Part 30 (1/2)
”I hadn't thought about newsies,” Medart admitted. ”In fact, there's probably a lot I'm not thinking of right now.”
”Very probably--and that's another reason for initial leave. Adaptable as we have to be, it's quite a shock going from cadet-candidate to Ranger; it'll take you a couple of days to get back to normal. So the routine is to meet the Sovereign, then go home until you're satisfied your family is taken care of and you're ready to face the media. Then you spend a year or two in OJT with another Ranger--me, in this case-- and then you pick your s.h.i.+p and start your solo missions.”
A year or two didn't sound like much, considering the variety of situations a Ranger got involved in, but Medart nodded. ”I understand.
And I'll have to do things like get a comm implant--take care of all that sort of detail before I go on duty officially.”
”That's best,” Perry agreed, ”though if we were rushed, or you thought it best to go public right away, those could be handled later. If you want a comm implant, though, I can arrange for that as soon as your audience is over.”
”I don't exactly want one, but I thought they were required.”
Perry chuckled. ”His Majesty leaves that up to us. The only surgery we're required to undergo is what's medically necessary. I think an implant is a good idea, and I'd strongly recommend it, but no, it's not required. There are a couple of us who chose not to have them.”
”I think I'll take your recommendation,” Medart said. ”Though it may not be too much use outside the System, since I can't carry an ultrawave unit around with me.”
”True, but it'll still provide you a direct link to your s.h.i.+p, or to any planetary comp or military base you're within radio range of, and if necessary you can link to the Empire Net through one of those-- though it's usually easier, if you have to contact it, to just use the normal communicators. Want me to set up the implant for you?”
”Please.”
They arrived at the Palace's private entrance not long after Perry finished making the arrangements, and she escorted Medart to Emperor Yasunon's working office, down a wide corridor to a door that was decorated with the Imperial Seal and flanked by two Palace Guard officers who came to attention as they approached. ”Rangers Perry and Medart to see His Majesty,” she told them.
”He's expecting you, sirs.” The senior opened the door, and Perry, grinning, gestured Medart through first.
He had seen the Emperor's picture any number of times, on everything from holo-news to currency, so the chubby, balding man was no surprise--but His Majesty's obvious enthusiasm was. The Emperor came around his desk and grasped both of Medart's hands, smiling widely.
”Ranger James Medart! You're the best thing that's happened to me in years.”
”I'm flattered to hear that, Your Majesty.” Almost as flattered as he was stunned by the unexpected greeting.
Yasunon released his hands and reached into a compartment on his belt--he was wearing a Ranger's uniform, with the Imperial Seal--and pinned the star-in-circle badge to Medart's tunic, then repeated Perry's greeting. ”Welcome to Imperial service, Ranger Medart.”
”Thank you, Your Majesty.” Medart felt a surge of deep emotions he couldn't identify, except for the determination to do everything in his power to justify their faith in him. He still had doubts of his ability to do that, but the badge's weight on his chest left him with no doubts that he'd try. ”As soon as I make the arrangements for my family that Ranger Perry suggested, I'd like to start work.”
”Since you're from Terra, that shouldn't be too long,” Yasunon said.
”I should start preparations for your confirmation, since there don't seem to be any situations nearing the critical point; how long would you like?”
”A week should be more than enough,” Medart said, after a moment's thought. ”I'll need a ride to the airport near my home, then I'll have to borrow a car to get the rest of the way.”
”No problem,” the Emperor said, a smile starting to grow. ”The arrangements have already been made; a lander's waiting to take you to the airport, and a Texas Ranger car will be waiting for you there.”
Medart was surprised for a second, then he chuckled. ”I like Your Majesty's sense of humor.”
”What can you expect when Emperor Chang set it up this way?” Yasunon was smiling widely. ”It's one of the requirements.”
TALENT