stances, is that Your Majesty and
Prince Forrest leave Terra in a ship crewed fully by humans, its
destination unknown to anyone not aboard, and remain there until Thark
and the Order are no longer a threat."

A murmur around the conference table was disapproving.

"I don't like the idea of running," the Emperor said, "but I can't deny
it's the logical thing to do. Ranger Medart?"

"How sure are you that it'll be Thark himself and the Prime Chapter
after the Palace?" Medart asked Corina.

"I am positive," she said. "He will not risk failure by using less
than the best against his most important target."

Medart nodded, then returned his attention to the screen. "In that
case, I'd say to follow her recommendation, sir. Your safety's a lot
more important than the Palace Complex--and if he does move against the
Palace itself, we'll have unarguable proof of his and the Order's
treason."

"Very well." Davis didn't look happy, Corina thought, but he did look
decisive. "We will leave on the Empress Lindner as soon as this
conference is over, then. Kennard and Menshikov are here; I'll leave
them in charge. Anything else?"

"Leaving them will place them at hazard, sire," Corina ventured.

"I'm aware of that," Davis said. "I'd prefer not to, but there are
other things I have to consider. The Sovereign is prohibited from
risking @'s life if there's any choice, and the Successor should not
except in a critical emergency when no other Ranger is available, so
Rick and I are expected to think of our own safety first. But--give me
your opinion as an ordinary citizen, Sir Corina. How would you feel if
all four of us fled to safety, leaving the Palace Guards to face a
rebellion alone?"

Corina thought about that, then inclined her head. "I see, Your
Majesty. While it would be the sensible thing to do, it would give the
impression of not caring about those who serve you."

"Which is precisely why they'll be staying. Ranger Medart, you look
like you have something on your mind."

"Yes, sir." Medart looked up, at nothing in particular. "Unless
they're intercepted and destroyed, which isn't very likely," he said
quietly, "someone is going to have to face Thark and the Seniors. Sir
Corina says the Guards won't have a chance, and Kennard and Menshikov
are no more qualified to do it than I am."

Corina suddenly felt completely exposed and completely alone. At his
words, everyone except Medart himself had turned t