"I had limited telepathy before, as a side effect of Shayan's mental contact. I'd like to try the Talent version, but mind-touching you might not tell me anything, since he spoke to you last night." Medart chuckled. *The feel is totally different--see?* *Yeah. I like this version a whole lot better.* *So do I. Ready for me to introduce you to His Majesty, so he can name you one of us officially?* *How-- Oh. Mentally, of course.* Odeon hesitated, shook his head. *Jim, what's happened to me? I couldn't have figured that out before--or at least not that fast.* *I'd venture to guess it's the doubled intelligence,* Medart sent drily. *You're the first person to be given Ranger-level abilities, rather than growing up with them, so I can't be positive, but that's my best guess. Don't worry, you'll have time to get used to it; the trip to Terra will take us about three weeks, and even if you weren't very adaptable before, you are now.* *Getting used to the way my mind works now may be the hardest part of this whole thing. But I've known everyone except Shayan that I've mind-touched before, and he initiated that one; how do I contact His Majesty?* *You know me, and I know him, so you ride along, so to speak, when I contact him. Just let me know when you're ready.* *Any time you are.* *Okay, let's go.* Odeon felt Medart's mind reaching out, and strengthened his contact so the illusory "movement" wouldn't lose him. Almost immediately he felt another mind-touch, similar in general feel to Medart's but different in detail, and Medart made the introductions: *His Majesty Emperor Charles Davis, Ranger-candidate Captain Michael Odeon.* Then he briefed Davis, in a series of rapid thoughts. The Emperor sent a chuckle. *That's quite a background, Captain Odeon. A unique way of qualifying as a Ranger, but I have no doubt you are qualified, particularly with a Sandeman warrior making the necessary changes. Jim didn't describe what being a Ranger involves, other than being dangerous at times, so did that process inform you?* *Yes, sire, it did. But it didn't intimidate me into changing my mind.* *Glad to hear it. Welcome to Imperial service, then, Ranger Odeon.* *Thank you, sir.* Odeon paused briefly, then continued. *I'm qualified, yes, but I was given only the most basic information about the Empire--not much more than I'd studied on my own. If I'm not needed for immediate assignment, I think I should spend some time learning about it.*