erself, Odeon, and the children. Chang stepped forward, one hand
brushing the bulge of her abdomen. "I do not know why, but I find
these Traiti . . . comfortable."

Medart smiled. Sis had a trace of empathy, not enough to be called
Talent but clearly enough for her to sense the Traiti regard for
children and women--especially pregnant ones--of whatever race.

Betty looked from the Traiti to the Family's senior wife, thought for a
moment, then nodded. "I trust Sis' feelings; they can come out after
lunch."

Breakthrough! Medart thought as all four Traiti smiled and Tovar bowed
to the women. If Cortin's Family allowed their children to play with
non-humans, it would have to have a favorable effect, at least on those
who saw them.

"We thank you, ka'naya," Tovar said. "Not having children around is
one of the most difficult parts of military life; we will treasure this
opportunity."

"They will, too," Medart told Bradford as the three made their way to
Cortin's underground suite. "If they can't be at home, the Traiti
version of perfect shore leave is a park-full of kids."

Bradford didn't have anything to say to that, so the three were silent
until they got to the observation room door, where he paused with his
hand on the knob. "Colonel Cortin says she told you briefly what she
does. I have to add that she's extremely good at both making the
punishment fit the crime, and at making that punishment last. If
you're at all squeamish, I'd strongly recommend that you not follow me
through this door."

"I'm here to observe," Medart said. "I don't expect to like it, but I
can't form an accurate assessment of this society if I only observe the
positive side. Would you mind telling me what this one did?"

"Of course. He's attacked three families, in all cases raping and
killing them one at a time, while the survivors watched. Children
first, then the mother, with the father last. Grandfather, in one
case. He claims more, but Enforcement has found only those fifteen
bodies. Even Colonel Cortin can't make him suffer for that many, so
any more would be academic as far as his punishment is concerned."

Medart grimaced. "I see what she meant about getting the particularly
nasty ones. Do you know what she has in mind for him?"

"That depends mostly on how he reacts to her preliminary examination.
Most people have one major fear, criminals usually more; when she
discovers his, that's what she'll concentrate