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ZETA EXCHANGE

A Terran Empire Story

by Ann Wilson

Copyright (C) 1992 by Ann Wilson

Deep Space, 2669 CE

Ranger James Medart was standing beside Captain Jean Willis' controlchair aboard the Empress Lindner, enjoying the peaceful trip back toTerra after a surprisingly uneventful cruise. He'd kept busy enough toavoid boredom, but there'd been no emergency calls, which made thecruise almost a vacation. Pleasant as it had been, he found himselfalmost wishing for the challenge of an emergency. Not quite, since anemergency serious enough to require a Ranger's attention meant theEmpire was in trouble, and that part he didn't like--but the challengehe did. Maybe he'd ask for a tour in one of the alternate universeswith an Empire just getting started, one that didn't have a full quotaof home-grown Rangers to cope with the many problems of a brand-newEmpire. He wouldn't mind visiting Sierra again; he'd had a hand inselecting both its Sovereign and her Successor, so he had a personalinterest in its well-being. 

He'd barely completed that thought when his surroundings disappeared. He was nowhere, in some sort of timeless sensory deprivation--

--then he was standing in the middle of a pentagram surrounded by othersymbols he didn't recognize, facing a woman in a uniform identical tohis own. Since he didn't know the woman herself, it seemed pretty clearhe'd been brought to an alternate-universe Empire--and that had to meanit needed help, badly. It looked like he was getting the challenge hewanted, though not in any way he could've expected. 

He grinned at his other-universe colleague. "I'm James Medart, ofAlternate Alpha Prime. What's your problem?"

"Ariel of Rolian, Zeta Prime. " The woman smiled, looking relieved. "You're all right?"

"Fine. "

"Good. Inter-universe summoning spells are sometimes as rough on thesubject as they are on the magician; I'm glad you were spared that. But I wasn't, so I need to rest before I brief you. I'll take you tothe bridge and introduce you, then let you get acquainted while Irecuperate for three or four hours. "

"You're the expert here, " Medart agreed. "It's safe to leave thepentagram?"

"Yes, of course. " She frowned. "You're not familiar with magic?"

"Only what I've picked up from fantasy stories and games of TreasureTunnels. It doesn't work in Alpha Prime--or in any of the otheruniverses I've visited till now, either. But when I show up in themiddle of a pentacle with a Ranger who obviously takes magic forgranted, it seems pretty clear this is one where it does. "

The other Ranger frowned again. "That's strange. You're from ahigh-probability alternate, then--sophisticated technology, no magic--butmy spell was designed to summon a high-powered sorcerer. "

Medart chuckled. "Either it glitched, or I am one and don't know it. I've played Tunnels characters who used magic, but I don't know a thingabout the way it really works. "

"In that case, I'd say you are and don't know it. I haven't had aspell miss its mark that far since I was in middle school. We'll findout for sure when you meet Captain Chavvorth, though. He's what wecall a Reader, he can sense things about you just being in yourpresence. " Ariel sighed, showing fatigue she'd concealed before. "Andhe tends to worry about me, since an inter-universe summoning can betricky. Not to mention dangerous, if you tap into the wrong alternate. Would you mind if we go there now?"

"Sorry--of course not. " Medart followed her out of thesymbol-decorated room and through corridors that looked like a standardImperial Navy ship's, though something he couldn't pinpoint right awayseemed odd--something missing, maybe. "I can accept, though I don'tunderstand, that you brought me here by magic. But this feels like thehyperdrive ships I know, and your sidearm looks like an issue blaster. I was under the impression magic and science didn't mix. "

"They usually don't, " Ariel replied. "Magic-using universes are muchlower probability than technological ones, and the magic/technology mixis far lower even than that--but there are a few, and this is one. "She smiled back at him. "Other than that, this universe should bealmost a duplicate of yours, in everything important. I'd be willingto bet you'd even recognize this ship's designation, maybe name--IBCEmperor Barton. "

"I do, " Medart said. An Imperial Battle Cruiser, named after thetwelfth Sovereign. "Then from what you've said about CaptainChavvorth, I'd expect him to be a Traiti. "

"He is. " They were at the Bridge by then; the door slid open to admitthem, and the Traiti in the command chair stood, showing open relief ashe scrutinized Ariel. 

"You are well, ka'naya Ranger!" he said. 

"Fine, Captain. This is my colleague from Alpha Prime, James Medart. "

The Traiti bowed, crossing arms over his chest in that race's formalgesture. "I am honored, Ranger Medart. "

Medart returned the gesture. "Likewise, Captain Chavvorth. I'mpleased to see that humans and Traiti share the Empire even in auniverse so distant from mine. "

"As am I--though I sense that until recently we were at war in yours, and you were nearly killed by one of our fighters. "

"Right. " Medart tried to hide his astonishment, and reply as though itwere normal for someone in such a remote universe to know that kind ofpersonal detail. "I wouldn't call a hundred years ago recent, but Isuppose to a Traiti it would be . . . I was almost torn in half, andyour people survived only because my colleague Steve Tarlac took yourOrdeal of Honor and then died, becoming one of your gods. PeacelordEsteban. "

"The one who kept that war from happening by doing the same here, " theTraiti said. "He was able to determine the reason for the firstincident, and then the way to prevent escalation. His courage incoming to us alone, we believe, saved millions of lives. "

"Try billions, " Medart said. "We were never able to determine accuratecasualty figures, but the best estimate for both sides, military andcivilian, is between eight and ten billion, mostly Traiti. And we cameentirely too damn close to genocide before Steve was able to end thewar. "

"But he did, " Chavvorth said calmly, "and we took our proper place inyour Empire as we did here. " His expression became taut. "Have youencountered the Sandemans?"

"Yes, sixteen years before the Traiti War. A century and a quarterago. " Medart frowned, scanned the Bridge crew. That was what he'dthought strange earlier--there were none of the small, dark-skinnedblonds who were such a significant part of Alpha Prime's military. That, the phrasing of Chavvorth's question, and a major threat to thisEmpire came together in a conclusion as frightening as it was suddenlyobvious. Medart allowed himself a quiet, intense, and uncharacteristicoath. "Holy Creator and all the gods! You just met them!"

"Yes, " Ariel said, her fatigue seeming to vanish in eagerness. "Youwere able to defeat them?"

"We could've, but it wasn't necessary, " Medart said. "I was able touse persuasion instead--along with five battle fleets to show them thealternative to peace. They'd managed to take over almost half ofSector Five by then, but they accepted annexation as a Subsector, andthey've been loyal citizens ever since. "

"You missed a Sandeman war, " Ariel said thoughtfully, "and we missed aTraiti war. Steve Tarlac avoided or ended the Traiti war in both, andmy spell summons the one who avoided the Sandeman war in his. I thinkthat for the first time in three years, I can dare to hope. "

Captain Chavvorth turned to her. "I also, Ranger. But with respect, Isuggest you go rest. While you are doing that, I can begin teachingRanger Medart to use his mage-power. "

"He is a magician, then!" Ariel exclaimed in relief. "My spell said heshould be, but when he denied it-- How powerful?"

"The strongest I have ever felt, sir. " The Traiti smiled at Medart, gestured as he murmured something, and was holding a candle. "You havehad no instruction, but your raw power should be adequate to light thisif you concentrate. "

The equivalent, Medart thought, of someone with PK Talent exciting themolecules of the wick to ignition temperature. He'd never shown anytrace of that aspect--his only Talents, besides the basic mind-screenand telepathy, were healing and darlas--but this was supposed to bemagic, not psionics; he had no reason not to try. He focused hisattention on the candle, following an impulse to point at it as hewilled it to light. 

He felt a sensation of warmth flow into him and channel along hisarm--then flame erupted from his fingers, enveloping both the candle andthe hand that held it. 

Instantly, Medart broke his concentration. The candle was burning, butit was sagging, and the Traiti's hand was reddened. 

Chavvorth blew out the candle, his expression bemused, and put it down. "That was more . . . Dramatic than I had expected, Ranger. "

"A hell of a lot more than I expected, " Medart said. "Let me see yourhand. "

The Traiti obeyed. Medart took it, concentrating again--but this timeit was a familiar, trained ability he called on. Redness faded, vanished; he released the hand. "There. You should be okay now. "

Chavvorth flexed his fingers, extending and retracting his claws. "Itis fine--but that was not a spell. "

"Nope. That was psionic Talent, a rare but perfectly normal ability. "

"So is mage-power, here, " Ariel put in. "I'd like to stay and talk, but the spell-reaction's getting me to the point I can't function muchlonger. Why don't you two go someplace comfortable and keep gettingacquainted while I recuperate? Chavvorth can brief you on theSandemans as well as I could, James. "

"Jim's fine--sounds good to me. Captain?"

