch nervously, hoped he
did not notice. The redirection she was attempting was indeed simple,
but delicate with the human-different patterns however clear they were,
and she needed no extra complications.

"There aren't too many of those in a Ranger's life," Medart said
slowly. It was rather like listening to a simultaneous echo, Corina
thought as she very cautiously nudged the flow of impulses. "It's a
damn good life, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't have many laughs,
and the most satisfying parts are usually the result of a lot of work,
and sometimes pain." He chuckled, ruefully. "Exactly what I shouldn't
be telling someone I'm trying to get to join us, I guess--but if you
pay attention to Imperial news, you picked up on that for yourself. As
someone said a lot of years ago, Rangers and active Life Nobles tend to
get into 'dangerously interesting situations'."

It seemed like a good enough subject, as well as having a strong
bearing on the offer he had just made her, so Corina pursued it.
*True. I find it difficult to believe, however, that individuals of
such value are permitted to place their lives at serious risk so
frequently.*

Medart chuckled. "We're perfectly aware of our value, believe me, and
we're just as fond of life as anyone else--maybe more so, since we're
at risk so often. But there're some things worth the risk--a feeling
you share, or you wouldn't be here."

*Also true,* Corina conceded. *The Empire has given my people much;
saving it for them, and others, is something I think well worth the
risk I took. But I am a private individual; no one may forbid me to
take whatever risks I judge necessary.*

Medart grew thoughtful, making it easier for Corina to establish the
mental pathway she was working at. He was still speaking aloud,
though. "We aren't, but that evaluation is still up to us; if we think
the situation's worth risking a Ranger, or if it needs our abilities,
we go in ourselves. If not, we send in someone else--and that's a hell
of a lot harder, I'll tell you right now."

*Thinking of o