by Ann Wilson
23. Raid
Wednesday, 25 March 2572
The next morning, when Powell offered to help her into lightweightEnforcement body armor, Blackfeather accepted gladly. She'd found outthe previous evening, at the same time she'd found out what the term'unity' meant to those who were Sealed, that his Enforcement commissionwas another of the exceptions surrounding Cortin; he was barelyseventeen, and his pose of being a veteran was exactly that, a pose.But he was no rookie inside, and that unity had given her considerablerespect for the Protector's youngest Sealed.
"How does that feel, Sara?" he asked when she was suited up. "I canadjust it some, if it doesn't fit quite right."
Blackfeather moved experimentally, then grinned at him. "It's fine,Chuck. Now what about Sis?"
"She doesn't need armor; she won't be going in until after the action'sover. Mike doesn't want her going in at all, but she says if he can,so can she, and he couldn't argue that. At least she's promisedthis'll be the last time till after she has the baby."
"And the Colonel? Even if His Majesty has forbidden her, I'm surprisedshe'd stay out of her team's--and Family's--first official action."
"She doesn't have any choice," Powell said regretfully. "It's a legalorder and her Enforcement oath is valid; disobeying would be a sin, andthat's something none of the Sealed can do. If we had reason tobelieve any of the ones who tortured her would be among the attackers,she'd be free to go with us, but none of the information we have evenhints at that. So she's stuck here."
"In her place, I'd hate that," Blackfeather said, feeling more sympathyfor the Inquisitor than she'd have thought possible a few days ago."At least we can make sure we give her a complete report."
* * * * *
The only thing that helped Cortin's frustration at being kept out ofthe convent defense was saying Mass, and that only helped for the brieftime it was going on. By the time it was over, though, she'd come toone conclusion: His Majesty had ordered her not to get into the action,but he hadn't said anything about not going to the Palacecommunications center to listen to the tactical radio!
But following the defense that way was less informative than she'dhoped. She wasn't familiar enough with the terrain to visualize thedeployment, which made movement orders impossible to follow. About allshe could be sure of was that the Royals were winning, even though theywere taking heavier casualties than she liked or had expected. Shecouldn't help praying that none of her people were among the dead andwounded, though she felt a little uncomfortable asking for that sort ofspecial consideration; if the casualties weren't from her team, theyhad others who'd care as strongly about them.
At last it sounded like the fighting must be about over; Bradford wasordering the prisoners taken to a holding area and calling in themedevac units. As further transmissions showed things were winding up,she decided she might as well go back to the Lodge and make one finalcheck of her preparations before prisoners started arriving. She wasthanking the communications techs for their courtesy when Bradford'svoice again came from the radio. "Palace Com, this is Strike Leader.Request Azrael be contacted and asked to join us at her earliestconvenience."
"Azrael is on scene, Strike Leader," the tech said. "One moment,please."
Cortin took the microphone he offered. "Azrael here, Strike Leader.What's the problem?"
"Prisoner evaluation. We have some here who present unexpectedproblems, and I would appreciate your expertise."
"Unexpected problems?" That didn't sound too likely, Cortinthought--Brad and Dave both had more specialty-time than she did,though she had to admit that her position had probably given her awider variety of cases. Still, likely or not, she wasn't about toargue with anything that would get her out into the field, howeverbriefly. "I'll be there as soon as I can find transportation. Azraelout."
To her surprise, fifteen minutes later she was airborne and well on herway to the convent. His Majesty had both ground and air transportationavailable at no notice, of course, and as one of the King's Own she wasallowed to use elements of the Royal Fleet--but she hadn't expected tobe able to use one of the alert craft!
The pilot circled the battlefield, more to avoid throwing dirt androcks on the wounded than to let her observe--though it did that aswell--following a ground controller's orders to land on the conventlawn near the temporary prisoner holding pen. Before, she'd alwaysbeen in combat gear, exiting a helicopter; this was easier, in herservice uniform, though she did have a little trouble holding onto thewide-brimmed hat. When she was clear and the copter had lifted off,moving back several hundred meters to wait for her, she took anotherlook at the battlefield from this more familiar perspective. It wasclearer to her this way, a bigger scene of carnage than she'd imaginedit could be, and she found herself appalled at the unnecessary damageand loss of life. Compassionate Mother of God, what could the Brothershope to gain from all this? At least the convent showed no major signsof damage, nothing worse than a few bullet pocks, and the Blue Sisterswere working with Enforcement medics, as usual, to help the wounded.