"I am agreeable. " Chavvorth turned to one of his officers. "Lieutenant Dawson, you have the con. "

Ten minutes later Medart and Chavvorth were sitting in the seniorofficers' lounge, drinking coffee and chovas. Medart had adjusted tothe idea of magic far more easily than to the idea of Sandemans asenemies; magic was, for all practical purposes, something new, whichmade it easy to accept. Sandemans as enemies, though, was a totalreversal of something that had been a given for over a century and aquarter. And Sandemans who'd had that extra time to grow and advancetechnologically--and magically, he was sure--would be an awesome enemy. 

"From what Ranger Ariel said, " Medart started, "I gather you ran intothe Sandemans about three years ago. The Shapers must've gone a lotfurther out in this universe than they did in Alpha Prime. "

"Who or what are the Shapers?"

Medart sighed. "You don't have much intelligence about the Sandemans?"

"Almost none, " Chavvorth said. "Few have been captured, nonesuccessfully interrogated--few successfully held, in fact. Most areable to conjure their way out of custody, even denied the materials anImperial magician would find necessary. "

Medart chuckled. "Somehow that doesn't surprise me. Do you haveanything like a mindprobe, so I can give you everything I know in ahurry?"

"Not yet, " Chavvorth said regretfully. "One is in the developmentstage, but it will be several months at least before it is far enoughalong to experiment with humans on. "

"We do it the hard way, then. Emperor Barton?"

"Yes, Ranger Medart, " the ship replied. 

"What access level do I have in this universe?"

"Full access, Ranger. "

"Good. " That was standard in every Empire he'd visited or heard of, but since neither had applied to this one, it'd seemed best to askrather than assume. "Record everything I say about Sandemans, then, and pass it along to IntelDiv for summary and conversion to a teachingtape. They should include a caveat that this information comes fromAlpha Prime and may or may not apply to the Zeta Prime Sandemans. "

"It will be done, Ranger. "

"Thank you. " Medart turned his attention back to Captain Chavvorth. "The Shapers were genetic engineers who left Terra in 2130 anddeliberately lost themselves. Not long after that, they began usingtheir own germ plasm to create the Sandeman race as improvements onhumanity. The idiots didn't stop with that, though. They designed acomplex of physical and psychological traits that made a percentage ofthe males into genetically-determined warriors who not only like tofight--it's one of their favorite occupations--they have to eitherfight or make love at regular intervals just to stay healthy. "

Chavvorth stared at him. "Genetically determined warriors? That wouldexplain much about them--but how could anyone be so stupid?"

Medart shrugged. "We don't know. When our Sandemans overthrew theirShapers, almost all the Shaper records were destroyed. My personalopinion is that it was sheer arrogance. "

"Which they passed along to their creations, " Chavvorth said. 

Medart chuckled. "They have some justification, you must admit--they'restronger, faster, and more intelligent than the standard human norm. "

"True, " Chavvorth said grudgingly. "They also have greater mage-power, as you must have deduced from what I told you about their ability toescape. "

"Uh-huh. In my universe, they've got greater than usual Talent, especially the warriors. So it seems reasonable that here they'd havemore than the normal amount of magical ability. " He took a swallow ofcoffee, grimacing when he found it was cold. "Just how bad is thesituation?"

"We have lost about a quarter of the Empire, and are rapidly losingmore. Terra itself will be in danger within six months. "

Medart winced. "That much that quickly? They must have one hell of abig civilization!"

"We believe so, but we have no way of being sure. "

"Mmpf. " Medart was silent for a moment, then he said, "Damned if Iknow what you expect one person to be able to do about something that'salready taken out a quarter of your Empire, but I've got to try. Firstthing, I think, is to get in touch with His Majesty--or Her Majesty, here--let @ know I'm available, and find out what resources I can use. Emperor Barton?"

"His Majesty, " the ship said, "is Emperor Ray Kennard, and he has beeninformed of your arrival. On Ranger Ariel's orders, I beamed anaccount to his personal comset, complete as of your departure from theBridge. "

"Good--thank you. In my universe under these circumstances, he'd bethe one to call as soon as I made it to the top of his priority list;would that be safe to assume here?"

"Yes, sir, I believe so. "

"Okay. " Medart's attention went back to Chavvorth. They'd beenexpecting a visitor, so there'd be quarters ready for him--and since heusually worked in his living area rather than his office, that seemed areasonable place to wait for His Majesty's call. "Shall we continuethis discussion in my quarters, Captain?"

"As you wish, sir. " The two rose, and Medart followed the Traitiagain, thinking. 

The Emperor Ray Kennard in his universe had limited precognition aspart of his Talent; if parallels between the two universes held as wellas they seemed to, the one here should have some equivalent means offoreseeing parts of the future. Which might mean he'd foreseen asolution. 

Or might mean he'd foreseen the visitor would either be or bring asolution. In that case, Medart thought, he was likely to bedisappointed--though Medart intended to do his best. He snorted tohimself. He'd gotten the challenge he wanted, all right--gotten it inspades, and very possibly more of one than he could handle. 

As he'd told Captain Chavvorth, though, he'd have to try to meet evensuch an impossible-seeming challenge. He had no idea at the moment howhe'd meet it, but he was sure it'd have to be something unconventional. He was positive that this universe's people were every bit as competentas the ones at home; they'd have done all the conventional things aswell as he could. Probably better, since this was their universe andthey knew how it worked. 

Chavvorth interrupted his train of thought. "If you will key the lock, sir?"

"Right. " Medart placed his hand against the door's lock-plate, keyingit to his palm-print. The two entered when the door slid open; Medartimmediately went to the service panel for a fresh cup of coffee. "Wantsome more chovas?"

"No, thank you. A cup of Blue Ginger, perhaps?"

"You got it. " Medart entered the appropriate order, took the steamingcup when it appeared, and handed it to the Traiti, then took his ownseat. "You said you'd start teaching me magic. I know better than totell a teacher how to teach, but I have a feeling I'm going to needsomething I wasn't wearing when Ranger Ariel summoned me. So I thinkI'd better learn that summoning spell first. "

Chavvorth looked uncomfortable, but shook his head. "Such a summoningis dangerous even for an experienced magician--far too dangerous for anovice, particularly one who is also a Ranger. No, I will not teachyou that spell. But I will attempt to summon this object myself, if youwill describe it. "

Medart frowned. He wasn't used to having his requests refused, evenfor his own safety--a Ranger was presumed to be able to evaluate risksand take only necessary ones. On the other hand, he didn't know enoughabout magic to make such an evaluation accurately, and his firstattempt at using it had injured an Imperial officer . . . So maybe he'dbetter accept the refusal gracefully. "All right, Captain. But ifit's that dangerous, I'd hesitate to risk an IBC's captain, either. Don't you have any magical specialists?"

"Yes, of course. Next to Ranger Ariel, Major Treschler is our mostaccomplished magician, and he has been successful with summonings. "

"Get him to do it, then. I may be able to do better than a descriptionof what I need, though--I'd better be, or there won't be any point ingetting it. Emperor Barton, do your records include twentieth-centuryentertainment tapes?"

"Yes, Ranger. I have a complete selection. "

"Then if they exist here, you've got the Star Wars movies. "

"Yes, sir. They do, and I have. "

"Good! I'd like close-ups of Lord Vader's lightsaber, please, from asmany angles as possible. "

"It will be about ten seconds. " The ship paused for that time, thensaid, "Completed; they are in your fabricator. "

"Thank you. " Medart went into the sleeping area to get the stills, then returned to the living area and handed them to Chavvorth. "Minelooks like this. It's in my quarters aboard the Empress Lindner. "

Chavvorth took the pictures, clearly puzzled. "An object from an oldentertainment tape?"

"Right, and I'd recommend close study of the movies, too--Lord Vader inparticular. The Sandemans at home regard those movies as classics, andbased several aspects of their culture on them. The first clan formedafter Overthrow is named for Lord Vader, for instance, and the clothingthey call honor-black is based on his armor and robes. They put a lotof effort into developing real lightsabers, too--I got mine as adeath-gift from the warrior Leigh DarVader, and I wear it on ceremonialoccasions or when I'm in Sandeman territory. "

Chavvorth came as close to frowning as most Traiti could manage. "Ihope you do not intend to confront them personally. "

"I think I'm going to have to. There isn't anything I can dolong-range that your own Rangers can't; what I can do is talk to them ontheir own terms. "

"I understand. " Chavvorth rose. "I will give these to Major Treschlerand ask him to start preparations immediately. "

"Thanks. " Medart watched him leave, then asked the ship for a basicmagic text. If he was going to have to confront hostile Sandemansagain, he wanted every bit of knowledge and skill he could manage. 

