fficers."

"The second is certainly true. The first . . ." Corina fell silent,
retracing her borrowed memories to Medart's first meeting with Perry.
She ignored the surface this time through, digging for the deeper
memories, and those confirmed Medart's words. Their specific abilities
differed, but the general level was approximately the same. And
despite mistakes he thought of as idiotic--she winced at the recurring
thought of that Traiti deception--he had done well.

"None of us is perfect," he said mildly. "We're mortals, not gods, and
we've all made mistakes."

"Yes, I see that," she said at last. "Your memories are most
convincing." She paused, took a deep breath, then nodded. "Very well,
Ranger Medart. I accept the burden."

Medart seemed to relax all over, though he hadn't seemed particularly
tense. "As Arlene said, none of us asked for this job. Anyone who did
would be the sort we wouldn't want. And it does have compensations,
you know, both social and financial; you'll learn about those as you
go. And remember we're not the only ones with a lot of confidence in
your ability; Thark knew you could handle being a member of the Prime
Chapter, though he had his aims for you set too low. Okay, let's make
it official. Emperor Chang?"

"Yes, Ranger Medart?"

"Formal voiceprint confirmation for Empire Net ident and security
input. This is Ranger James Kieran Medart, ident code RJT-6743-5197."

There was a brief pause, then the ship-comp said, "Voiceprint
confirmed. Awaiting input."

"Change ident code ISCCJ-1643-2048 to RCJ-1643-2048. Delete all
security restrictions from the individual identified by that code, and
relay to any peripherals that Corina Losinj of Irschcha has been
selected as a Ranger."

"Acknowledged. Request formal voiceprint from Ranger Losinj."

Medart nodded to Corina, smiling. "Go ahead, Rina."

Corina glanced at him, then decided she liked both the nickname and his
use of it. "Thank you, Jim. Empire Net, this is Ranger Corina Losinj,
ident code RCJ-1643-2048."

"Thank you, Rangers. Is there anything else?"

"No," Medart said, then looked at Corina, smiling. "Welcome to
Imperial service, Ranger Losinj. Now that the formalities are over,
you might want to get into uniform; we should call His Majesty with the
good news, then have breakfast."

"That would seem proper," Corina agreed, "though I would prefer
something other than your style. A kilt is nice, with a