*We'll make that your first assignment, then. You can start on your way to Terra, then do as much more here as you can till a more urgent assignment comes up--which shouldn't take too long, there's never a shortage of work for Rangers. Normally I'd have you work with Jim for two or three years as OJT, but none of the others came from out-Empire, so your suggestion is the most sensible--and the reason for putting a Ranger on the job immediately is that most of the jobs you'll get are unique; there isn't usually any real preparation possible.* *Both my studies and Jim made that perfectly clear, sir--but the Protector removed my allergy to teaching tapes, so I'll be able to cram in a lot more information than I would've been able to earlier.* *Understood, but there's still a tremendous amount of information for you to absorb.* Davis sent another smile. *You know how much getting a new Ranger means, and I'd like to spend more time with you, but I'm getting ready for a Grand Audience I can't put off just to chat. So I'll talk to you later.* *Yes, sir.* With that, contact broke, and Odeon's consciousness returned to the common-room. "What now?" he asked Medart. But it was Keith who answered, entering the room. "You change uniforms, Your Highness. Don't worry about the change in your sidearm; you know how to use a needler, and you're as accurate with it as I am--a lot more so than you were with your slugthrower." With that, Odeon was wearing comfortable forest green, rather than the snug gray he was used to. "Thank you, Lord Protector. I don't care to wear a uniform I'm no longer entitled to." Cortin followed Keith into the common-room, looking to Odeon like she'd been crying. "Mike--the Protector told me I should ask your advice, if you were willing to give it." Medart swore to himself. This didn't sound like a promising start for his new colleague . . . *Mike, don't say yes unless you're willing to face the consequences. This is part of the Empire now, you don't have the option I gave you yesterday of answering as a private individual.* Odeon's answering thought was grim. *I know, but I can't refuse her. I can give her the same warning, though.* "Make sure you want the advice, Joanie. As Jim told me last night when I asked him for some, most people don't ask Rangers questions because they won't like our answers." "Keith told me the same thing. I'm still asking." "In that case, I'll answer. What's the question?" "What's the best way to handle your . . . change? You're still senior spouse of Family Cortin and my heir, among other things."