at fast.*

*I'd venture to guess it's the doubled intelligence,* Medart sent
drily. *You're the first person to be given Ranger-level abilities,
rather than growing up with them, so I can't be positive, but that's my
best guess. Don't worry, you'll have time to get used to it; the trip
to Terra will take us about three weeks, and even if you weren't very
adaptable before, you are now.*

*Getting used to the way my mind works now may be the hardest part of
this whole thing. But I've known everyone except Shayan that I've
mind-touched before, and he initiated that one; how do I contact His
Majesty?*

*You know me, and I know him, so you ride along, so to speak, when I
contact him. Just let me know when you're ready.*

*Any time you are.*

*Okay, let's go.*

Odeon felt Medart's mind reaching out, and strengthened his contact so
the illusory "movement" wouldn't lose him. Almost immediately he felt
another mind-touch, similar in general feel to Medart's but different
in detail, and Medart made the introductions: *His Majesty Emperor
Charles Davis, Ranger-candidate Captain Michael Odeon.* Then he
briefed Davis, in a series of rapid thoughts.

The Emperor sent a chuckle. *That's quite a background, Captain Odeon.
A unique way of qualifying as a Ranger, but I have no doubt you are
qualified, particularly with a Sandeman warrior making the necessary
changes. Jim didn't describe what being a Ranger involves, other than
being dangerous at times, so did that process inform you?*

*Yes, sire, it did. But it didn't intimidate me into changing my mind.*

*Glad to hear it. Welcome to Imperial service, then, Ranger Odeon.*

*Thank you, sir.* Odeon paused briefly, then continued. *I'm
qualified, yes, but I was given only the most basic information about
the Empire--not much more than I'd studied on my own. If I'm not
needed for immediate assignment, I think I should spend some time
learning about it.*

*We'll make that your first assignment, then. You can start on your
way to Terra, then do as much more here as you can till a more urgent
assignment comes up--which shouldn't take too long, there's never a
shortage of work for Rangers. Normally I'd have you work with Jim for
two or three years as OJT, but none of the others came from out-Empire,
so your suggestion is the most sensible--and the reason for putting a
Ranger on the job immediately is that most of the jobs you'll get are
unique; there isn't usually