"Just that I won't lie to you. Rangers don't, unless it's essential to the Empire's survival--and the survival of this one depends on me gaining your trust, which means I don't dare lie. I may not tell you everything, but what I do tell you will be the truth." "Said under truth-compulsion, I must believe you--though I find it almost impossible to credit the idea of a Terran who does not lie. Still, this interrogation is over." Ryan released the spell, and Medart collapsed, unconscious. Looking at Kelly, Ryan said, "Will you care for him, lady? I named him clan-guest when he waived immunity to convince us of his honesty." "Yes, Chief." Kelly looked down at her patient with a bemused expression. "His ideas are revolting . . . but there's a certain fascination to them at the same time, and the man himself is intriguing." "Yes, he is. I think I'm going to leave Trevor in charge of the fleet and take Prince James back to Sandeman--you can come along, if you'd like." "Thank you--I would." * * * * * Medart knew as soon as he woke that he was on a smaller ship. There was no single specific item, but a lifetime aboard numerous classes of ship had given him a feel for the differences between them; this was about courier size. Wondering what was going on, he got dressed--someone had cleaned his clothes and hung them up, with his boots and weapon belt nearby, his saber clipped to the belt. That was a good sign, he thought as he fastened the belt. Weapons were customary for the warrior caste, but a warrior or equivalent being unarmed around others wasn't considered an insult, the way it was in the Traiti Sector; they could have disarmed him without dishonoring him. Something to eat seemed like a good idea, so he left his cabin and started exploring. Almost immediately, he ran into the w'woman who'd taken part in the interrogation. He'd been aware of what was going on, though he hadn't been able to react without prompting, so he knew she'd been ready to help him--and he was willing to bet it was she who'd cared for him when he'd passed out once he was free to. He bowed to her. "I thank you for your aid, lady. Without it I would probably be in considerable discomfort today." She returned the bow. "I was pleased to be able to help, Prince. Fortunately, your pulled muscles responded well to a simple healing spell, which also insured a good rest. Would you care to join me and Warleader Ryan for breakfast?" "I would be delighted. That's what I was looking for, as a matter of fact." Medart grinned at her as they started walking. "We've changed ships; are we bound for Sandeman?" "Yes. Have you been there?" "To Alpha Prime's, yes--but that's a different world, in a different part of the galaxy. I'm looking forward to seeing yours."