She heard the rustle of heavy cloth behind her, and turned to seeBradford--who looked surprisingly comfortable, for a senior officer, inbattle gear--and a nun she supposed to be Reverend Mother Superior MaryGabriel. She returned Bradford's salute, bowed to the nun. "I hopenone of the sisters were hurt."
"No, thank God," Bradford said. "We were able to warn them, thenambush the terrorists far enough away the Sisters were never in anyreal danger. Would Your Excellency care for a copy of my report?"
"Thank you, Colonel, but it won't be necessary; Team Azrael will briefme. I would appreciate it if you have time to visit Harmony Lodge thisevening, though. Ah--were any of Team Azrael hurt?"
"Not seriously," Mother Gabriel said. "Lieutenant Degas was hit in theside, Lieutenant Powell in the leg. They are in no danger, and areable to travel, but I think it would be best if Your Excellencypermitted them to remain here for three or four days."
"Whatever you think best, Mother Superior. May I see them?"
"There would be no point, Excellency; they are still under anesthetic.I will be glad to tell them you asked for them, however." She smiled,more warmly than Cortin had learned to expect from healer toInquisitor. "I understand we have Your Excellency to thank forEnforcement's timely intervention and the welfare of our patients."
"And Lieutenant Powell," Cortin said. "He's the one who infiltratedthe Brothers and came back with the original information that let meknow what questions to ask."
Mother Gabriel frowned briefly at that reminder, then her expressionsmoothed. "It has become obvious Your Excellency does God's work withHis full approval, whatever I may think personally of the meansemployed. We are grateful for your help, and we would appreciate yourblessing."
That was a perfectly understandable attitude from a healer, Cortinthought. Raising her hand, she drew the Triune's symbol in the air."May all three Aspects of God protect and guide you and the holySisters."
"And pray for the Protector's appearance," Odeon said, approaching."The prisoners are ready for you, Colonel."
"Thank you, Captain. If you'll excuse us, Mother Superior, I'd likeColonel Bradford to accompany us." When Mother Gabriel nodded, she andBradford followed Odeon toward the holding pen. Her second-in-commandhad a bloody bandage around his left bicep, but it didn't seem tobother him, and Mother Gabriel hadn't mentioned it, so it was probablyno more than a flesh wound--not worth worrying about, so she didn'tcomment on it. Instead, she asked, "How did Blackfeather react? Didshe give you any trouble?"
"Not at all. In fact, if she hadn't called a warning, Chuck would bedead instead of wounded, and she's the one who gave him first aid."
"Oh? Quite a change from her former attitude, isn't it?"
"Considerable," Odeon agreed. "Enough that I told her I'd ask if shecould listen while you interviewed the prisoners. She won't interfere,I'm sure of it."
"In that case, all right." C
ortin stopped while they were still out ofearshot of the prisoners. "Ask her to join us, then go get Tiny; Ithink the two of you flanking me ought to provide a certain amount ofincentive for the Brothers to answer my questions."
Odeon grinned. "Will do--I like that idea."
As he left, Cortin turned to Bradford. "Okay, Brad, what's this aboutunexpected problems? You and Dave should be able to handle anythingthat came up in the field as well as I could. Especially with your newtruthsense."
"In that respect, yes," Bradford acknowledged. "But he and I thinkwhat we've found out is going to take your authority to deal with. Idon't want to prejudice you, though, so I'll let you do your ownquestioning and deciding."
Cortin was both puzzled and intrigued by his statements. Somethingunusual was definitely going on here, and since she'd be finding out ina few minutes anyway, she decided not to push Bradford on that subject.She didn't see Odeon on the way back yet, so she changed the subject."How was the inspection trip?"
"Better than we expected," Bradford said. "A lot of Archangel's publicbuildings survived better than we had any right to expect--not intact,but not needing major repairs, either--so there are facilitiesavailable with minimum expense for both Archducal Enforcement andStrike Force HQ. The Governor's Mansion should make you a decentArchducal Palace, and some of the hotels can be modified for Familyliving."
