of us chose this without persuasion, neither I nor any
of the others."

"And I think I know why you need a human Lord, too. We're going to
have to work on both sides to end the war. The Imperials would hardly
listen to one of you--in your own form, anyway--where they will listen
to a Ranger."

Kranath smiled. "Exactly. And as you have correctly surmised, we do
not take on each other's forms. Not only would it be dishonorable, it
would be unwise; those who hold great power, those to whom we usually
need to appear when Speakers' words are insufficient, have enough
psionic ability to tell us apart." Kranath projected mild amusement.
"Humans included, though they have not as yet developed that ability
consciously."

"Which means I'll have to go back to my body. That's the only way to
keep intervention to a minimum." Tarlac thought for a moment. "With
any luck at all, I won't have to do anything obvious enough for humans
to notice. The Empire doesn't need a new human religion to cope with
at the same time it acquires a new Sector--if things work out the way
I'm hoping."

"You will allow the respective rulers to make the final choice, then."

"I'll give them the information they need to choose intelligently, but
I won't tell them what to do." Tarlac sensed approval, and this time
knew where it came from; he smiled. "Thanks."

"None necessary, Ruhar," Sepol said. "We are merely pleased that you
grasp the necessities, even before your full maturity. Go on."

"Well, I won't be able to avoid open intervention with the Traiti; I'll
have to tell all of them what I saw in Kranath's Vision. I don't like
showing off like that, but at least they're accustomed to Lords
manifesting from time to time."

"I did not like it either," Kranath agreed, "when I had to intervene so
to end the clan wars. We all do what must be done, though." He put an
arm around the man. "If you are ready, Brother, we should begin."
Brother, not ruhar. Tarlac smiled at that human touch. "Yeah. Let's
not waste time." Then he remembered. "Hey, what about Jim? The
Empire can't afford to lose two Rangers at once--now less than ever."

"No," Kranath agreed. "He is still in critical condition, but Ranger
Medart will recover fully."

"Thank God!" Tarlac exclaimed reflexively.

Then he realized what he'd said, and what he was; he laughed at the
irony. "Thanks, Kranath. All right, I guess I'm ready. Go ahead."

With that, he felt t