and the Archduchy of High
Teton do."

"I think I can manage that. Welcome to the Empire, Mike--I think
you're the first Systems person to take that step officially. Now
what's this about being Joan's heir, and an Archduchy? I don't
remember anything about you being part of the nobility."

"What?" Odeon frowned, thinking back over the past three weeks. "You
know, I don't think the subject ever came up. Joanie's Archduchess of
High Teton, and she named me her heir, which makes me a Duke. Local
nobility only, of course."

"Of course," Medart agreed, pleased that Odeon was showing even that
tiny trace of humor. "Shall I start calling you 'Excellency'?"

"I don't feel much like an Excellency at the moment. Just stick with
Mike, please."

He'd better slow down, Medart told himself. Mike was good, but he
wasn't Ranger-level yet, and if Medart screwed up, he never would be.
"Sorry; I was just trying to lighten things up a bit. If you decide to
take the job, you won't be able to inherit. Is the succession set up?"

Odeon nodded. "If anything happens to me, Sis' baby would inherit,
with her acting for him until he's of age."

"Good. No extra arrangements to make if you accept, then. Okay, Mike,
let me talk you through working out what job I want you to take; you
don't have the background to accept it if I just come out and ask."

"I asked for your professional help; we do it your way. I think I'm
starting to see where you're going, though."

"I hope so; that'll make it easier for both of us. I know you've read
about recent Imperial history, so you're aware of our losses during the
Traiti war and the White Order rebellion."

"Uh-huh--specifically the four Rangers, if I'm reading you right."

"You are. I was incredibly fortunate to find Ranger Losinj during the
rebellion, but we're critically short even when we have the average of
ten, and right now we're down to seven."

"You want me to be number eight, I'd say. We both know I don't have
even the widely-known qualifications, and I can't believe you'd
consider for a second lowering the standards, so--" Odeon broke off.
"Who's supposed to make the changes? If it's Shayan, forget it!"

"He told me about it, but it's the Protector who'll make you
Ranger-level, if you agree to the changes. Including the mind-set we
have to have, but again, only if you agree."

"That's a tremendous offer, Jim, and I can't deny it'd be a useful and
satisfying job--bu