He was perhaps a third of the way through the tape when the shipinformed him the Emperor was calling. He went to the screen, pleasedto see that this universe's Sovereign looked like he was standing upwell to the strains of war. "Ranger James Medart of Alpha Prime, YourMajesty. I'm at your Empire's service. "

"I'm pleased to meet you, Ranger Medart, though I must apologize forhaving you taken away from your own Empire. "

"No apologies needed, sir. Things were quiet at home, and I wasplanning to ask for temporary out-universe duty. It seems I've madefriends out of your current enemies once before, so I get the challengeof trying to do it again. "

The Emperor smiled. "I'm glad to hear you feel that way, Ranger. I'mnot sure it'll be possible to make friends out of the Sandemans, butI'm not asking for a miracle; it'll be enough if you can just stop themfrom destroying the Empire. "

"I'll do my best, sir. What resources can I call on?"

"Anything that's not actually engaged in combat. Or anything that is, if you consider it essential, including myself and the Rangers. "

"Thank you, Your Majesty. In that case, I'd like to borrow the bestmagic teacher available; I won't be much real good until I can controlthe power I accidentally burned Captain Chavvorth with. "

The Emperor frowned. "I saw the record tape of that, Jim. We don'thave any teachers who can give you control of that much power withoutlimiting it--the only ones who might even come close are the Sandemans, and they're not likely to want to help an Imperial. "

"In that case, I'd like the fastest small ship available--something onthe order of a courier--with a volunteer crew, to take me to Sandemanterritory. I'll tape everything I know about them on the way, soyou'll have that information whatever happens to me. "

"What do you plan to do?"

"I don't know, exactly, " Medart admitted. "That depends a lot onexactly how closely these Sandemans parallel the ones in Alpha Prime--andon how they feel about some incidents that took place there. But Ido know, as I told Captain Chavvorth, that I can't do anything at longrange that your people can't do at least as well. The only thing Ihave that they don't is over a hundred and a quarter years offriendship with Sandemans. "

"That long?" The Emperor looked concerned. "Just how old are you, Ranger Medart?"

"A hundred and seventy-five, Your Majesty--but the anti-agathics arestill working fine; I have the same physical abilities I did when Istarted them at eighteen. "

"Understood. All right, Ranger; you were on full duty, and youobviously know more about them than we do, so I can't reasonably orderyou to stay away, however dangerous a situation I believe you're goinginto. "

"It is dangerous, Your Majesty--I don't have any illusions about that. I fought them before I brought them into our Empire, and they scaredthe stuffing out of me then. These have an extra century and a quarterof development, a hell of a lot bigger civilization, and magic, so theyscare me even worse. But the only chance I see for your Empire isgoing in, so I have to do it. " He paused. "I was brought here with nochance to inform Alpha Prime's Emperor Kennard. If I'm able to return, I can explain things myself; if I can't, for whatever reason, I'dappreciate it if you'd notify my Sovereign of the circumstances. "

"I'll see to it, Ranger. Is there anything else?"

"Just one thing, if I can indulge my curiosity. "

The Emperor chuckled. "A weakness you know I share. Go ahead. "

"In my universe, you have limited precognition. Do you foresee thekind of solution we'd both like as a result of bringing me here?"

"I foresee a chance of it, " the Emperor said slowly. "Not a goodchance, but without the summoning, there would be no chance. "

Medart nodded. "You had to do it, then. Thank you, sir. "

"Thank you, Ranger Medart. The ship and crew you want will meet you assoon as possible--and in the meantime, I'd recommend you not studymagic. You don't want our version limiting you if you are able to getany help from the Sandemans. "

"Yes, sir. I'll concentrate on recording everything I can rememberabout them, then. "

 * * * * *

Medart watched the lifecraft heading back for Imperial space. Hisvolunteer crew had given him a good ride to near-Sandeman space, andhad been reluctant to leave him to face them alone, but they'd finallyobeyed his orders and left. 

Once the lifecraft was out of sensor range, Medart switched on all thecourier ship's external lights, activated the locator beacon, and setcourse for the center of the Sandeman sphere. The Sandemans at homehad become familiar with Rangers, but the ones here still weren't, sohe'd done as he had for the Mjolnir Conference: traded his militarytitle and uniform for his civilian title and appropriate clothes, whichmeant a lot more to them. 

The Sandemans here were as alert, quick to respond, and curious as theones at home; less than an hour later, he was challenged. Adark-skinned face with light blond hair and pale grey eyes appeared onhis comscreen. "You are intruding, Imperial. Identify yourself and giveus a reason not to blast you out of existence. "

"James Medart, Prince of the Terran Empire--but an Empire in adifferent universe. At home, we're friends, and I'd like the same tobe true here. " He unhooked the lightsaber from his belt, held it wherethe Sandeman could see. "I was bequeathed this by the warrior Leigh ofClan Vader, for giving him Last Gift. Both he and the warrior Keith, of Clan Lewies, named me as battle-companion for that service, and Ihave never claimed the life-debt owed by either clan. "

"You know things you should not, Prince James, " the Sandeman said. "Doyou claim life-debt now?"

"No. " Medart grinned. "I would if I thought it were necessary, butthe Sandemans I know would be curious enough to invite me to theirships, or to Sandeman itself, to talk about it. "

"You wish to surrender?"

"Not hardly--but I will, if that's what it takes to get a chance totalk to you. "

"I will have to consult the Warleader on that, Prince. In themeantime, I will have your ship brought aboard our cruiser--releaseyour controls to our operators. "

Medart did so, nodded. "You have control. "

The Sandeman disappeared, his place taken by a view of space. Aship-image was growing, and Medart's sensors told him it was a bigone--not quite as large as an IBC, but close. Shortly afterward, he feltthe surge of tractor beam lock-on and the ship grew more quickly--fastenough he would have worried, if anyone but a Sandeman had been at thecontrols. With their reflex speed double that of the human standardnorm, though, the speed of his approach was perfectly safe; as his shipwas brought into the docking bay and landed, he double-checked hisappearance. 

He wasn't used to seeing himself in anything but uniform, since hespent so much time aboard Imperial Navy ships. But he'd worn similarclothing during the Mjolnir Conference, with the Sandemans therethinking it appropriate for his rank: silvery shirt, emerald-greenpants, black uniform boots and equipment/weapons belt, topped by hisgreen, silver-fringed arms baldric with his arms pin on the leftshoulder. He'd worn his coronet as well, there, but that had been todistinguish him from the other Rangers he'd called in; he saw no reasonto go to that extreme here. 

Satisfied, he went to the airlock. As soon as the pressure equalized, he opened it and left the little ship, leaning against its hull withhis arms crossed to wait for his hosts--or his captors. 

Moments later the bay's inner lock cycled open and a small group ofwarriors approached him, the central one wearing honor-black. Medartstraightened, then bowed and addressed that one. "I am Prince JamesMedart of the Empire in Alternate Alpha Prime. You do me honor, Warleader, wearing ceremonials. Am I prisoner, or guest?"

The Sandeman returned the bow. "I am Ryan, a warrior of Clan Vader andWarleader of this fleet. You place me in a difficult position, bearinga lightsaber you claim was a death-gift, and claiming further that ClanVader still owes you life-debt. If either is true, I cannot honorablyhold you prisoner--but I have only your word and a lightsaber thatcould have been taken from a dead or captured warrior in thisuniverse. "

"I'd be skeptical too, in your position, " Medart said. "Even the factI came here alone, deliberately, could be a trick. It isn't, but itcould be. There's a way to convince you, though; I'm sure you have someway of questioning people and being certain you get truthful answers. "

The Warleader frowned. "We do, Prince. I could question you under acompulsion spell, but your magical defenses are strong enough thatdoing so would be the equivalent of torture--which I may not honorablyhave you subjected to if you did indeed give one of my clansmen LastGift. "

Medart winced at that. Sandeman customs allowed enemy warriors to betortured for information, and having warriors as battle-companions madehim the closest possible non-Sandeman equivalent of a warrior. As Ryansaid, giving Last Gift had made him immune from that particularunpleasantness, at least as far as Clan Vader was concerned--but italso looked like telling his story under that compulsion spell was theonly way he'd be believed. And for his already-uncertain plan to haveany chance of success, he'd have to have more than belief; he'd needactive cooperation from at least one of the two clan-chiefs who owedhim life-debt. Which in turn depended, of course, on whether they'dconsider that debt binding in a universe other than the one where itwas incurred. 

"Since you're not certain I did, " Medart said at last, "and sincethat's the only way I can prove I'm telling the truth, does theprohibition have to apply?"

"That question has never come up. " The Warleader frowned again. "Yourclaims cannot be disproven if they took place in another universe, soyou must be given the protection they grant you, though not payment ofa debt that may not exist. But I would also judge it dishonorable todeny you the opportunity to prove those claims, if you choose to waivethat protection. "

"Consider it waived. " Medart managed a partial grin. "But don'tbother asking any tactical or strategic questions; once I realized I'dhave to put myself in your hands, I was careful to avoid any suchinformation. "

The Warleader stared at him for a moment, then chuckled. "Were ourcircumstances reversed, Prince, I would have done the same. I will askonly what is necessary to establish the truth of your claims. And youmay consider yourself a guest of Clan Vader. "

Medart bowed. "Thank you for your courtesy, Warleader. How soon canwe take care of the interrogation?"