"What about the people? They must have gotten some idea of what'sgoing to be happening."
"Just speculation, so far, but what I heard was pretty accurate--andpopular. I'd say His Majesty knew what he was doing when he picked youa fief."
Cortin grinned. "From everything I've seen, His Majesty usually does.I'm glad to hear it went so well--did Ivan come back with you?"
"Yes--and he's come up with a 'territorial' insignia I'd love to wear."
Cortin would have pursued that, but there was no time; Odeon wasreturning, with Blackfeather and Pritchett close behind him, and Bainwas approaching from the holding pen. She moved forward, signallingBain to stop. When the group had joined him, now within earshot of theprisoners, she asked, "Have you done any preliminaries, Lieutenant?"
"Yes, ma'am, but with some exceptions Colonel Bradford has probablytold you about, nothing very productive. None of the hard-cores wantto volunteer anything, and Mother Superior won't hear of an Inquisitorworking on a wounded man under her care."
"Of course not." Cortin couldn't blame her for that, though gettingimmediate information would have been helpful. "All right, bring themover one at a time. It shouldn't take more than two or three questionsto separate them--though with you and Colonel Bradford talking aboutunexpected problems, I could be wrong."
"Not exactly," Bain said. "Best you see for yourself, though; to me,it's at least close to the worst of the Brothers' atrocities."
Cortin frowned, more puzzled than ever. A Brothers' atrocity shehadn't heard about seemed impossible, but Dave believed what he wassaying, and Brad was nodding agreement. Well, she'd learn about it ina few minutes, from the ones who'd done it. "All right, have the firstone brought over."
Bain turned to face the holding pen and gave the appropriate handsignals, then turned back; moments later, troopers brought the firstprisoner out. He looked about 45, his expression frightened, butseeming hopeful as well--not at all a normal reaction, and it puzzledher. She frowned to herself, but decided her curiosity would have towait. "Were you in charge of this raid?" she asked.
The man shook his head. "No, Lady," he said respectfully. "I wasn'tin charge; I'm not even a Brother."
"True. Well, then, do you have any information you think I might finduseful?"
The man shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Lady."
Cortin frowned again, this time openly. He was afraid, yes--but hisfear seemed to be of the idea she'd think him a Brother or have anyinformation, which was interesting. And worth pursuing, even thoughshe was supposedly here to evaluate prisoners. "Not likely that youhave any information, or not likely I'd find it useful?"
"Either, Lady. I'm an honest farmer. Or was, till those bas--uh,Brothers--killed my wife and kidnapped my little girl. They saidthey'd kill her too, unless . . . unless I helped them." His shouldersslumped. "They've probably killed her anyway--or worse. But I can'ttake that chance."
Cortin took a deep breath, let it out slowly. Dave was right, shethought; this was one of the worst of the Brothers' atrocities, and itmade her coldly furious. Forcing outsiders to help in horror-raids bythreats to their families went beyond her conception--until now--ofeven the Brothers' depravity. "I believe you," she said, and showedhim the back of one hand. "Any Inquisitor who wears this mark knowswhen someone's telling the truth, and no one who hasn't committed acrime will be punished. You'll be taken to the Detention Center,though, for detailed questioning. Enforcement will use any informationyou can give us to try to rescue your daughter, so be as thorough asyou can; sometimes a tiny detail you think useless can be the key.After that, I'm afraid, you'll be kept in protective custody--" Shebroke off at his expression. "Protective custody, I said! Think,man--if we turn you loose, the Brothers can still use that threatagainst you. There's no guarantee what'll happen with you and whoeverelse is in the same situation in custody, but there's no doubt what'llhappen if you're not. And I'll see it's as comfortable for you as itcan be. Do you know how many others are in your situation?"
The man shrugged. "Maybe half of this group; I couldn't say how manyanywhere else. You will save Catherine?"
"We'll do our best," Cortin promised. "In fact-- Colonel Bradford?"
"Yes, Excellency?"
"Can you arrange for a special Enforcement task force devoted tofinding these . . . hostages?"
"As soon as we return to base, Excellency. And may I suggest you offerthese men employment in Archangel under Strike Force protection untiltheir families can be rescued, or confirmed dead?"
"Mmm. It would give them something to do and provide income . . ." Sheturned to the man. "Would you be interested in that sort of offer?"
