church Sundays and holy days when she wasn't on duty,
though she wasn't what he'd call really devout. Still, it wouldn't
hurt to ask. "Would you like to see a priest?"

Not really, was her first reaction, but on the other hand, why not? As
usual, she didn't have anything to confess--part of her, with wry
humor, said it was because she hadn't the imagination to think of any
interesting sins, as well as not having any opportunities. Might be a
good idea to take advantage of this chance, though; if she were
accepted for Special Ops, she'd be given Exceptional Holy
Orders--empowered to carry out time-critical priestly functions, mostly
Last Rites--and she really ought to be sure of being ready for
ordination. "Maybe I should." She hesitated, then asked, "Mike--did
you give me Last Rites?"

Odeon shook his head. "By the time I got to you, Sergeant Vincent had
already taken care of it."

"If you get a chance, will you thank him for me?"

"My pleasure." Odeon bent to kiss her goodbye, then paused when
bandaged hands took and held his.

Cortin looked up at him, her throat tight. Maybe he wouldn't fault her
for one bit of weakness . . . "Mike, I know I'm not a real woman any
more, but . . . maybe I can still function like one. Will you help me
find out? Please?"

"As soon as the plumbing's out and you feel up to it," Odeon promised,
stricken by her uncharacteristic vulnerability. Blessed Mother of God,
he prayed silently, don't let them have robbed her of that, too! She's
lost the ability to have children; don't let her be condemned to the
constant danger we face without even this consolation! "Just let me
know when, Joanie. I'll be here for you." He kissed her again, and
left. Cortin watched him go, relieved. He'd been reassuring, not
scornful, and that was a big help in itself.

* * * * *

She was kept busy the rest of the day, first by the priest, then by
medical personnel, and then--over Dr. Egan's objections--by the
debriefing team, which included the artist she'd asked for. It also
included a lieutenant wearing the silver question-mark badge of one who
held an Inquisitor's Warrant, and who was treated with a degree of
respect that was highly unusual for a junior officer. Cortin made note
of that, then disregarded it; if she was under consideration for
something classified, she had to expect some non-standard attention.
And he was a good Inquisitor, whatever else he w