"No, it will not be either," she agreed. "Thark is quite powerful. It is entirely possible that he will kill both of us." "What're the odds?" "Not good. I estimate I have perhaps one chance in five of defeating him, perhaps less." Medart whistled. "That's bad. It doesn't change things, though; I'd have done the same thing even if I'd known the odds earlier." "Having been in your mind, I am sure of that." Corina attempted a purr, with little success. "Nor would I expect otherwise from one in your position. You may phrase it differently, but honor compels you, also." VII As soon as they left the briefing room and were going toward one of the intraship shuttles, Medart said, "I'd like to start that other training you mentioned as soon as possible. When can we do it, and is there anything special you need?" Once they were inside the shuttle, Corina answered. "We can begin as soon as you like. We need quiet at first, as relaxation will speed your learning of the basic techniques. Afterward, you will need volunteers for practice. I do not like the idea of using unTalented for that, but I see no choice; I can teach you only so much with myself as your target. The techniques are not difficult; you should be able to learn them in an hour or less. It is the practice, for control and power, which will take most of your training time." "Right. Emperor Chang, take us to Sherwood Forest, please." "Yes, Ranger," the ship replied, and the shuttle began moving. Medart turned back to his assistant. "Since you say relaxation's so important, at least for basic training, we're going to what I think is the most soothing part of the ship. I like trees." "So do I, but what is Sherwood Forest? I do not remember seeing any trees when Sunbeam was showing me the ship." "Not likely you would, with her for a guide," Medart said, grinning. "She's a city girl, all the way through. Except for orientation, I don't think she's ever been there. If she thinks of trees at all, it's probably just as potential furniture." "It seems strange," Corina said, "that you, a Ranger, would take such an interest in a young ensign." "Not this one," Medart replied. "It isn't just that she's impossible to ignore, either. I first heard about her when she was in her third year at the Academy. Her teachers were predicting that she'd end up either getting herself kicked out of the Navy in disgrace, or as Chief of Naval Operations, and I'd tend to agree. She doesn't know it, but I asked to have her assigned to my ship to give her the best chance at the second; if anyone can keep her on the right heading without breaking her spirit, it's David Hobison." He laughed. "As if just running the Chang wasn't enough of a headache for him!"