The Alembic Plot: A Terran Empire novel

  14. Bradford

  Cortin climbed the stairs to the second floor, Bain following her,satisfied with the results of her evening's work. Her fear that Sis'work would leave her vulnerable to sexual stimulus from anyone,including a Brother of Freedom, had proven unfounded; even when she'dused eroticine to force an erection on the prisoner she'd chosen forher evening's work, her only response had been anticipation of achallenge, no arousal at all. She could relax, then, concentrate ondoing her new job to the best of her ability. And she'd found Davenext door; when he'd settled his prisoner for the night, she'd beeneager to share her discovery with him.

  When she entered the common-room, she had to hold back a gasp ofastonishment. She'd expected a certain amount of showiness on thepublic floor, and it was in the Kingdoms' interest to have theinterrogation areas as well-equipped as possible--but she hadn'texpected to find much more than average living conditions, comfortableand with the promised privacy. This was luxury, the kind she hadn'tbelieved real even in stories about royalty. Carpets so thick sheseemed to be wading in them, rather than walking on them--it feltalmost criminal wearing boots on them--paintings even she could seemust be worth at least a small fortune, couches and chairs she wasn'tsure she'd dare to sit in, some covered in fur . . . Then heradmiration was interrupted; Illyanov embraced her, kissing herthoroughly.

  "I know you sent a message about no visitors," he murmured, "but afterlast night, I thought you might wish the opportunity. If not, there isno harm done."

  "True, and you're right," Cortin replied with equal quietness. "Theprisoner didn't affect me, but Dave sure did." She raised her voice toa normal level. "Want to introduce the colleagues I haven't met yet?"

  "My pleasure, Excellency." As he was doing so, Illyanov saw Odeongesturing him to where her team had gathered. When he joined them,Odeon said, "You've been in on this as much as any of us, Ivan; Dave'sgot some information that may put a different light on Joanie'ssexuality. Go ahead, Dave."

  Bain did so, telling them about Cortin's lack of reaction to herprisoner. "It seems odd," he finished, "that she wouldn't react,especially with him dripping on eroticine, if it's as involuntary asshe--and we--thought."

  "That agrees with what happened this morning," Illyanov said. "Weslept linked last night, and were still so when I woke." He smiled."You are all aware of her new ability to intensify climax?" When theynodded, also smiling, he went on. "That ability can also be moststimulating if you happen to be within her and relaxed. My point,however, is that she did not let it continue; she removed herselfbefore either of us became too aroused. I agree with David: she hassome control, though it may not always be conscious control."

  Odeon traded glances with Chang. That sounded as reasonable as thetruth about Cortin, and considerably more believable; they'd go along."Then maybe it wasn't a fluke, or fear, when she came down after thefirst time," he said. "What about it, Sis?"

  "Unconscious control?" Chang said thoughtfully. "I should like tobelieve so, and from what you all say, it does sound reasonable. As ahypothesis, then: she indulges herself based on--if you will excuse theterm--available, acceptable resources and time. I should like moreevidence to either confirm or refute that, however; I have obviouslybeen wrong on that subject before."

  Odeon grinned at her. That was a more reasonable hypothesis for theothers--and for Joanie herself, until it was time for her to gopublic--than he could've come up with. "We'll get it for you, though Idon't know if we'll be able to tonight." He waved at the group aroundCortin; they had her almost undressed, with her full cooperation, andwere getting out of their own uniforms as all of them moved toward herbedroom. "But if one of us can arrange to be her last for the night,he can do what Ivan did last night. If he's the only one with her, anddoesn't let her move away, the results should be conclusive."

  "A good indication, at least," Chang agreed. "And I will put asedative doser in the bedside table in the event the conclusion is notwhat we currently believe."

  Cortin didn't have time to wonder why none of her team were in thegroup surrounding her; Illyanov's embrace and kiss had been quiteenough to start the ache in her belly, and the Inquisitors' caresseshad turned it into a burning need--one they seemed to sense and perhapsshare, because almost as soon as they got her to the huge bed, one ofthem was sliding into her, his urgent thrustings sending her into aspiral of sheer pleasure.

