ou were, gentles--and thank you,
Major, for not giving me away." He pulled up a chair and joined them.

"Pleased to be of help, sir." Illyanov managed a seated bow. "I
presume you are not here by chance?"

"Not at all, Major." Bradford smiled, the expression making him look
years younger. "My interest in Captain Cortin led me to be sure I was
informed of her choice of subject, and I wanted to review the films
when she was done." He turned to Cortin, still smiling. "I hadn't
expected you to choose two, especially not the first time, and
especially not ones with so little promise. I've got to compliment you
on how well you did with the first one."

Cortin shook her head. "With all respect, sir, I don't think I did
that well. I just hope I can do better with the rogue."

"Maybe you can, at that," Bradford said. "As Major Illyanov said, not
every Inquisitor can tell truth from lies intended only to stop the
pain, and not many of those learn it the first time with a subject; if
you can do that already, there's no telling what you'll be able to do
with a little experience."

"As I told him, it's something I've had since childhood. I can't claim
any special credit."

Bradford chuckled. "You don't have to, as long as it works," he said
drily. "It's still a good sign, as is the fact that you enjoy our work
from the start. There are those who never do, and they're naturally
free to find something else--but I'd imagine you're anxious to get to
work again."

"Yes, sir, I am."

"Good." Bradford stood. "In that case, shall we go to the chapel for
your Ordination? I'm afraid the secrecy we're under for the time being
means it can't be as elaborate as a civilian ordination, but you can be
assured it will be effective."

"I don't doubt it, sir." It didn't seem quite proper to have
Ordination without public acknowledgement, but Mike's must have been
that way too, and since it obviously didn't bother him, she couldn't
let it upset her. "I'm at your disposal."

The brief ceremony over, Bradford returned to the Palace while Cortin,
Odeon and Illyanov made their way to the suite where her prisoner
waited. It might have been a brief, basic ceremony, Cortin thought,
but it was one she would remember for the rest of her life, from the
unprecedented sight of an armed Bishop in Enforcement uniform and stole
to the anointing of her hands. She rubbed the oil that was still on
them. It was hard to believe she was