"Yes, if it was something I could do--better than sitting aroundsweating it out."
"Reconstructing and fixing up some prewar buildings," Bradford toldhim. "Headquarters for His Majesty's Strike Force, and Her Grace'sArchducal Palace and Enforcement headquarters."
The man looked from Bradford to Cortin. "I can do that, Lady. Thankyou. And I believe you will find Catherine, if she's still alive."
"As I said, we'll do our best." Her job-related questioning over withthis man, she thought it reasonable to ask about his odd phrasing."Now--why do you keep calling me Lady?"
"I can't think of any other good term, Lady."
"Interesting," Cortin said slowly. "I have plenty of titles, yet youpick one of the few I can't claim. Who or what do you think I am?"
"Not think, Lady Protector--I know." The man knelt, bowing his head."I've just confessed to the Priest-Captain--may I have Your blessing?"
Cortin looked at Odeon, feeling a twinge of dismay. This man honestlybelieved she was the Protector, not just His Herald--and that was afrightening idea, one she wanted to deny. Odeon was nodding slightly,though, and Jeshua had told her not to deny it if she were calledeither Herald or Protector--so she blessed the man, then raised him tohis feet, disturbed by the expression of open worship on his face. Ifshe couldn't deny being the Protector, she supposed she'd have to learnto live with that attitude--but she didn't think it would be easy.
"One last favor, Lady, if You don't mind?" the man said hesitantly.
"What is it?"
"I'd . . . like to pay You the proper respects, if I knew how. Theright ceremonies, any special devotions . . . You know."
That was something Cortin could understand and agree with; even if theman was misdirected, piety was important to the Protector's success.And if one Aspect told her not to deny being its object, surely theTriune would take it as it was intended . . . She turned to Odeon."Will you and Lieutenant Chang see
to that, Captain?"
"With pleasure, Excellency," Odeon said, then turned to the man. "Wanta cartridge, until Lieutenant Chang and I can brief you? I usuallycarry a couple of spares."
"Cartridge? Oh!" The man's initial puzzlement turned to eagerness."Yes, Captain, please. Does that mean you're Her priest as well asJeshua's?"
"Lieutenant Chang and I, yes; Her priests'll generally be working inpairs." Odeon dug into a pocket and handed the man one of Joanie'sholy-medal equivalents. "This isn't as helpful as the Communion ofPromise, of course, and certainly not up to the Sealing, but we'll getthose to you too, as soon as we can."
"I appreciate that, Father." The man turned to Cortin, genuflected."Thank You, Lady."
"My pleasure," Cortin replied--realizing, to her surprise, that itreally was. She turned to Bain. "See that he and the rest who turnout to be press-ganged are interviewed, thoroughly but courteously,then interned according to the terms Colonel Bradford and I discussed."
"Of course, Excellency." Bain turned to the man. "Shall we go? HerExcellency has a lot of work to do."
As they left, Cortin signalled for the next prisoner to be brought.This one also turned out to be a conscript, but the next two wereactual Brothers, and the one after that looked like Shannon, though hiseyes told her he wasn't; he was the leader, despite his attempts todeny it. She had him held separately, to be taken to the Lodge, thencontinued the evaluation.
She'd lost count of how many she'd questioned, but only a few remainedin the holding pen when she realized she'd seen this one before, in fardifferent circumstances. Smiling grimly, she rubbed the backs of herhands as though the Seals on their backs were still scars.
"Colonel?" Odeon said softly.
"He helped put the originals there," Cortin said, just as softly. "Irecognize him; I want him to recognize me too, and I look a lotdifferent from the way they left me." The man's face was burned asdeeply into her mind as the Brothers' marks had been into her hands;while this one hadn't been the leader, he'd had no hesitation in takingpart in the massacre, or in helping to beat, rape, and maim her. Sheplanned to really enjoy this first truly personal part of her revenge,she thought as the guards brought him to a halt facing her. "You knowme," she said, making sure he saw the backs of her hands. "You helpedinflict the originals of these, among other things; I'm sure youremember."
The Brother's lip curled. "I remember all right, Bitch. Next time youwon't get off that easy--the Raidmaster says we're going to have realInquisitors of our own soon, with His Holiness' blessing--so we canfree the Systems of you and your blasphemies!" He grinned at her, notpleasantly. "And dear God, how I'd love to see them playing with you!"
