Irschcha was one of the convincers. Only their
Lords know how they'll react to this--they've only been part of the
Empire for six weeks."

"It's touchy, all right," Medart agreed. "Having to take over one of
the only two non-human governments--they may see it as evidence we
don't really consider non-humans as equals."

"We'll have to convince them otherwise." Davis paused briefly. "Jim,
do you think your hunch that Ms. Losinj is important could mean she's
Ranger material?"

"No way to know yet, sir. She's got the loyalty, she's proven that,
and she certainly acts intelligent enough, but I'll have to find out
about the rest. Check her records, talk to her, see how she thinks--
maybe give her the pre-Academy tests. I haven't noticed anything
negative so far, but I haven't seen much of her, either."

"I know. Just keep me informed; we need a non-human Ranger. But even
if she doesn't qualify, I think she deserves a title for having the
courage and loyalty to warn us."

"Agreed, sir. A Life Nobility?"

Davis smiled slightly. "She deserves it, but I'm going to reserve that
pleasure for myself--here at the Palace, in a full Grand Audience.
Give her a knighthood for now."

"Yes, sir. I'll hold a Tribunal tomorrow morning."

"That's it, then. I've got to get moving on this mess. Out." The
Emperor's image flickered blue, then disappeared.

Hobison gave the Ranger a long, silent look before he spoke.
"Rebellion, hmm? From the timing, I'd say this Thark's just been
waiting for the war to end. That doesn't strike me as typical behavior
for a rebel."

"Same here," Medart said. "He's not typical at all, from what Losinj
told me. Most rebels are greedy, out for nothing but power--according
to her, Thark's convinced the Order can rule better than we poor
unTalented can, so it's his duty to take over. Naturally, I don't
agree."

Hobison snorted. "Good intentions don't make up for treason. What's
next?"

"That depends on what we learn from Losinj," Medart replied. "At the
moment, I just don't know enough to make realistic plans. Too much
depends on how powerful this Talent of the Order's is."

Hobison nodded. "That makes sense. But would you really ask her to
join the Rangers? She's so tiny, so . . ."

"Pettable?" Medart came close to smiling. "She looks it, yes, but you
heard what she had to do to reach us. And you know size doesn't have
anything to do with it. Sure I'll ask her, if I fi