"That sounds good, except for Hobison," Medart said. "He's already refused promotion half a dozen times to keep command of the Chang." "Considering his total career, that's one Life Nobility I can justify," Davis said. "And I think he will take promotion if it doesn't mean losing his ship." "I think so too, sir." Medart grinned. "I like it--that'll make him the only ship captain whose position title is lower than his Navy rank." Davis chuckled, then sobered. "That's it, then. I'll see you all at the Tribunal, gentles--in the meantime, we all have work to do." He stood. The others rose and bowed, then left. Corina waited until she and Medart were on an elevator to the Rangers' apartment floor, then she said, "It is strange, Jim. I was afraid to take this job, and I am still not positive that I should have been offered it--but I find myself enjoying even the danger and the responsibility." "Which," Medart said with a grin, "should prove to you that you are right for the job. It's one challenge after another, and you'll eventually run into one you won't get back out of--but in the meantime you can be damn sure you won't be bored." For a brief outline of the rebellion's consequences, see AFTRWORD AFTRWORD (A basic overview of the general situation and what happens to the main characters between this story and the next one [either already written, or just planned] that they appear in.) Although the White Order rebellion was the shortest in Imperial history, its active phase lasting only slightly over an hour, it was the most disruptive. Its purpose was to replace the nobility and key military/administrative personnel; the Order members who were to be those replacements, after killing their predecessors, were in place and ready to strike days or weeks before Thark set the time. In spite of Ranger Losinj's warning, many succeeded, either because their targets did not believe the seriousness of the threat, or because Talent was able to overcome the precautions that were taken. When all the reports were in, Imperial losses were staggering. Three Rangers were dead, one seriously injured, and over a third of the ruling nobles, some with their heirs, had been killed--along with approximately a quarter of the top-ranking planet-based military and Admin Service officers. Once the full extent of the disaster was assessed, Rangers Medart and Losinj were reassigned, to separate missions. Because of Losinj's familiarity, however brief, with Chang's crew, Medart decided to change ships rather than having her do so; he chose the Empress Lindner, formerly Ranger Tarlac's ship. Rangers Fenn and Scolacz were recalled from Sector Traiti, which was unaffected by the rebellion because the White Order had not had time since the War to infiltrate. Rangers Kennard and Forrest were also sent out on missions to help the recovery; only Ranger Wang was kept on her original mission, but with another sector added to her responsibilities.