Medart nodded, then returned his attention to the screen. "In that case, I'd say to follow her recommendation, sir. Your safety's a lot more important than the Palace Complex--and if he does move against the Palace itself, we'll have unarguable proof of his and the Order's treason." "Very well." Davis didn't look happy, Corina thought, but he did look decisive. "We will leave on the Empress Lindner as soon as this conference is over, then. Kennard and Menshikov are here; I'll leave them in charge. Anything else?" "Leaving them will place them at hazard, sire," Corina ventured. "I'm aware of that," Davis said. "I'd prefer not to, but there are other things I have to consider. The Sovereign is prohibited from risking @'s life if there's any choice, and the Successor should not except in a critical emergency when no other Ranger is available, so Rick and I are expected to think of our own safety first. But--give me your opinion as an ordinary citizen, Sir Corina. How would you feel if all four of us fled to safety, leaving the Palace Guards to face a rebellion alone?" Corina thought about that, then inclined her head. "I see, Your Majesty. While it would be the sensible thing to do, it would give the impression of not caring about those who serve you." "Which is precisely why they'll be staying. Ranger Medart, you look like you have something on your mind." "Yes, sir." Medart looked up, at nothing in particular. "Unless they're intercepted and destroyed, which isn't very likely," he said quietly, "someone is going to have to face Thark and the Seniors. Sir Corina says the Guards won't have a chance, and Kennard and Menshikov are no more qualified to do it than I am." Corina suddenly felt completely exposed and completely alone. At his words, everyone except Medart himself had turned to stare at her. "No!" She shook her head, keeping herself from yowling by sheer force of will. "I cannot--I am not good enough--" "Wrong," Davis said. "I'd hoped Ranger Medart could persuade you, but he obviously hasn't been able to; may I ask why?" "I have just said, sire. I will do everything I can to help--I am doing it--but I am not qualified for that." Davis shook his head. "You're the only one who has even a chance against Thark, and you're as qualified as any of the rest of us to be a Ranger--maybe more so, as Ranger Medart told me, with that Talent of yours. None of us asked for this job, and none of us felt capable of handling it at first. You can do what we cannot. Will you face Thark for us, as a Ranger?" Corina remained silent, overwhelmed by his intensity. "Let me," Medart said quietly. "Corina, you came to us originally because your honor--the part of it we call loyalty--demanded it. It wouldn't let you permit Thark to destroy the Empire. Right?" "Yes." Her answer was almost inaudible.