"If you enjoy threatening, go ahead," Cortin said, a little surprisedat herself. She'd thought she might be frightened if--or ratherwhen--she came to confront her torturers again; she was pleased to findthat this time, at least, that wasn't the case. She was more disturbedby the idea of trained terrorist Inquisitors working with Shayan'sbacking. At the moment, though-- "I doubt you'll be around to know ifyour threats are realized, much less enjoy the results. LieutenantPritchett?"
"Yes, Excellency?"
Odeon's voice interrupted, urgently. "By Your Excellency's leave!"
Cortin glanced at him in surprise. "What is it, Captain?"
"This is one of the Brothers I also have a personal matter to settlewith, Excellency. A severe beating of someone I love, in addition tothe other things done to her."
So that was his personal reason for joining the Strike Force! It'dtaken her long enough to learn it, Cortin thought, since she hadn'tthought it a good idea to ask him. "In that case, Captain, yours hadbest take precedence. Just make sure, please, that he isn't damagedtoo badly for questioning."
"No worse than second stage," Odeon promised. He'd like to do more,but he wouldn't interfere with either her job or her revenge."Lieutenant Bain has agreed to monitor, to assure that."
"In that case, he's in your custody; secure him in Suite Bravo whenyou're finished, and inform me. Lieutenant Pritchett, please provideany assistance Captain Odeon requires."
"With pleasure, Excellency." Pritchett reached out a big hand andpulled the Brother toward him, grinning widely. "Come with me, littleman. We've got some real interesting plans for you." He turned toCortin. "We'll turn him over to guards for the trip to the Lodge, YourExcellency, then be right back."
"Very good, Lieutenant." When they left, Cortin continued theseparation, but her primary concern remained her former tormentor andwhat he'd said about the Brothers soon having real Inquisitors of theirown. They'd always had amateur Inquisitors, of course, andoccasionally--temporarily--a real one who'd gone rogue. That wassomething else she'd definitely have to question him about, but justthe information she had so far was enough to disturb her deeply. CivilInquisitors were necessary to investigate, and in many capital casespunish, crime. That was difficult enough, sometimes, even though crimefor the most part was objective, not dependent on intent. Sin, on theother hand, was dependent on intent, and the ancient Terran HolyInquisition had proven that religious Inquisitors were more likely todrive people away from God than bring them to Him.
Which, she thought grimly, would serve Shayan's ends perfectly. Shecouldn't be certain why he wanted souls, but the fact that he did wasbeyond question. Any people his Church Inquisitors drove away from Godwould end up as his subjects in Hell--and if they were effective enoughat that, there could be an Infernal population explosion.
Population explosion. Cortin frowned at that thought. If they wereaccepted, Families could, and hopefully would, provide that sort ofincrease in the Systems. Which would give Shayan a chance at thelarger number, which would explain why there'd been nothing from theVatican objecting to that part of what she was trying to do. Hertheory might be wrong, she acknowledged, but it felt right, and sheknew nothing that would contradict it. At least it was some sort ofexplanation, better that the total lack she'd had before.
* * * * *
Cortin joined her team for the return to Harmony Lodge, riding in acommand van for what felt like the first time in years. It took longerthan the Fleet helicopter would have, but by the time they got home,she'd been fully briefed on the action, and her opinion of Blackfeatherhad gone up several notches.
As they entered the outskirts of New Denver, she turned her attentionto the reporter. "The convent raid ends the cover on the Strike Force,Sara. Their Majesties agree that news should be broken by a Sealedrepresentative; as the only Sealed member of the press, and the onlyreporter who was there, you're the logical one to do so. At myrequest, you'll also be allowed to do the first stories about theexistence of Family Cortin and the new Archduchy; no other reporterswill be officially briefed until tomorrow morning. That should giveyou adequate time, I think."
"More than adequate," Blackfeather said. "Since I knew I'd be able topublish soon, those two stories are already written--but I hadn'texpected that much of a lead. Thanks!"
"You've earned it. And thank you for saving Chuck's life."