"As soon as you wish, Highness. That particular chamber is always keptready. "

"Let's get it over with, then. Putting it off isn't going to make itany easier, and I'd like to end this war as soon as I can--if that'spossible at all. "

"It will end, unfortunately, " the Warleader said. "Not for some time, I hope--the Empire is the most competent enemy we have yetencountered--but it will end. "

"With the Empire destroyed, the way you're going, " Medart said. "That's not exactly what I had in mind. At home, you're a vital partof the Empire--a crucial part of our military, and contract police onany world that really values law and order. To me, that's the ideal--butI'll settle for having you as friends to this one, allies againstthe worst enemy any civilization in any universe has ever faced. "

Ryan looked suddenly interested. "Oh? An even better enemy?"

"I thought that would intrigue you, if you hadn't already heard aboutthem. Ask me about the Ravagers while you have me under--they'resomething nobody would believe on simple hearsay. If you're lucky, you'll never run into them--but if you're not, and they show up here, you'll be glad of any allies you can get. "

 * * * * *

Clan-chief Ryan watched as his people fastened Prince James into theinterrogation chair. He'd had a primarily-Vader fleet in the areabecause of an information-gathering spell that had told him his clanwould benefit by an intercept here, with a "side note" that it would bebest if he seem to be less than his true rank. Deception was difficultfor Sandemans, but introducing himself as Warleader rather thanclan-chief was failure to reveal he was both rather than an active lie, so he'd been able to manage it. Lying was for Shapers and their kin. 

This Prince James was obviously related to the Shapers, from his sizeand coloring, but Ryan found himself wanting to believe what James hadtold him. Not that he'd given Last Gift to a Vader warrior, or thatSandemans were actually part of the Empire he came from--even thoughthat was something chiefs couldn't either deny fully or reveal--butthat he had gotten the saber honestly, and his motives for claimingwhat he did were equally honest. It was impossible to believe that onewho risked himself as James was could do so without some overwhelmingmotivation beyond the self-advancement of Shaperkin!

When the restraints were all in place, Ryan moved to stand directly infront of the chair. "I regret the necessity of binding you, Highness, but it is for your protection; as I told you, this spell can beextremely painful to one with your automatic magical defenses, possiblycausing convulsions and self-injury. "

"I appreciate the consideration, especially toward one you must regardas little if any better than the Shapers. " Medart shifted in thechair, then made himself as comfortable as possible. "Okay, I'm asready as I can be; go ahead. "

Ryan nodded. "As you wish, Highness. " He began the words and gesturesof the truth-compulsion spell, watching its effect on the human. Medart tensed and started to sweat, his expression becoming strained. The spell was working, but Ryan was impressed by the resistance it wasencountering. Not conscious resistance; if anything, the Prince wastrying to cooperate, which was less of a surprise than Ryan would haveexpected before meeting him. 

But the resistance did make it necessary to strengthen his spell. Ashe did so, the Prince's discomfort turned into pain, his musclesspasming and his breath coming in gasps. 

It wasn't enough, and Ryan frowned. The next level of this spell waslikely to send the Prince into convulsions, and though he'd mentionedthe possibility, he hadn't really expected the man's defenses to bethat strong. Such extreme measures were normally used only to extractthe most critical information; he was reluctant to use them for less. 

"Why the hesitation, Ryan?" a woman's voice asked, curiously. "You'vequestioned Terrans before. "

Ryan looked around. "I'm glad you're here, Kelly. He doesn't have anyinformation, he just wants us to believe he's from a universe wherewe're part of the Empire--and where he was bequeathed a saber forgiving one of our warriors Last Gift. He waived immunity fromcompulsion to obtain that belief, and he's trying to cooperate, but hisauto-defenses are stronger than I'd have credited to a Terran; if Ikeep going I'll send him into convulsions, maybe kill him if hisdefenses collapse too quickly for me to pull back. "

"And simple verification is nothing to die for, even verification ofsuch revolting statements. " The warriors'-woman nodded once, sharply. "Still, if he wants it, he is entitled to prove his honesty. I'llsupport his defenses if necessary, and have a healing spell ready ifhis condition gets critical. "

"Good. As soon as you're ready, then, I'll boost the power. "

Kelly took position behind the man, resting her hands on his shoulders. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, then opened them. "All right, I'm ready. "

Ryan nodded, then concentrated on Medart again, increasing his spell'spressure against those defenses. As he'd predicted, the Princeconvulsed almost immediately, the restraints the only things that kepthim from breaking bones. At last, though, his defenses collapsed andRyan released the pressure, maintaining only the truth-compulsion. Afew questions verified his identity and universe of origin, then Ryangot to the key points. "You say you gave Last Gift to warriors ofClans Vader and Lewies. Describe the circumstances. "

"They were prisoners aboard my ship, in sickbay because they were dyingof something we didn't understand and couldn't cure. I was able towork it out and save most of the rest, but those two were beyond help, and I wasn't about to make them suffer if I could help it. I guessedyou had some form of euthanasia or aided suicide the other Sandemanscouldn't provide in enemy hands, so I told them I'd handle it if thatwas what they wanted. It was, so I did. They died quickly, and aspainlessly as I could manage. Then we gave them star-burial, the bestwe could do in space. "

"And how did you get the saber?"

"That was later, on Mjolnir, for the conference that brought theSandeman worlds into the Empire. I got into a TreasureTunnels gamethat included Clan-chief Wylie of Vader, along with a few others, Sandeman and Imperial. But I didn't have an appropriate character, soWylie loaned me one of his, the Black Jedi Kynan Ardais. He explainedthe game saber, then handed me a real one and let me try it out. WhenI went to return it, he told me it was mine, a thanks-gift from thewarrior Leigh. "

Ryan wanted to continue that line, but he'd promised to restrict hisquestioning to what was required to prove James' claims--and thesubject James had told him he should ask about. "Tell me of theRavagers. "

"They're inter-universal raiders. They aren't life as we usuallyunderstand the term; some scientists believe they aren't really life atall. From time to time, at unpredictable intervals, they erupt into arandom universe and--if that universe doesn't have a technological andpopulation level near the Empire's--devastate it and proceed toanother. But no Empire-level civilization is attacked more than once, because a civilization at that stage can defeat them, and so far alwayshas. After such a defeat, the Ravagers retreat, and it's several yearsbefore they attack again anywhere. That's why Empires in variousalternate universes cooperate to develop Empires or the equivalent instill other alternates. "

"And you do not think we could defeat these Ravagers, though we aredefeating this Empire?"

"You probably could. In fact, I'm sure you could. But it's never aneasy fight; there are times we have to go in and rebuild, even afterthey're thrown out. The stronger a universe is, the better foreveryone--and this one would be strongest with you and the Empire asallies. United would be best, but that wasn't easy at home; it may beimpossible, here. "

"And just how was such a union managed in your universe?"

Medart managed a grin. "Sweet reason, backed by five battle fleets. The fleets turned out to be a temptation rather than the threat I'dexpected, but either way they worked. "

"To your pleasure. " Ryan scowled, then shook his head. "I have askedwhat I agreed to restrict myself to; I will not go beyond that. Isthere anything else you would like to tell me while under the spell?"

"Just that I won't lie to you. Rangers don't, unless it's essential tothe Empire's survival--and the survival of this one depends on megaining your trust, which means I don't dare lie. I may not tell youeverything, but what I do tell you will be the truth. "

"Said under truth-compulsion, I must believe you--though I find italmost impossible to credit the idea of a Terran who does not lie. Still, this interrogation is over. " Ryan released the spell, andMedart collapsed, unconscious. Looking at Kelly, Ryan said, "Will youcare for him, lady? I named him clan-guest when he waived immunity toconvince us of his honesty. "

"Yes, Chief. " Kelly looked down at her patient with a bemusedexpression. "His ideas are revolting . . . But there's a certainfascination to them at the same time, and the man himself isintriguing. "

"Yes, he is. I think I'm going to leave Trevor in charge of the fleetand take Prince James back to Sandeman--you can come along, if you'dlike. "

"Thank you--I would. "

 * * * * *

Medart knew as soon as he woke that he was on a smaller ship. Therewas no single specific item, but a lifetime aboard numerous classes ofship had given him a feel for the differences between them; this wasabout courier size. Wondering what was going on, he got dressed--someonehad cleaned his clothes and hung them up, with his boots and weapon beltnearby, his saber clipped to the belt. 

