lling."

Both men bowed in the historian's direction, and Bradford spoke first.
"I'm sorry to have to postpone something so delightful, but hopefully
it won't have to be for long."

"I, on the other hand, will be pleased to join you as soon as you
wish," Illyanov said, smiling.

Bain grinned. "Don't waste any time, Sara; grab him right after
Communion."

Blackfeather was definitely attracted to the handsome
Inquisitor-Colonel, but she wasn't used to such openness about sex yet;
though she remembered the previous evening's post-Communion lovemaking
clearly, it didn't seem quite real. Now she was being urged to make
love to a man she'd barely met . . . at least she'd known the Family
men, if only briefly . . .

Chang chuckled. "It is not difficult to see you find him attractive;
with both of you Sealed, that is a strong indication you are
compatible. Given that, what better way to become friends?"

Odd though it seemed, Blackfeather thought, that was reasonable.
"After Communion, then, if that's agreeable."

"Most agreeable," Illyanov said. "Michael?"

"Just a minute," Cortin said. "Can I get a couple of quick updates
first?"

"Of course."

"Thanks. Brad, what about the special rescue teams?"

"Being organized. I put Major Grunwald on it, so they should be ready
to go in a week."

"Good! Sis, Mike--the press-ganged ones?"

"They are in the Detention Center's spare barracks," Chang said. "Dave
and Mike heard confessions, then Mike got permission to say Mass a
second time for them, and we gave them the Communion of Promise. I
believe we shall also have to devise some additional forms of both
public and private devotions."

"I suppose so." Cortin sighed. "Brad, do you have anyone who can
handle that? None of us are liturgists."

"As it happens--" Everyone, Bradford included,
laughed--"Inquisitor-Lieutenant Andrews at the Center is good, and
would appreciate the challenge. I'll call him as soon as I get home.
And this time I will warn you: he's one of those who believes you are
the Protector, so you probably won't appreciate his efforts. But
they'll be well-done."

Cortin grimaced. "As Ivan said, devotions are for the devotees, not
the objects of that devotion. If He doesn't mind, I don't suppose I
can. And I suppose I should take a look at whatever your liturgist
comes up with. So should Mike and Sis."

"He'll expect that, and to have you critique his work. He's
conscientious; he