Blackfeather shrugged. "I've changed my opinion of Enforcement,Colonel. Before Mike did what he did for me, I'd probably have enjoyedwatching a trooper die, though I can't be sure since it never came up.I'm glad to find out that now I'm not like that." She shook her head,her expression rueful. "It seems my attitude's become exactly theopposite of what it was, in fact. I used to defend the Brothers, youknow."
Cortin nodded. "I know, and say the troopers who were hurt or killedfighting them deserved what they got. The only thing I could find inyour favor then was that you believed what you were saying."
"I couldn't do that now," Blackfeather said. "It's not just seeingBrothers and troopers in action for the first time, though that didhelp crystallize my new feelings. Mostly it's seeing the Family beinga family, seeing the Special Ops troopers I thought were the worstplaying with kids and kittens, and . . . well, the part I'm not goingto be
able to write about because no one who hasn't at least beenaround it could possibly believe it. But being troopers--especially anInquisitor--gives you a whole new kind of understanding."
"You liked being part of Dave, in particular?"
"Oddly enough, yes." Blackfeather hesitated. "They're all good men,but there's something special about Dave . . . something I have a hardtime describing, even if I am a reporter. A special kind of idealism,maybe . . . tougher, not that any of them are soft . . ."
"I know what you mean," Cortin said, glancing around at the rest of theteam and getting nods. Unity during sex was most intense between manand woman, but it was there between any Sealed; they'd all felt whatBlackfeather was talking about, with her, Bain, or both.
"He reminds me of Larry, in a way," Blackfeather went on, surprisingthem. "So do you. Because in his own way, he's an idealist too--eventhough I'm not sure he knows that, or would believe it. An idealistwho's turned cynical, soured against just about everything--but Ibelieve there's still a tiny bit of him that wants the same things wedo."
Chang gave the reporter an appraising look, then turned to Cortin. "Ibelieve we may have a truly virtuous person among us, Joan. Not merelysinless, but virtuous--willing to believe the best of people, which Ifind surprising for a reporter."
"I doubt I'll be a reporter much longer," Blackfeather said. "What Siscalls a virtue isn't, in my particular field; once I've filed thesethree stories, backing Enforcement, the Families, and Colonel Cortin, Ifully expect to be fired. So would any of you happen to know of anyjob openings for an ex-reporter?"
"How about historian?" Odeon asked. "We need one, with a reporter'straining, while it's still early enough to get an accurate account ofwhat's happening. The First and Second Testaments were written bygroups, edited by others, and translated by still others; after thatmany opportunities for intentional or accidental change, we might notknow what the originals really said." He made a wry face. "Yes, Ibelieve everyone involved was inspired. As investigators, though, weall know humans are fallible--with or without inspiration. But theydidn't have modern publishing; given a press run of ten or fifteenthousand, by one writer and in the original language, there'll alwaysbe a totally genuine version somewhere."
To Odeon's surprise, Blackfeather snickered. "You've got yourhistorian, Mike--but if you believe a press run as low as ten orfifteen thousand, it's sure clear you're no publisher! On thisparticular subject, especially with Colonel Cortin involved, go up acouple of orders of magnitude. A million or million and a half copieswouldn't be an unreasonable estimate of sales, even at a price doubleor triple that of a standard book. A copy she autographed would beworth . . . well, even my imagination isn't quite that wild!"
"Even better," Odeon said.
"You do know, though, that it'll mean interviews to get everything youremember that has anything to do with Joan--and that the result won'tleave you much, if any, privacy. You don't get a major socialrevolution by hiding the sort of personal behavior you're trying toencourage--even though other people may choose to do so."
"Sis and I figured as much," Odeon said. "We talked it over, betweenus and with the rest of the team, and it's necessary. There's going tobe a lot written about what we're doing, one way or the other, andwe're agreed one of them has to be accurate. So you'll get fullcooperation."
"Including an Inquisitor's help," Bain said. "Colonel Bradford's thebest you'll find at the memory-enhancing techniques we use withcooperative subjects, but I'm no slouch; you may get more informationthan you can use."
"More than I can include, maybe," Blackfeather said, "but not more thanI can use, if only as background." She turned to Cortin. "What aboutyou, Colonel?"
Cortin grimaced and looked pleadingly at Odeon. "Do I have to, Mike?"
"You're my Family head, Archduchess, and Commanding Officer, not tomention the Protector's Herald; I can't say you have to. But I'drecommend it pretty strongly."
