also changed my plans for him. That degree of pain,
administered repeatedly, can be lethal--and I can't think of a more
fitting end for a rapist. We'll let him drip overnight, then give him
a fresh dose and see how many times he can take what he forced on
others. What do you think?"

"I don't share your expertise, Thakur, so my opinion may not be valid.
Still, it sounds appropriate to me."

"So be it, then." Cortin smiled at him, approvingly. "Would you like
to help? You seemed to enjoy yourself as much as an Inquisitor would,
and Mike doesn't have that particular quirk; he helps because he loves
me, not because he likes the work."

Keith hesitated briefly before answering. "It surprises me, Thakur,
that I did enjoy it. But I would not displace Captain Odeon from
something that brings you two close."

Cortin looked at her second in command. "What do you think, Mike?"

"If he wants it, he's got it," Odeon replied promptly. Turning to the
Sandeman, he went on. "As she says, I don't have the mental quirk that
lets me like hurting people; I'd be glad to get out of the job."

"It seems I do," Keith said. "At least since she wants this one to
hurt, I took a great deal of pleasure in causing him as much pain as I
could."

"It's all yours, then," Odeon said promptly. "With my thanks, by the
way--which I'll demonstrate later, if you want."

"In the meantime," Cortin said, "I'm hungry. Let's go up to supper."

Return to main storyline: 31. Explanation

30c. Torture (Odeon's point of view)

Maybe an hour after Cortin began her preliminary examination, Odeon
glanced toward the observation room, raised a hand in acknowledgement
when he saw the light on above the window, and spoke softly to Cortin.
"Someone in the observation room, Excellency."

She turned that way. "Colonel Bradford?"

"Yes," Bradford replied over the intercom, "with Ranger Medart and Lt.
DarElwyn."

"If you'd care to, you're welcome to join me in here."

"Thank you, Excellency." Moments later, the three entered the large
room, while Odeon hid his surprise. Joanie didn't normally allow
anyone around during a third-stage session except Odeon himself or
another Inquisitor!

"The interview went all right?" Cortin asked.

"Quite well," Bradford replied. "I'll get the operation moving as soon
as I get back to my office."

"Good--thanks, both of you." Cortin turned back to her prisoner, still
addressing the observers. "T