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Updated: May 1, 2025
Surely he would not strike her . . . but he was angry, and a Marine, and shielded Her hand, seemingly of its own volition, went to the hilt of her soul-blade as she felt a surge of fear. "No." Greggson shook his head, backed off a step with visible reluctance. "I won't give you the satisfaction, you little " Corina interrupted, fear suddenly overcome by exasperation.
"It has been some time since I worked with unTalented people, and last time I tried, I could defeat only two, neither of whom had a shield. On the other hand, I have been training with Thark and Valla. But defeating them is not as important as convincing Colonel Greggson of the danger he and his Marines face." "Truthfully, I don't think you can do it," Hobison said.
"He may try to cause you serious trouble. I ought to tell Ranger Medart." "I see no need to bother him with it," Corina said. "I appreciate your concern, but I believe you worry too much. Colonel Greggson knows my status here; he will not harm me." She didn't have to probe to feel Sunbeam's doubt, but all her escort said was, "You're probably right." Then Sunbeam glanced at her chrono.
"Damn your intentions!" Greggson rasped. "No oversized kitty is going to make fools of my men and get away with it!" "Hey, Colonel," Dawson said, "it's okay, we " Greggson glared at him. "Keep out of this, Major. Get back to your post. And keep your mouth shut." "As the Colonel orders," Dawson said with icy correctness, and left. "That goes for you, too, Ensign. Wait outside."
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.
"I heard, but I didn't really believe " "Yes, dammit, telepathy!" Greggson snapped. "That's how she managed to humiliate my men!" "I do not understand your anger," Corina said quietly. "It was simply a demonstration of Talent, the way it can be used against the unTalented, as Thark plans to do. I did not intend to humiliate anyone, and they have said they do not feel humiliated."
The office showed no sign of the fighting just ended, and cleanup elsewhere was already under way. The Palace morgue was busy, the medical center only a little less so; Hobison was there, in critical condition, along with three less seriously wounded from the assault group. Greggson and one of the other Marines had been killed; the rest of the group was unhurt.
That made their arrival at the Security section a relief, since Sunbeam had promised it would be their last stop. It was obvious to Corina that Colonel Greggson wasn't particularly glad to see them, but he was polite, clearly on his best behavior until Major Dawson entered. "Good afternoon, Sir Corina," Dawson said with a grin. "That's quite a wallop you pack almost like getting hit by a Traiti.
"Then you have one volunteer. Anyone else in the Command Crew eligible?" "There is Colonel Greggson. Only one of the others I have scanned so far has a usable shield, and I plan to speak to him shortly. That is why the whole crew must be informed of those facts. Ranger Medart and I will have to check everyone.
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