erent. She'd known his size and race, from his records--but facing
a man over two meters tall and built like a weightlifter, with skin so
dark it was almost blue, was an experience she'd never had before. So
was his reaction, when he entered the interview office; his eyes lit
up, and he gave her a brilliant smile before saluting. "Lieutenant
Joseph Pritchett reporting to Team Leader Azrael as ordered, ma'am.
And thank you for considering me."

"Be seated, Lieutenant," Cortin said. As he obeyed, she went on.
"Your enthusiasm is flattering; may I ask why?"

It was impossible for his complexion to get any darker, but she had the
impression he was flushing. "I've heard about Captain Cortin ever
since my freshman year at the Academy," he said. "I've always wanted
to work with you, but I was never in the right place at the right time,
and when I heard what the Brothers had done to you, I thought sure
you'd retire. I'm glad you didn't, and I'll finally get to work with
you--if you want me after this, of course. I hadn't heard you were an
Inquisitor, though."

"That's quite recent," Cortin said. "Would it bother you, working for
one?" She was flattered that he'd wanted to work with her that much,
and hoped it wouldn't.

"Not working for one, no, ma'am--but I've got to tell you right from
the start that I'd really rather not help with third-stage."

"I don't see any reason you should have to," Cortin assured him. "I'm
training my second, Captain Odeon, as my assistant, and I hope to find
someone with Inquisitor as a second specialty for the team. Any other
problems?"

"No, ma'am."

"Good. Welcome to Team Azrael, then. Two more items, before I turn
you over to Captain Odeon for a complete briefing and equipment issue.
Firstly, off duty and within the team, first names are proper; mine is
Joan. Do you prefer Joseph or Joe?"

"Either is fine, ma'am. I'm generally called Tiny, though."

Cortin chuckled. "Tiny it is, then. The other thing: I will expect
your sexual conduct to remain withing so-called 'normal' bounds while
we're within populated areas. I'll make sure you have adequate access
to decent, reputable courtesans, or you can find yourself an informal
wife; that's up to you. Otherwise--as long as you don't involve anyone
who isn't willing, of course--what you do is up to you."

"Couldn't ask for more than that," Pritchett said. "Ah--does that
freedom include yourself, ma'am? I've heard how muc