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He sat back down and corrected his error, wondering if there were any others he'd made in his chagrin over Corina's betrayal. Corina was thinking in rapid, frightened bursts as she left Thark's home. She was certain he would lose no time in sending the executioners after her, probably Sanctioners.
Corina's attention returned to the lander, where she found herself and Medart the focus of the entire assault team's intense interest. *What do you expect?* Medart sent grimly. *That's the second Ranger murdered in the Palace in less than two months maybe others elsewhere, depending on how widespread this Crusade is.*
Corina's ears went back in frustration. "It is merely the best I can do in Imperial English. Or in Irschchan, for that matter." "It's all we have to work with, though, so let's try to define it a bit more closely. I can't either practice or avoid something I can't identify." "That is true enough. Very well, darlas is a form of attack.
As she had known it would be, Corina's sleep that night was restless, disturbed by her undermind's attempt to fit those alien memories into a pattern that would allow her to grasp and use them. She might never fully understand them, but when the process was complete, she would have more feeling for humans than was possible for an Irschchan who hadn't experienced pattern rapport with one.
"How's that compare to Thark?" "That is difficult to say." Corina's ears went back slowly, a thoughtful frown. "I would estimate he has half again my strength, so that would be perhaps a third of his maximum." The Ranger looked grim. "One chance in five? Looks to me more like one in fifty." "You forget he trained me.
"We're in Condition Yellow; what's General Quarters?" "Red, with a wavering buzz. I do not have a battle station, so I would remain here unless told otherwise by a senior officer." "Right again!" Sunbeam looked around. "I think that's all here. So unless you need something else . . ." Her voice trailed off, and she pointed to Corina's neck. "Is that blood?" "Oh."
Corina's first reaction was to wonder about Medart's mental stability. He couldn't possibly be serious! No, from the look on his face, he was serious. "I cannot," she protested, shaking her head. "Hold it," Medart interrupted mildly. "You said you'd think about it before you answered. I'm keeping you to that." "Urr . . . all right." Corina nodded reluctantly. The past was past; she had to go on.
But enough of these useless memories, Thark told himself sternly. What had happened could not be changed. He should join his passengers. He rose, giving his instrument panel an automatic scan as he rose. Urrr the proximity alarm! He'd forgotten to turn it on, a mistake he'd not have made but for Corina's defection.
He raised one eyebrow in surprise at the sight of Corina's badge, but went through the routine of relieving Jensen before he said anything. Change of watch completed, he seated himself in the Command chair and turned to face the pair. "He talked you into it, did he, Ranger Losinj?" The words were neutral, but the tone was warm. "Knowing Rangers, I suppose he's put you in charge of this mission."
I really do mean thanks I was supposed to go on rotating shifts tomorrow, instead of staying on first watch, and now I don't have to." She smiled again, even more widely. Corina's ears twitched in surprise at the flood of words, but Sunbeam didn't seem to notice. "All right, Sunbeam. What do we do first?" That was something else she would have to get used to, Corina told herself.
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