That was a good sign, he thought as he fastened the belt. Weapons werecustomary for the warrior caste, but a warrior or equivalent beingunarmed around others wasn't considered an insult, the way it was inthe Traiti Sector; they could have disarmed him without dishonoringhim. 

Something to eat seemed like a good idea, so he left his cabin andstarted exploring. Almost immediately, he ran into the w'woman who'dtaken 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'dbeen ready to help him--and he was willing to bet it was she who'dcared 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 wouldprobably 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 healingspell, which also insured a good rest. Would you care to join me andWarleader Ryan for breakfast?"

"I would be delighted. That's what I was looking for, as a matter offact. " Medart grinned at her as they started walking. "We've changedships; are we bound for Sandeman?"

"Yes. Have you been there?"

"To Alpha Prime's, yes--but that's a different world, in a differentpart of the galaxy. I'm looking forward to seeing yours. "

"It is a beautiful one, particularly near the Vader clanhome, " Kellysaid. "As the first clan formed after Overthrow, we took the Shapers'area--and they, of course, had chosen one of the best and mostattractive parts of the planet. "

"The same was true at home, " Medart said. "I visited there a couple ofyears after Annexation, not long after they were granted the patent Isuggested they try for, on the saber's controlled-length blade. "

"What is a patent?"

"The exclusive right to market something you've invented. On somethingas useful as a controlled-length laser beam, that's quite anadvantage--last I heard, Clan Vader was one of the richest groups in theEmpire. And probably the only one that amount of money didn't changemuch. "

"Why should it change?"

Medart laughed. "No reason, really, but most people who suddenly get alot of money do change. "

"In here--most people aren't Sandemans. "

Medart followed her into the dining area and to Ryan's table; when theWarleader gestured them to sit, they did so. "I took the liberty ofordering breakfast for both of you, " he told them. "It should be herevery shortly. "

"Thanks, " Medart said. "And thanks for letting me keep my saber andgun, too. The gun I could replace if I ever get back; the saber'sspecial. " He paused, grinned. "Not that I'm any physical threat to aSandeman, whether I'm armed or not. If I went for my gun, I'd be deadbefore I could get it halfway out of the holster. "

"True, " Ryan agreed. "That sounds like you've seen it tried. "

"Close; I've demonstrated it. But I made sure the Sandeman was using astun setting on his needler. "

Ryan chuckled. "I'm not sure I'd care to let myself be used as atarget that way. You must have trusted that warrior implicitly. "

"No more or less than I trust any Sandeman, " Medart said. "I've onlyknown one who was capable of deliberate deception, and that was becausehis Intelligence field work for the Empire required it. Naturally, hewas the best field agent we've had, though his successor as top agentcame close. "

"Naturally, " Kelly said. Whatever she was going to say next, though, was interrupted by the arrival of their breakfast; all threeconcentrated on eating. 

When they were done, they moved to a small lounge, and Ryan addressedMedart with an expression the Ranger couldn't quite identify. "I didnot reveal my full rank yesterday, Highness; a foretelling spell saidit would be in the clan's interest to use only my lesser one. BesidesWarleader, I am the chief of Clan Vader. "

Medart nodded, grinning. "I know. I can read clan arms, and youeither forgot or didn't bother to change yours. But if you wanted toclaim a lesser rank, I couldn't see any harm in playing along. "

"My arms?" Ryan looked chagrined. "I never even thought of them--Idid a lot at first, when I added the chief, but I've gotten so used tothem since that I no longer really notice the difference. "

"And you're not used to deception, so it's easy to understand how you'dmiss that. " Medart sobered. "But since you are clan-chief, I need toknow whether the life-debt your clan owes me at home is valid here. "

It couldn't be, was Ryan's automatic reaction. The debt had beenincurred in a distant alternate, involving an enemy and a warrior whohad, in this one, lived a long and adventurous life. 

On the other hand, a life-debt was sacrosanct, and the one owed it wasentitled to repayment whenever and wherever that repayment was asked. The crucial question, then, was whether a change in universes by theone owed it voided that obligation. 

Ryan studied the Prince's carefully-impassive expression. Thepersonalities involved should have no bearing on his judgement as theVader in a matter of honor, but the human's courage and integrity hadearned his respect; it would be difficult to ignore those, though hewould have to try. 

Restrict himself to the basic facts, then. James had done a warrior ofClan Vader the ultimate service, sparing him the horrors of death inneed. That meant the clan owed him a comparable service. James was theperson owed, no question about that. Was this universe's Clan Vaderclose enough to his universe's to be considered obligated, then?

The warrior Leigh had lived at the proper time, and Wylie had beenclan-chief then. Those were indicators that it was, but he'd likemore. "May I see your saber?" he asked, using High War Speech. 

"Yes, " Medart said in the same language, handing it over. "I've addedthe improved power pack, but otherwise it's the same one I was given. "

So he did know the warrior caste's language, another point ofsimilarity in his favor. Ryan examined the saber, checking for thesmall traces of workmanship that distinguished Vader-made lightsabersfrom those of other clans. They were there, including Leigh's engravedsignature inside the powerpack cover. That made four points--five, ifhe counted the signature as extra verification of the saber'sprovenance. 

Since the Prince had no other physical evidence, and couldn't beexpected to know the clan as well as one of its members--wait, therewas one more detail. "Did you recognize the complete arms, or just thechief?"

"The complete arms. They were a main clue to me, at home, of that partof your culture. The clan name, combined with arms of a scarlet-bladedlight-saber, led me to study the Black Lord's part of the Saga. I'dseen it as a child, of course, but as entertainment, not culturalstudy. "

"That's enough, then, " Ryan decided. "As clan-chief of Vader, I judgethe similarity between the Clans Vader in the two universes to besufficient that we are liable for the life-debt. What repayment do yourequire, James?"

Medart sighed, letting his relief show. "I want you or someone youchoose to teach me Sandeman magic, clan-chief. The only way I can seefor an outsider like myself to end this war is to challenge whoever theclans designate to single combat, and I'd have no chance in aconventional battle. I was told shortly after I arrived that I havestrong magical powers, though, and that you were the only ones whocould train me to use them at their maximum. I have had no trainingwhatsoever, so I have no bad habits to unlearn. "

Ryan frowned. "I can testify to your power, Prince; that was obviousin the strength of your automatic defense against my compulsion spell. But magic training is started young, as soon as the . . . I suppose youcould call them magical-energy channels . . . Begin to develop. Withrespect, you are no longer young; such training would be both painfuland dangerous. And fighting a magical duel would be even more so. Iwould prefer not to pay our debt in such a negative way. "

"I was under the impression the choice was mine, " Medart said quietly. 

"It is, Highness, and if you insist I will begin your training myselfas soon as proper preparations can be made. But honor also requiresthat I point out the drawbacks and possibility of injury. "

Medart frowned. "The Imperials didn't want to teach me because theirtraining would limit my powers, not because the training itself wasdangerous. "

"They also told you, I'm sure, that there are great differences inmethodology. Terran magic operates primarily through symbols, tools, and ceremony; ours operates through personal mana. There's very littledanger in their method, but as they admit, it costs them power. Weaccept the risks in return for that extra edge. "

Medart chuckled. "Exactly the reaction I'd expect. Since I need thatedge too, I have to accept the dangers as well. How long will it takefor me to learn enough to fight a duel?"

Ryan shrugged. "We have very little information on training adults, none on training Terrans, so I have no way to give you an estimate. Why?"

"I want to end this war, and end it as soon as possible. It's assimple as that. "

"In that case, I'd suggest you issue challenge right away. That willbring an immediate truce, which will last until after the duel. Andthe duel cannot be fought until Clan Vader has finished discharging itslife-debt, now that we've begun. "

"How do I do that?"

"Since you're leaving the choice of opponent to us, you inform aWarleader or clan-chief. You've already told me, and I'm willing topass it along as a formal challenge if you want me to. "

"I'd appreciate that. You do realize the Empire'll use the truce toregroup and rebuild?"

"I certainly hope so; they haven't been doing too well the last severalweeks. "

 * * * * *

As he had for the last month, Medart woke feeling like he hadn't sleptfor a year. If anything, Ryan had understated what he'd be goingthrough, starting Sandeman-style magical training so late. He hurt allthe time, and was usually on the edge of nausea, making it difficult toeat. That, in turn, meant he'd lost weight he could ill afford. 

On the whole, he knew, he was in lousy shape--probably his worst sincethe early part of his recuperation from that Traiti almost tearing himin half. He'd been having doubts, the last couple of days, whether ornot he'd be able to make it through the training, much less be able tofight and win a duel with someone who'd been using magic all his life. He couldn't quit now, though; at the very worst, he was buying theEmpire some time. And there was always a chance he'd win the duel;pure dumb luck had been known to come to the rescue before. 

