cameras and microphones. The Rangers, long accustomed to
network competition, paid little attention to the aggressive mob scene;
this was a big story, one of the biggest, and the newsies' behavior was
expectable. They didn't mean any harm, but Tarlac sensed a growing
concern from the two Traiti males for the First Speaker's safety.

Tarlac kept walking, outwardly impassive, as he sent them reassurance.
"I know the newsies are a bit overwhelming, but there's no danger.
They're just doing their jobs, sending this story all over the Empire.
Traiti monitoring stations will pass it on to your worlds, too." That
helped; the three Traiti relaxed a little.

Arjen, on the Hermnaen, was too busy to relax. There were vehicles
approaching, white ones marked with the scarlet cross and crescent that
distinguished human medical equipment. He called sickbay and reached
Dr. Jason. "Vehicles are for your people coming, Doctor. Your
patients will first off-loaded be, if they ready are."

"They're ready," a tired-looking Jason said. "Can you send the medics
here--and keep the newsies out?"

"Of course," Arjen replied. "The Marines will that insure, Lord
Esteban says, and the patients will be to the Palace medical unit
taken."

"The Palace medcenter?" Jason sighed, looking less tired. "That's a
relief; it's probably the best hospital in the Empire. Did he say
anything about the rest of us?"

"You will be to regional facilities for checks taken, Bethesda and one
I find hard to say."

"Akademgorod?" Dr. Jason asked, his expression suddenly eager.

"Yes. Your families are being there taken, and after you fully checked
are, you will be with them reunited." Arjen smiled himself at that
thought. "I hope you all of yours well find."

"Thanks. But if you'll excuse me, I've got to get back to work."

"As do I." Arjen cut the circuit.

In the Palace, the Throne Room doors began to swing open and a fanfare
sounded. "Okay, here we go," Tarlac said. "Remember, don't kneel when
you're presented, even if some of the courtiers do. You're not part of
the nobility."

"We will remember," the First Speaker said.

Tarlac didn't have time to say any more, as the fanfare was replaced by
the first notes of Williams' Imperial Anthem, and they had to make
their entrance.

It was a long, slow, ceremonious walk from the door to the Throne,
since this was a full-scale Grand Audience. The courtiers, nobles and
their guests--those