"But yes,
things are coming at me pretty fast. It's almost like someone's
pushing me to get qualified at everything right now. Not that I mind;
I hope I am able to handle everything by the time the Brothers decide
to break loose again." She rubbed the backs of her hands absently. "I
want--"

"Ten-shun!" an amplified voice called.

Cortin turned, coming to precise attention when she faced the stage.
It was Colonel Bradford at the microphone; as soon as he had the
group's full attention, he said, "Please be seated, gentles." When
that was done, he went on. "We have all met, but some of you know me
only as an anonymous Lieutenant. In fact, I am Colonel David Bradford
of His Majesty's Own. I am also, in this case as His Majesty's
Personal Deputy, Commander of the St. Thomas Strike Force. You all
know the basics of that, and are all under oaths of secrecy concerning
it for the time being. Although some of you have made your wishes
known privately, I must now ask you all, formally: Do you wish to be
part of the Strike Force?"

Cortin's shout of assent was lost in the general clamor of enthusiasm
that died only gradually as Bradford stood with both hands raised.
When he could be heard again, he lowered his hands with a smile. "I
was certain you'd all respond that way. You're the ones qualified as
Leaders and seconds of Strike Force Teams--is there anyone here who
doesn't want one of those positions?"

When the second clamor died, Bradford smiled again. "I thought not.
In this case, I am to extend His Majesty's appreciation, and his regret
that the secrecy of getting the Strike Force started prevents him from
being here himself. We have kept together those of you who have proven
you work well together; that gave us four Leader-second combinations.
The rest have been paired on the basis of records and interviews. In
either case, you will have the next week to confirm or rearrange these
match-ups and choose your team names, though you can do either
immediately if you prefer. If you'll look in the package you were
given when you came in, you'll see our team-ups, and a few team names
we hope will give you ideas. Take half an hour, get together with your
suggested Leader or second, and tell me if you're ready to confirm now.
Refreshments are available in the lobby."

"I finished a big breakfast less than an hour ago," Cortin said as most
of the others rose. "We know we're paired, and I don't care which of
us