He sighed, then forced himself to get out of bed, bathe, and dress. He'd been supplied with warrior-drab coveralls, complete with his armson the breast--not too different from his uniform, and more practicalthan the civvies he'd worn at first. 

And after the first couple of days, Ryan had ordered him exempted fromthe chores the entire warrior caste shared--cooking, clean-up, laundryand the like--because of the toll his training exacted even that early. Medart was grateful, though he'd felt guilty about it at first; by now, guilt had been swallowed by the chronic pain. 

It amused him that he'd been more or less adopted by the lady Kelly andher son Haley, one of the young warriors in training. Like the rest ofthe clan, Haley had been aloofly superior at first--the typicalSandeman reaction Medart expected from those who hadn't been aroundImperials much--but his stubborn determination to learn in spite ofwhat the lessons did to him had broken down that reserve. The clanaccepted him, and those two had practically become mother hens. Asusual one--Kelly, this time--met him at the dining hall door, thenbrought him a tray and joined him. 

"Thanks, Kelly. " Medart picked up his fork and stared at the food forseveral seconds, trying to ignore his stomach. That didn't work anybetter than usual; at last he gave up the effort and started eating inspite of the queasiness. 

"No improvement?" Kelly asked, after a few minutes' silence. 

"No. I've given up expecting any, but I can't help hoping. " Medarttook a few more bites, then shook his head and put the fork down. "Who'm I going up against today?" He'd learned the necessary spellsfor a duel the first week, both offensive and defensive; he'd beenpracticing them ever since, trying to learn control, but that wasfrustratingly elusive. One day he'd barely be able to make hisopponent feel his efforts or protect himself, the next it would takethe monitors to erect fast barriers to keep him from injuring theother, while his own defenses were at peak. 

"The warrior Loren of Clan Raynor, " Kelly told him. "I think ChiefRyan is trying to force a breakthrough, finding you strong opponentswho won't pull their punches the way we've started doing because wedon't want to add to your problems. "

"Um. " Medart frowned at that. "I hadn't noticed--but then mycontrol's so erratic I probably couldn't. Whoever I fight the duelwith damnsure won't pull his punches, though, so I have to go alongwith Ryan--best I train with someone who's going all-out, too. "

"That part no one can argue, " Kelly said. "But . . . James, can youtolerate the added stress? Watching you is like watching a warrior inconstant need, with no hope of being able to give you release. "

Medart winced, aware of how much that would distress any warriors'-woman. "I'm not in that bad a shape--I've seen some who were, remember? WhatI'm going through is no fun, but I think I can hold out long enough. "

"I pray to all the gods you're right. "

 * * * * *

By the end of the next week, Medart was praying too, to all the gods hecould recall from his childhood. He'd been brought up Omnist, so therewere quite a number of them, and he added a pair the Sandemans in AlphaPrime said should be favorably inclined to him: the two warriors he'dgiven Last Gift to, Leigh DarVader and Keith DarLewies. 

It didn't seem to help. Despite Ryan's instructions, his opponents'best efforts, and his own increasingly urgent attempts over the nextmonth, his control remained erratic. Unfortunately his physicalcondition didn't remain as stable; it worsened steadily. By the end ofthat time, Medart had lost close to twenty kilos, and the constant painallowed him only the sleep his body absolutely had to have. 

He'd given up even trying to eat breakfast, beyond the hot chocolatethat contained the caffeine he needed as a stimulant; he ate only afterhis afternoon practice sessions, when he was too tired to gag. 

And he'd wondered how long Ryan would keep supporting him, so he wasn'tsurprised when the clan-chief joined him, Kelly, and Haley--both ofwhom had taken to remaining close except when Haley was at his owntraining sessions--at the evening meal. 

Medart endured the clan-chief's scrutiny, certain he knew what wascoming, so he wasn't surprised when Ryan spoke. "Prince James, willyou admit I have done my best to teach you as you asked?"

"You have, Clan-chief, " Medart replied. "My inability to benefit bymore than the most basic instruction cannot be laid to your lack ofeffort. " He took a deep breath, rubbed his aching eyes. "You've doneyour best; I can't hold you to a repayment I'm incapable of absorbing. As far as I'm concerned, that part of Clan Vader's life-debt has beendischarged. "

"I thank you for your generosity, James. I will have you returned tothe Empire; perhaps they can heal you where we cannot. "

"No. My job's not done, and you still owe me one thing--I have a duelto fight, as soon as you can arrange a meeting. "

"In your condition, I cannot permit that. "

"You don't have any choice, Clan-chief. " Medart pulled himselftogether as well as he could, reminding himself that these peoples'origin made them Imperial citizens whether they knew--or liked--it ornot. He didn't have any enforceable authority over them, true, butsometimes that wasn't essential. "You issued the challenge on mybehalf and implicitly agreed to arrange the duel, without specifying myphysical condition. The only criterion was that I be trained to useSandeman magic as well as I could, which has been done. "

"It has, and I did issue challenge for you--but I did not agree to sendyou to certain death. "

"It isn't--I'm running about fifty-fifty minimum power and maximum. That gives me a reasonable chance, better than the Empire'd have if Idon't even try. " Medart felt himself weakening, summoned his remainingresources. "You'd do the same if it were the Sandeman race at risk; Iknow that from personal experience. Even if you knew it'd cost youyour life. "

"That is true, " Ryan replied slowly. "Very well, Highness, I will makethe arrangements. But you should rest until then, doing no magic--andyou must try to eat. In your present condition, even winning a duelwould be fatal; to have a chance of surviving, you need to buildyourself back up. "

"I will, " Medart promised. "I don't want to die; I've got too manyinteresting things to do first. And--" he looked from Kelly to herson--"I have a couple of guardians who wouldn't let me overdo even if Iwanted to. "

 * * * * *

Medart kept his promise. It took Ryan six days to finalizearrangements for the duel, including what Clan Miklos needed tobroadcast it to Sandemans and Empire alike; Medart spent the timeresting as well as he could, nibbling on the food either Kelly or Haleykept him supplied with, and talking to the two of them. 

He regained some strength, but the pain didn't ease in spite of Kelly'shealing spells, so finally, the evening before the duel, he decided toask her for a prognosis. 

When he did, she frowned. "There's been no relief at all?"

"None that I've been able to notice. "

"That is bad. " Kelly paused. "As Ryan told you, we've had littleexperience with training adults to use magic, and you are our onlyexperience teaching our system to a Terran. This makes it difficultfor me to give you an accurate evaluation; I have almost nothing tobase it on. "

"I understand that. "

"With that caution, then, " Kelly said slowly, "I'm afraid our effortsto teach you have caused permanent damage. Either your age or yourTerran physical characteristics--or possibly your extra-universeorigin--have made it impossible to clear what Ryan called yourmagical-energy channels. Since my healing spells have no effect, I wouldsay the attempts to train you have been . . . The best analogy I can thinkof is burning . . . Them out. "

Medart leaned back, sighing. "That's what I was afraid of. Is myopponent going to be battleprepped?"

"Of course. "

"Will I be allowed a similar form of preparation?"

"Of course, if you have it. "

"I do. Not built in, the way yours is, but I had a special medikit setup just in case; I have drugs that'll boost my strength and speed. Andto block the pain, now that the duel's close--unless you think thepainkiller'd interfere with what little control I do have. "

"I can see no reason it should, " Kelly said. "It should help, in fact, by allowing you to concentrate better. Why didn't you mention itbefore?"

"Because I don't have much, and wanted to save it for when I'd need itmost. " Medart opened one of the pouches on his belt and took out asmall injector. "As you can see, my medikit's not that big, and Idamnsure didn't think I'd need enough quidine for two months plus. I've got four doses, which is enough for about thirty hours. " He feltfor his carotid, triggered the painkiller into the artery, and secondslater sighed in relief. "Whew--that's a lot better. "

"You look better, even so soon, " Kelly agreed. "That quidine appearsto be extremely strong--is it dangerous?"

"No. " Medart shook his head, smiling as much at the relief from painas at the question. "It is strong, but it's the safest analgesic everdiscovered. It doesn't affect your reflexes or thinking, and it's notaddictive--all it does is kill pain for about eight hours. The worstit does is numb you if you take an overdose. "

"Doing that tonight might be wise. You haven't slept properly in thatsame two months plus, and you will need to be rested tomorrow. "

"Recommendation accepted, " Medart said promptly. 

"Good. " Kelly smiled. "I believe it would also help if you think ofsomething besides the duel, so may I take advantage of your respite toask you some things?"

"Be my guest. "

"I found it revolting at first to think of being friends with a Terran, but after being around you for a brief time, that became a moreattractive idea than otherwise. We seem to have more in common than Iwould have believed possible--do you have any idea why?"

