"I'd like to talk to Sir Corina alone," he told Sunbeam. "Can you find something to keep yourself occupied till we're done?"
"Can I ever!" Sunbeam exclaimed happily. "I've been trying to finish that new xenology tape for days!"
Medart shook his head slowly, watching her leave with a lopsided grin. Then he seated himself in the other armchair and gazed intently at Corina for several seconds. She returned the look with equal intensity, wishing she could get through this unusual human's mind screen.
Finally he spoke. "I have to ask you something very important, Sir Corina. I don't want you to answer me now; I just want you to think about it for awhile. Will you do that?"
"Of course," she replied, puzzled by his strangely hesitant manner.
"I was talking to the Emperor again earlier today. I spent most of the morning studying your records, then told him what I'd found. We were both quite impressed." Medart paused, seeming unsure of himself, then hurried on. "We need more Rangers, especially non-human ones, and you more than qualify. We're—I'm asking you to consider joining us."
Corina's first reaction was to wonder about Medart's mental stability. He couldn't possibly be serious!
No, from the look on his face, he was serious. "I cannot," she protested, shaking her head. "I have not even finished school—I am to graduate this summer, and Thark did not insist I join the Prime Chapter until then—I am only twenty-two, Standard, I could not possibly—"
"Hold it," Medart interrupted mildly. "You said you'd think about it before you answered. I'm keeping you to that."
"Urr… all right." Corina nodded reluctantly. She would not be graduating, or joining the Prime Chapter, or… She forced those thoughts from her mind. The past was past; she had to go on. "I did say that. But I will not change my mind."