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Updated: July 19, 2025
Medart and Corina got in line behind them and, when Sunbeam turned around, were invited to join the pair. They agreed; it was, after all, what they had hoped for. Corina decided on hellbeast steak again; it was becoming one of her staples, since Sunbeam had introduced her to it. Besides that, she ordered two things she hadn't yet tried a taco and tapioca pudding and her usual milk.
Most of it, she knew, was directed at Thark, but Medart's lack of control let her feel the fringes. The power of that blast was immense, as if the Ranger was releasing years of pent-up energy at once, but it didn't last long; Thark was shaken, not hurt. "That satisfy you?" Medart demanded. "It does," Thark replied formally. "Such proof cannot be denied." He turned back to Corina, feeling empty.
They took an intraship shuttle to Mess One, intended for senior officers and at this hour quite empty, unlike the always-busy Mess Three. They got their meals and ate silently while Corina decided on her plans. "The first thing, I think," she finally said, "is to find anyone else aboard with mind shields, to make a combat group. "Right," Medart agreed, "since unshielded ones wouldn't last long.
Emotion was seeping through, despite his shield, and Corina read two that conflicted strongly. One was a passionate dislike for her as an individual, but the other was more important to the Marine: his duty to the Empire, which she as a Ranger had the right to command. That fact overrode his personal feelings.
In addition to those they'd first spoken to, the Rangers had found a nurse, an engineer's assistant, the ship's junior navigator, and four other Marine officers. There was noticeable tension in the room when Corina called the briefing to order. They already knew the basic situation; she could go directly to the assault itself.
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.
"But what is it? I'm not sure I understand anything about it but its name." "It is an extremely unusual stress phenomenon," Corina said, picking her words with care. "It occurs when two very similar mind patterns are in close physical proximity and under considerable stress.
Now I must test you, to find your shield's present strength. Prepare yourself.* *Right.* Medart's shield went back up, and Corina began probing, gradually increasing the strength and intensity of her attack while the Ranger fought to hold his shield. His eyes closed, his fists clenched with his effort.
If you interfere further, I will have to assume you are part of this Crusade, and take appropriate measures. Is that understood?" The chief's ears twitched. "Yes, Ranger." "Good. You may leave." Corina watched the subdued Sanctioner chief do so, then she turned back to the Ranger, intrigued.
"You must be quite good, then," Corina said. "What hassle with Greggson?" Medart demanded. "It was nothing serious," Corina said, and summarized the incident for him. "I was nervous, but not badly upset." "That's good," Medart said, then continued silently. *Maybe it doesn't bother you, but it does me.
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