"I know exactly why, and I think you could figure it out foryourselves--but you're like the ones at home. You don't want to thinkabout it. "

Kelly frowned. "I must lack information, because I've been trying tofigure it out since you began training. "

Medart grinned. "You have the necessary information. Want me to proveit, or just tell you outright?"

"Prove it, " Kelly challenged. 

"Remember you asked for it, and try not to attack me. I trust youboth, but I also remember how strongly the ones at home reacted to thesame information. "

"I will control myself. Haley?"

 "The same. "

"Okay. You remember I told Ryan I recognized the design of ClanVader's arms from seeing the Saga as a child?"

"I remember, " Kelly said. 

"And your Standard is almost the same as Imperial English, right?"

"Right. "

"And you know the Shapers began creating the Sandeman race from theirown genetic material in 2130, according to the calendar you and theEmpire share. "

"Every child knows that. "

"Uh-huh. Given all that, tell me where the Shaqers originated. "

Kelly thought about his statements, her expression going from intent todisbelief to revulsion. "They came from Terra!"

"They sure did, " Medart said. "Which makes you Terrans, too. Animproved version, so changed my Empire classes you as human variantrather than standard human--but Terrans. And that makes you Imperialcitizens by right of birth. "

"That's obscene!" Haley burst out. 

"Matter of opinion, " Medart said calmly. "Both personally and as aPrince of the Empire, I think it's great--as long as you're notfighting the Empire you're rightfully part of. "

"Ryan has to know about this, " Kelly said. "Haley, would you pleaseinform him and ask him to join us?"

"Yes, lady. " Haley stood and bowed to her, then left. 

"Is it really that bad?" Medart asked the w'woman as soon as the youngwarrior was out of hearing. "It doesn't change what you are, how youlive, or have any other bad effects; what it does is give you newopportunities. " He grinned. "I'm biased, of course--have been since Ifirst met Sandemans. I've liked you even when I couldn't identify thereasons, and that grew when I could. Your absolute integrity is one, and it's also one of the most valuable things you've brought to ourEmpire. "

"Put that way, " Kelly said slowly, "it sounds almost reasonable. Butyou didn't grow up hating the Shapers and everything about them. "

"You can't hate everything about them, " Medart pointed out. "They didmanage to engineer your race, after all. I personally think they wereabsolute, unmitigated idiots for thinking they could create and thencontrol a race of the most deadly warriors in the known universes--butfrom my own experiences with Sandemans, I can't help but be grateful tothem at the same time. "

"Grateful to whom?" Ryan asked as he entered the room. "The Shapers, if I interpret what I heard correctly. "

"You did, " Medart told him. "They committed one of the worst crimes inImperial history, meddling with human genetics just for the fun ofit--but the results were so good I can't fault them totally for theirarrogance. "

Ryan smiled, taking the seat Haley had vacated. "It's good to see youfeeling well again, Prince, and able to converse. So we are Terrans, are we?"

Medart nodded, pleased by the clan-chief's calm reaction. "Yes. " Thenhe raised an eyebrow, grinning, and said, "You knew, didn't you? Thatemphasis on the first 'are' was a giveaway. "

"We--the clan-chiefs--have known for centuries. " Ryan sobered. "Orstrongly suspected, at least; all the evidence pointed in thatdirection. "

"So why in Chaos haven't you done anything about it?" Medart demanded. 

Ryan shrugged. "You know we aren't as powerful as your nobles, Prince. We can only lead our people where they want to go--and that hasn't beeninto the Empire. "

"But you could have told them, at least!"

"Not and lived, " Ryan retorted. "You, of all people, must know howdeeply unacceptable that particular truth is to most of us. Comingfrom you it's bad enough; coming from us, it would trigger a reaction Iprefer not to think about. "

Medart nodded, reluctantly. "I think I can understand that. What'sgoing to happen now that I've spilled the beans?"

"The warriors' hall was full when Haley gave me the news; I'd imagineit's spreading as quickly as people can get to commsets or cast thenecessary spells. " Ryan looked serious. "I should contact theclan-chiefs as well. Prince James, would it upset you to speak to allthe chiefs through me?"

"Not a bit--I'd jump at the opportunity. "

"A moment, then, while I cast the spell. And some will need a few moremoments to wake up. "

"Go ahead. " This wasn't anything he could have expected, Medartthought, and he had no idea what effect it would have. A drastic one, he was sure; Sandemans weren't known for moderation in their reactions, especially to strong stimuli, and this was one of the strongestpossible. If he lost the duel, it could easily send them back intocombat with the determination to eliminate every trace of the Shapersand their kin. If he won, their reaction was less predictable. Theywouldn't continue the war; honor wouldn't permit that. But that stillleft two possibilities. They might pull back and refuse all furthercontact, or--Medart's earnest hope--they might decide to give theEmpire the benefit of their improvements, and join it. Here, they'd bea full Sector--probably the biggest one, Medart thought, and certainlythe strongest. 

"Ready, " Ryan said. "I'm linked to all the clan-chiefs and Warleadersavailable, Prince James. They see and hear what I do, and can speakthrough me if I permit. Would you summarize what you told the ladyKelly and the student warrior Haley?"

"Gladly. " Medart did so, thinking that he preferred something like theMjolnir Conference, where he could see that he was talking to a group. This was like talking to a camera, he supposed--but it felt decidedlypeculiar, speaking to one person and knowing hundreds of others werewatching and listening through that person's eyes and ears. 

"That's it, " he said at last. "Now what?"

"Now what, indeed, " Ryan said. "I think that determination will beprimarily up to you, Highness. Bryan of Alanna wishes to speak toyou. " His eyes lost focus for a second; when they regained it, Medartknew it was the Alanna addressing him. 

"I am Bryan of Alanna, " Ryan said, confirming that. "Are you awarethat we have been following your training, Highness, as one of the mostimportant events in this sphere?"

"I've been too preoccupied to give any consideration to my news value, "Medart said. He didn't particularly enjoy being on public display, even after a lifetime of it--especially when he was at his worst. Buthe'd been there before, and if he survived he'd be there again; hecould handle it. "I suppose it does make sense, though. What aboutit?"

"Your efforts have done you great honor, and earned you more regardthan I can recall being given any other Terran. We understand yourmotive is to win our friendship or alliance as well as peace--but doyou really believe one person can achieve that after three years ofwar?"

"I don't know, " Medart admitted. "All I can do is try my best andhope. I know you from my universe, remember, and I achieved it once, even though the circumstances were drastically different. "

"Dell, of Raynor, " Ryan said, his voice changing as another chiefspoke. "Why did none of this universe's Terrans make such an effort?"

"You didn't give them a chance. They know you the way we knew theTraiti--as ferocious, bloodthirsty killers. It took the Traiti askingone of my colleagues to take their Ordeal of Honor for him--and laterthe rest of us--to learn about them as they really are. I know thatabout you from home, so naturally I'm willing to take the same sort ofchance to give you and this Empire the opportunity to become friends. "

"Gareth, of Levva, " was the next introduction. "I believe youracceptance of such a risk, and your willingness to endure such painfultraining, have earned that opportunity; win your duel, and Clan Levvawill send a delegation to investigate the desirability of acknowledgingthe citizenship you say is ours by right. "

Medart let his relief show. "That's all I ask, Clan-chief. " Sandemansthought a lot more alike than their standard-human cousins; if one waswilling to make such a concession, most others would too. And the fewthat wouldn't immediately would probably change their minds as soon asthey saw the benefits of Imperial citizenship. Of course, that stillleft him with the problem of winning the duel . . . 

 * * * * *

If he had to fight a duel, Medart thought, at least he had a good dayfor it. The weather at Vader clanhome was clear and sunny, thetemperature a comfortable twenty degrees as he stood waiting for hisopponent in the outdoor practice arena. And he was in uniform; Ryanhad brought one from his courier ship--even had it tailored for hisweight loss--in case he needed it as his ceremonials. 

He'd taken the drugs that would bring him as close as possible for astandard human to the Sandeman battleprepped state. He was keyed up, unnaturally alert, sensitive to every movement around him, and eager toget on with the duel. It was mildly amusing to see that the Sandemansgave him the same cautious respect he'd give a battleprepped warrior;maybe the drugs brought him closer to that state than he'd thought. 

It seemed like hours before he heard, then saw, the boxy transportnull-grav craft bringing his opponent. That, in his edgy condition, was more of a relief than the threat he'd expected to feel. Thetransport landed outside the arena, too far away for him to recognizethe clan-arms, and he briefly regretted not asking who he was going tobe fighting. Not that the information would have been much help, hethought; he'd prepared as much as he could, whoever it was. 

The group of warriors escorting his opponent entered the arena throughthe gate at the far end from where Medart stood with a group fromVader, and stopped. "Now, " Medart heard Ryan say. 