Cortin sighed. "Mike, for someone who claims to be a subordinate, yougive the most convincing orders . . . all right, all right, I'llcooperate." She turned to Blackfeather. "I will, too. But I don'tpromise to like it--and you probably won't like what you hear if youthink you need to go into what I do in my interrogations."
"I'd rather not, but I probably will." Blackfeather made a face."Being both Larry's mistress and several Enforcement officers has givenme a new perspective on that, too. Especially, as I may have mentionedbefore, being Dave."
Several of the team chuckled. "You did," Bain said, "and it wasflattering--but if you want to be two of the best in the business, askBrad and Ivan. I'm good, or I wouldn't be on Team Azrael; those twoare second only to Joan."
"I'll have to ask, then, next time I see them," Blackfeather said.
"That should be tonight," Odeon said. "I invited Brad, and he saidhe'd pass it on to Ivan; if they possibly can, they'll both be at ourhome Communion service."
Blackfeather smiled. "Good!" Then she sobered, turning back toCortin. "I don't like to mention this, Colonel, and I'll like gettinginvolved with it even less, but the history should definitely includeyour work, too."
Cortin was silent. Blackfeather was right, inarguably so; theProtector whose Herald she was embodied Justice as well as Love, andJustice wasn't always pleasant. It could be, of course, when rewardingvirtue, but punishment was usually pleasant only to the punished'svictims or their survivors--never to the punished, seldom to observers,and only through God's Mercy was it satisfying to the punishers.
"Very well," she said at last. "You may have access to the films of myinterrogations, and observe any you think necessary from now on. But Ihave to warn you, you won't find any of it enjoyable."
"I don't expect to," Blackfeather said. "My job's gotten me intounpleasant situations before, though, and I can cope. I think I shouldstart with the one you and Mike have personal reasons to work on."
"You know our reasons?"
"I'm sure of yours--it was in the news enough--and I can guess atMike's, yes."
"As you wish, then," Cortin said. "It's too late to get startedtonight, though, and Brad and Ivan should be here any minute. Why notget your stories filed, then we'll take the rest of the night off?"
* * * * *
Their guests arrived while Blackfeather was still working. The Familyadults greeted them warmly, but waited for more till Blackfeather wasfinished and had rejoined them in the common-room. When she had,Cortin pointed to the new insignia on both men's collars. "Ivan, Iknow I told you to design a territorial emblem--but isn't that a bitpresumptuous? And Brad, how come you're wearing it?"
Illyanov smiled. "It is not presumptuous at all, beloved, nor is itreally territorial. I could think of nothing, so I prayed, and thatnight dreamed of this. We are the Protector's, after all; what morenatural than that we should wear the sword and rose you and Michaelchose for our first altar?"
"And as he said," Bradford continued, "it isn't really territorial. Itdidn't make much sense to us to have Sealed troopers limited to onejurisdiction, and Their Highnesses agreed. So did His Majesty whenthey approached him, and the other Sovereigns when King Mark approachedthem--because we were informed shortly after my return to the Palacethat we are now extraterritorial. Not just Strike Force, but allSealed troopers--so all of you need new insigne, which we've brought."He smiled, handing them out. "Ivan had several hundred made, for whenthe Protector manifests, but these are all we need for now. I sentsome to Tony and Chuck, too, so they'll be in correct uniform whenMother Gabriel releases them."
"That was thoughtful of you--thanks." Cortin smiled, then glared atboth of them. "One of you could have called me with a little advancewarning, I should think! Isn't it bad enough that His Majesty keepspulling this sort of surprise on me?"
"It is fun to surprise you when we have the chance," Illyanov said."Would you deny us a bit of harmless entertainment?"
Cortin chuckled ruefully. "Put that way, of cours
e not--how could I?But someday I may be able to pull the same thing on you, be warned!"
"We shall consider ourselves properly warned indeed," Illyanov agreed.
"Good enough." Cortin moved her shoulders uncomfortably, but maybe itwould help the discomfort she still felt if she did talk about what hadhappened with the farm-folk this afternoon. "Until then, I need somemoral support. Something scary happened while I was questioning thefirst conscript today--since you weren't all in earshot, and Ivanwasn't there at all, can I describe it?"
