Part 16 (1/2)

”Leaving them will place them at hazard, sire,” Corina ventured.

”I'm aware of that,” Davis said. ”I'd prefer not to, but there are other things I have to consider. The Sovereign is prohibited from risking @'s life if there's any choice, and the Successor should not except in a critical emergency when no other Ranger is available, so Rick and I are expected to think of our own safety first. But--give me your opinion as an ordinary citizen, Sir Corina. How would you feel if all four of us fled to safety, leaving the Palace Guards to face a rebellion alone?”

Corina thought about that, then inclined her head. ”I see, Your Majesty. While it would be the sensible thing to do, it would give the impression of not caring about those who serve you.”

”Which is precisely why they'll be staying. Ranger Medart, you look like you have something on your mind.”

”Yes, sir.” Medart looked up, at nothing in particular. ”Unless they're intercepted and destroyed, which isn't very likely,” he said quietly, ”someone is going to have to face Thark and the Seniors. Sir Corina says the Guards won't have a chance, and Kennard and Mens.h.i.+kov are no more qualified to do it than I am.”

Corina suddenly felt completely exposed and completely alone. At his words, everyone except Medart himself had turned to stare at her.

”No!” She shook her head, keeping herself from yowling by sheer force of will. ”I cannot--I am not good enough--”

”Wrong,” Davis said. ”I'd hoped Ranger Medart could persuade you, but he obviously hasn't been able to; may I ask why?”

”I have just said, sire. I will do everything I can to help--I am doing it--but I am not qualified for that.”

Davis shook his head. ”You're the only one who has even a chance against Thark, and you're as qualified as any of the rest of us to be a Ranger--maybe more so, as Ranger Medart told me, with that Talent of yours. None of us asked for this job, and none of us felt capable of handling it at first. You can do what we cannot. Will you face Thark for us, as a Ranger?”

Corina remained silent, overwhelmed by his intensity.

”Let me,” Medart said quietly. ”Corina, you came to us originally because your honor--the part of it we call loyalty--demanded it. It wouldn't let you permit Thark to destroy the Empire. Right?”

”Yes.” Her answer was almost inaudible.

”Will that same honor let you stop now, when you know you're the only chance the Empire has?” That might be putting it a bit strongly, Medart thought--but after her demonstration, it might also be the precise truth.

She stared down at the table for what seemed like eons before she was able to answer. ”No.”

Looking up, she continued. ”You are correct. I will face Thark. But I see no need to do so as a Ranger.”

Tension built in the silent room as Corina thought. It wasn't fair, she felt. They were trying to . . . perhaps force was not the right word, but urge her into something she did not feel capable of. It was almost impossible for her to accept the idea that feeling unqualified was part of what made her qualified. It did not seem reasonable. And it was just too much!

Medart answered her unspoken thoughts. ”No, it isn't fair. And the reasoning may not be obvious, but from our experience, it is logical.”

”This is just as much a war as the one we fought with the Traiti,”

Forrest added, with a curious glance at Medart. ”Even though the Empire tries to be fair, Sir Corina, we can't always manage, especially in this kind of emergency.”

”Take some more time, Sir Corina,” Emperor Davis said suddenly, sounding sympathetic. Forrest threw him a quick glance, so Davis continued. ”It was a hard enough decision for us. She's already had to go through one drastic change; we can't expect her to accept the idea of an even more drastic one so easily or quickly.”

Corina felt a flood of relief. ”Thank you, Your Majesty!”

”So the little kitten can't take it,” came a familiar voice.

Corina was shocked by the venom in the Security Chief's tone. So were others; everyone, from the Emperor on down, stared at the defiant Greggson.

”That was totally uncalled-for, Colonel,” Davis said coldly. ”One more such outburst and you will be replaced. You will apologize to Sir Corina at once.”

Corina thought for a moment that Greggson would refuse, but he finally said, ”Please forgive me, Sir Corina.” His tone was full of distaste, but it was an apology; the Emperor looked unsatisfied, but said nothing. Corina wondered why.