He stepped forward, accompanied by Ryan and Kelly, at the same time atrio of the newcomers did the same. They were to meet in the center ofthe arena for formal introductions, then separate to about three metersfor the duel itself--but Medart came to a shocked halt as soon as hewas close enough to recognize the central member of the other party. The Sandeman's familiar tattoo of a black-barred violet flower wasmissing from his cheek, but Medart knew him well enough to recognizehim easily without it. "Oh, shit, " he said, involuntarily. "Nevan!"

"Keep going, " Ryan urged. As the three began moving again, he askedquietly, "What's wrong? You know him?"

"Too damn well, " Medart said. "Nevan-Corina DarLeras and I have beenbattle-companions for the last century, since we fought togetherdefending the Palace in the last battle of the White Order revolt. Iknow intellectually that this isn't the same person, but dammit, it'sgoing to feel like I'm trying to hurt a friend. " Thank all the gods, Sandeman duels were to disablement or conclusive advantage; he didn'tthink he'd be capable of killing--or trying to kill--a man he knew asone of the Empire's best defenders. 

"This one is Nevan only, " Ryan agreed. "His face shows he has neversworn personal fealty or won the right to use his thakur's name. Whileit would be dishonorable for you to fight a battle-companion, he is nottruly such--though I agree the resemblance will make this duel moredifficult. "

"Yeah. Don't say anything, though, okay? At least till it's over. "

"As you wish, James. "

The last few steps to introduction distance were silent. Medart usedthem to study his opponent, apprehension growing. He knew preciselyhow good Nevan was at both conventional and psionic combat; since he'dbeen chosen as the Sandeman champion for this duel, there was everyreason to believe he was just as good at magical combat. And Medartcould remember thinking, the first time he saw Nevan battleprepped, howmuch he'd hate to be on the receiving end of the younger man's skills. Now that he was about to be, that opinion was even stronger. 

But Medart had motivation of his own, and his pain and weakness weremasked by the medications he'd taken. He exchanged bows andintroductions with his opponent, then stepped back and began workingthe spells he'd been taught. 

He could feel immediately that this was one of his strong days. Thepower flowed into and through him, part surrounding him in a silveryglow, part erupting from his hands like emerald blaster bolts. 

The bolts flared off Nevan's shield, blending in with hiscounterattack. Medart's shield blazed scarlet, held--but he gasped asall-too-familiar pain shot through him. The quidine couldn't withstandactive magic, it seemed; he could only hope the rest of his meds would. 

So far they were, and he'd had two months' practice working in spite ofpain; he could keep going. He couldn't do it for long, though. Hefelt all right thanks to the meds, but he knew his stamina was only afraction of what it should be; a few more exchanges, and he'd lose bysimple attrition. 

He struck again, glad that Sandeman magic was simpler than in the booksand TreasureTunnel game; he'd never have been able to remember, muchless use, the complicated spells in those. Hit and defend was aboutall he could manage through the growing agony. He lost awareness ofhis surroundings, even of his opponent, in the effort to channel allhis power into defense and, more importantly, attack. 

What broke his concentration was the insistent repetition of his name. "James! James! It's over--stop! James, Jim--no more! You've won!"

"Huh?" It was Ryan's voice, Medart realized as the power ebbed fromhim and he slumped to his knees with his head drooped, overwhelmed bypain and exhaustion. "Won--I didn't kill him, did I?"

"No. " The voice this time was unfamiliar; one of Nevan's seconds, Medart thought. "He is injured and unconscious, but he will recover. "

"With your permission, James?" That was Kelly, kneeling in front ofhim and extending her hands. 

"Yeah, whatever. " She touched him, murmured briefly with no effect hecould notice. Moisture trickled down his face and he felt tightness inhis throat; he coughed, then vomited, seeing and tasting blood. Majorinternal damage, obviously, and Sandeman medicine here not much betterthan Imperial first aid . . . He fought to raise his head. "Anychance?" he asked. 

Kelly shook her head. "I'm sorry, James. The damage is too extensive. I cannot even ease what few hours you may have left. "

Medart coughed again, then sighed. "In that case . . . I ask LastGift. "

"Granted, " Ryan said. "And may the gods accept you as one ofthemselves. " Almost immediately Medart felt the tip of a blade at theangle of his jaw behind his ear. There was an instant of pressure, andthe pain was over. 

 * * * * *

Ryan accepted a cloth from one of his warriors to wipe his blade, thenre-sheathed the knife and dropped the cloth without looking away fromthe Prince's body. He'd thought it would be easy to kill any Terran, but he'd been wrong; giving this one Last Gift had been as painful asgiving it to one of his own. At last he rose, still looking down. "His body should be returned to his Empire, but we haven't thefacilities. Kelly, would you see to preparing him for burial?"

"Of course, Chief. In our memorial garden?"

"He deserves it, yes--with the warrior caste. But keep out his saberand badge; I'm going to take them to this Empire and ask that the onewho brought him here return them, along with a copy of the tape of thisduel. His people should know how and why he died. "

"Yes, they should. "

Ryan turned at the unfamiliar voice, to see the warrior Nevan. He'dbeen healed, though his clothing still showed the effects of battle. "I'm pleased you agree, warrior. Now that the combat is over, I'm freeto tell you he knew your avatar in his home universe, and claimed himas battle-companion of a century's standing. "

Nevan smiled. "From what I learned of him during our duel, I wouldwillingly acknowledge such a bond. I ask permission to accompany youon the mission to return his belongings to his people. "

"Granted, warrior. Will you be Vader's guest until we leave?"

"I would be honored, Chief. "

 * * * * *

Ryan's battle cruiser entered Imperial space as Medart's little courierhad entered Sandeman: all lights on, and broadcasting its identity. They were expected; after the second broadcast of the duel, Bryan ofAlanna had declared peace and announced both Clan Levva's investigationof their Imperial heritage and Clan Vader's intention of returningMedart's effects. The reply had been a cautious welcome, along withthe information that unless and until they did accept Imperialcitizenship they would be met and escorted. That seemed reasonable, sothe Sandemans had agreed; Ryan wasn't at all surprised that his shipwas met by the IBC Emperor Barton, or that Ranger Ariel invited him andNevan aboard. 

The two went alone, without the escort that normally accompanied aclan-chief anywhere outside his clan's territory. Ryan had decided touse his cruiser because it seemed proper to return James' littlecourier ship as well as his personal belongings; when they landed thetiny Imperial vessel aboard its huge sister ship, they were met by anhonor guard of Marines in what Medart had described as their"ceremonials, " what they called dress blues. The Marines escorted themdirectly from the lander bay to a room with a semi-circular tablefacing a large viewscreen, where Ariel was waiting. 

She rose to greet them. "Welcome to the Empire, gentles. I understandyou came to return Ranger Medart's effects in person; that wasconsiderate of you. "

"We do so to honor Prince James, " Ryan said. "And it would seem wegrant him greater honor than you do. He owed this universe nothing, since he was pulled without consent from his own; he had every right torefuse you any service. Yet he endured much pain and finally lost hislife in the effort to preserve you and give us new opportunities. "

Ariel nodded, and Ryan was pleased to see she had the grace to lookregretful. "We didn't want to draft anyone, but you were pushing us sohard we didn't see any alternative--you'd already cost us half ourRangers and best magicians. "

"That's no excuse, " Nevan said. "What if his own universe needed him, perhaps to fight the Ravagers he told us about? What if it needs himin the future, after you brought him here to his death?"

"If you're trying to make me feel guilty, " Ariel said, "you're toolate. As soon as I saw your broadcast of his duel and the mercyClan-chief Ryan gave him, I contacted His Majesty; I'll be deliveringRanger Medart's belongings and your tape personally to his Emperor--andI will remain in Alpha Prime to take his place. It will be difficultfunctioning without magic, but most universes manage; I'll learn tocope. "

Nevan bowed, his expression chagrined. "In that case I spoke toohastily, Highness. Will you accept my apology?"

"Of course, warrior. " Ariel paused, then looked wistful. "Once I getthere, I doubt very much I'll be able to find out what's going on backhere--can you give me any idea whether or not the Sandemans here willaccept citizenship?"

Nevan glanced at Ryan, then turned back to the Ranger. "I can't speakfor anyone else, Highness, but James' actions in bringing peace, andnow your willingness to take his place, have made my own decision easy. I wish to accept citizenship and apply for a position in whateversegment of your military is most likely to see combat. "

Ryan nodded agreement. "My responsibilities as clan-chief prevent mefrom joining the military, but I concur with the warrior Nevan: I alsowish to accept citizenship, and I will recommend to my clan and theother chiefs that they do so as well. "

"Thank you both. That's a considerable relief. " Ariel smiled at them. "I'm looking forward, now, to working with your counterparts in my newhome. I have the transfer spells ready, and I'd prefer to get startedwithout delay, so if you'll give me James' effects, I'll be on my way. "

END