THE PREACHERS DAUGHTER

"It's one thing to have the dry geographic knowledge, to know that Judah's cathedral has its solar noon 8:25 hours earlier than the capital's. It's another matter entirely to expect a date chang

h and would be almost directly overhead at 3:39 AM later this new morning. After six years of living with the much less potent sunlight of Bandar Arenas, Eliana decided not to push her luck with the sunscreen and headed back to her living complex. She spent the rest of the easy day touring the city while keeping in the shade, and meeting a few of her new neighbors. She posted a few notes to her family in the local evening and sacked out early, feeling more relaxed than she had been in a very long time. At 11 PM UCT on January 2, Eliana finally reported to her military superior at Judah's primary cathedral complex. She was startled to find her placement interview had been redirected to a Governor, a CL-16 Priest named Zaafir, someone with much higher rank than she was expecting. After a formal but friendly exchange of introductions in his spacious office, Zaafir began the placement interview with a totally unexpected question. "Commander, have you ever considered applying for Conservation Ranger?" Eliana blinked. "Sir? No sir, not for years." She thought about saying more, but then decided to let Zaafir take the lead. "You've met all the academic requirements, excellent marks too. Why such a concentration?" "Yes sir, thank you sir. Ecological studies were a childhood passion for me." Zaafir nodded quickly. "And your military survival courses are acceptable substitutes for Ranger field requirements. Your qualification is almost complete. Did you know the six-month journey-test is the only credential you lack for permanent Ranger certification?" "Uh, dimly I guess." Eliana finally forced herself to smile. "Sir, may I ask where these questions portend?" He didn't answer directly. "Ever heard of a place called Treraksroset?" "Treraksroset?" Eliana paused for a moment. "No. I'm guessing from the sound, ancient Scandinavia?" "Wow, you are good! Yes, the name refers to the location where three ancient countries used to meet, Sweden, Norway, and Finland." "Uh huh. And what's there now sir?" "Well, the environment is still there of course. Plus a new two-person Ranger station. The Animal Conservation Guild at Cairo has been asking