her spouse is sterile,
that couple will have no children--which is the case with almost half
of our families. And that is as tragic for the individuals concerned
as it is suicidal for the race." She paused. "Some infertile couples
adopt, of course, and some seek Enforcement help, but neither is
statistically significant. Fortunately, a few of those we've helped
have been nobles otherwise unable to fulfill their duty to provide
heirs."

Prince Edward winced, then nodded, looking grim. A trooper's partner
naturally shared his dispensation for that act, and if a child came of
it, the trooper was almost always named the baby's godfather--though
the legal father was the husband. "A service the Kingdom cannot
acknowledge," the Prince said, "but one it's nevertheless extremely
grateful for. Unfortunately, it's one that has been of no benefit to
Ursula and myself. If you have something that might work, we'll be
glad to consider it."

"Polygamy," Cortin said promptly. "More than two spouses improve the
odds dramatically. Four to eight per family, ideally half men and half
women, would do wonders for the birthrate."

"Be better for the children, too," Bain put in. "Like my brother's
family--when he was killed, they lost the only adult male, and were
left with one adult to care for three young children, no steady role
model for the boys. Jo--the Colonel's way, that'd be a whole lot less
likely. One parent's death would still be tragic, of course, but it
wouldn't cause complete disruption."

"Which," Cortin said, "--and I admit to considerable personal interest
here--would mean Special Ops personnel could have families. That
includes my team, though according to what I saw it doesn't include me."

It wouldn't, Odeon thought regretfully, at least not until the real
Protector manifested. Her family, until then, had to be all the humans
in the Systems; she couldn't be restricted to a few individuals. If he
were permitted a family, though, Joanie'd be as much a part of it as he
could manage--and he had a pretty good idea how.

The Royal couple whispered to each other for a few moments, then Prince
Edward looked back at Cortin. "We agree, Excellency. Show us how it
can be done legally and without sin, and Ursula and I will bring others
into our family." He raised an eyebrow at them. "Although we have
come to love each other, it's common knowledge that isn't necessary to
a Royal marriage, the primary purpose of