He took steps to prevent further deterioration in those who could still be helped, then granted a swift death to two who could not be. "When he arrived at the protectorate an obscure world called Mjolnir he mindprobed a warrior who had sworn fealty to the Baron there, then defeated in single combat the Warleader who wanted to take the world, obliging him to protect it instead.

He'll be mindprobed to learn his accomplices and how he managed to smuggle even an old-style gun into the Palace. What he did's on record, on Security monitor tapes and probably the newscasters' gear as well. He'll be shot." The Major paused, then smiled. "I never thought I'd say this to a Traiti, Lieutenant Hovan, but well done. I could wish you were in my command." "I thank you, Major.

He felt himself no equal to Hovan's calm strength, but it was reassuring to know Hovan had that kind of confidence in him. "I think I'd rather have that choice to make. Dammit, Hovan, I've had to order people mindprobed, others killed, and that was bad enough. Those were criminals. How can I tell innocent people something that'll disturb all of them and probably kill a lot?