"Please," Illyanov said.
Cortin did. When the description was over, she said, "I can't reallydescribe how it felt, though. He honestly believed I am the Protector,was worshipping me. I was told not to deny that identification, so Ididn't--but dear God, it was frightening! And several of the otherswere almost as bad. Being treated like the Herald is awful enough;being treated like the Protector Herself is . . . I don't know, I don'thave the right word. I don't think I'd like it even if I were Her. OrHim."
"Whether you did or not would have little bearing," Illyanov said."God does not need to be worshipped; He--or She--requires it of usbecause it is we who need to worship, and if we do not worship God, wewill worship someone or something less worthy."
"That makes sense," Cortin said. "It's not what I'd choose, but I'vebeen frightened and embarrassed before, without a Family for support.I suppose I'll learn to live with it--I'll have to, since I don't haveany choice."
"You also have the support of the rest of us who are Sealed," Illyanovsaid, leaning over to kiss her. "Would you like me--or us--to spendthe night?"
"Either or both, any time--which you know. But what about yourfamilies?"
"Mine went directly to Archangel and is busy moving in, with Delia'shelp. Brad's, I believe, is preparing for the move."
"They are," Bradford said, "so I can't stay past Communion--I have tohelp, as long as I'm in town."
Cortin grinned, her mood lightening. "Too bad for you, Brad; thatmeans Sara'll have to wait for unity with you. Though not with Ivan,if he's willing."
Both men bowed in the historian's direction, and Bradford spoke first."I'm sorry to have to postpone something so delightful, but hopefullyit won't have to be for long."
"I, on the other hand, will be pleased to join you as soon as youwish," Illyanov said, smiling.
Bain grinned. "Don't waste any time, Sara; grab him right afterCommunion."
Blackfeather was definitely attracted to the handsomeInquisitor-Colonel, but she wasn't used to such openness about sex yet;though she remembered the previous evening's post-Communion lovemakingclearly, it didn't seem quite real. Now she was being urged to makelove to a man she'd barely met . . . at least she'd known the Familymen, if only briefly . . .
Chang chuckled. "It is not difficult to see you find him attractive;with both of you Sealed, that is a strong indication you arecompatible. Given that, what better way to become friends?"
Odd though it seemed, Blackfeather thought, that was reasonable."After Communion, then, if that's agreeable."
"Most agreeable," Illyanov said. "Michael?"
"Just a minute," Cortin said. "Can I get a couple of quick updatesfirst?"
"Of course."
"Thanks. Brad, what about the special rescue teams?"
"Being organized. I put Major Grunwald on it, so they should be readyto go in a week."
"Good! Sis, Mike--the press-ganged ones?"
"They are in the Detention Center's spare barracks," Chang said. "Daveand Mike heard confessions, then Mike got permission to say Mass asecond time for them, and we gave them the Communion of Promise. Ibelieve we shall also have to devise some additional forms of bothpublic and private devotions."
"I suppose so." Cortin sighed. "Brad, do you have anyone who canhandle that? None of us are liturgists."
"As it happens--" Everyone, Bradford included,laughed--"Inquisitor-Lieutenant Andrews at the Center is good, andwould appreciate the challenge. I'll call him as soon as I get home.And this time I will warn you: he's one of those who believes you arethe Protector, so you probably won't appreciate his efforts. Butthey'll be well-done."
Cortin grimaced. "As Ivan said, devotions are for the devotees, notthe objects of that devotion. If He doesn't mind, I don't suppose Ican. And I suppose I should take a look at whatever your liturgistcomes up with. So should Mike and Sis."
"He'll expect that, and to have you critique his work. He'sconscientious; he'll want to be sure it's right. Can we dedicatetonight's service to that intention?"
"I don't see why not," Odeon said. "Sis?"
"It seems most fitting. I would suggest we also ask that the Protectorordain more priests, either through us or through the Herald, to beprepared when we may begin Sealing those outside the current group."
"You're Herald, Joanie," Odeon said. "What do you think?"
"Since we don't have any idea when He'll manifest, I'm in favor of it.Anyone who feels the call should be ordained, even though the only oneswho can feel it are the ones Sealed to Him."
"Right. Everyone ready for services, then?"
For Shayan's reaction: 23a. Waiting