  * * * * *

  When she fell asleep, it was with Pritchett holding her, relaxed insideher, murmuring that Ivan had said she liked sleeping that way. And hewas still there when she woke, a comfortable strong presence in spiteof the fact, since the two of them were alone, that she must haveoverslept. He was smiling at her, and when she started to pull herselfreluctantly away, he held her gently but firmly where she was. Shestarted to object--her body was already reacting to him--but hesilenced her with a kiss. "It's okay, little fox," he saidaffectionately. "Just relax, trust me. You'll be fine."

  "But--"

  "Just relax, I said." Pritchett kissed her again, rolling so she wasbeneath him as she preferred. "Sis says your drive may very well beself-regulating, and I'm the lucky one who gets to find out with you.If not, she left a sedative." He paused, smiling. "It is somethingyou--and we--need to know." He began moving gently.

  He was right, Cortin thought. They should all know her reactions--andhe felt far too good, growing and stiffening inside her, for her towant him to leave. "Mmm," she agreed, yielding. Last night had been afeast, she'd loved it and intended to repeat it whenever she had thetime and interested partners--but it would be nice if she could snack,too, not have to gorge all the time.

  "That's my little fox," Pritchett said indulgently. "Are you allright?"

  "I'm fine." He was at his full size now, solid and delightful, hisgentle movements arousing her more slowly than she'd have believedpossible after her recent experiences. "And you feel so good . . ."

  "Slow and easy this time, hmm? I think so, too." Pritchett smiled,kissing her, caressing her breasts. His little fox--their Joanie--wassomething special, all right. Even if other women had shared her newendowments, he didn't know of any who'd have been either willing orable to delight a group of men the way she had two nights running. Itwas too bad she didn't love her Enforcement partners the way they didher--she must think they came to her only for the sex, which waslaughable. That you could get anywhere, with the right money. But shewas still willing--hell, eager!--to have them.

  Their lovemaking was unhurried and thorough, different from any she'dhad since her surgery, but Cortin enjoyed it just as much. When theywere done, they bathed and dressed--to Cortin's amusement, Pritchetthad a complete set of clothing in her room; she'd have to make sure therest did, too--then they went to the common-room with Pritchett happilycarrying the still-full sedative injector.

  The only one there was Powell, who smiled when he saw the injector."It went all right, then--great! The rest of us have all been to Massand had breakfast, and they're getting settled in. What do you want meto do?"

  Cortin didn't know enough about his conditioning to give a good answer,so she said, "You tell me. You need debriefed by an expert, of course,but since you joined us have you had any gear issued, or been paid, ortaken care of personal matters?" She saw a puzzled expression,remembered, and added, "Oh, by the way--welcome to Team Azrael."

  He looked dazed for a moment, then his expression cleared. "I wasworking for you the whole time, then--thank you! About the other,though--no, none of it."

  "Um." She thought for a moment, then went to a phone and dialedBradford's number.

  "Colonel Bradford's office, Corporal Callahan speaking, sir."

  "This is Colonel Cortin. I'd like to speak with Colonel Bradford,please, if he's available."

  "Yes, ma'am--one moment, please."

  Seconds later, Bradford was on the line. "What can I do for you,Colonel?"

  "I'm not sure. Does being the High King's Inqu
isitor let me borrow youto debrief someone?"

  "It lets you borrow anyone you need to do your job. Who do you needdebriefed, and how soon?"

  "My new team member, Lieutenant Powell. As soon as you can, please."

  "Half an hour soon enough?"

  "That'd be fine, thanks. I've already gotten some useful informationfrom him, but I'm not good enough at the memory-enhancing techniques todo a really thorough job."

  "He's the one who told you about the raid on the Blue Sisters' convent?"

  "Yes."

  "I'll be over as soon as I can. I'm in charge of the task forceprotecting them; I'll need all the good information I can get."

  "I'll probably be saying Mass when you get here, then. You can talk tohim in our quarters if you want, or you're welcome to use my publicoffice on the main floor. Any idea how long it'll take?"

  "That's hard to say exactly, but two hours is about average. And sinceyou haven't said Mass yet, I'd appreciate it if you wait till I getthere; I like to attend all my priests' services at least once."

  "Of course." She couldn't refuse her Bishop, and since no one hadcommented on her bearing during Mass, her absorption was either normalor not noticeable, so it shouldn't be a problem. "Then this afternoonI can have someone help Powell get the Service formalities straightenedout--payroll, uniforms, ID, all that sort of thing." She shook herhead, even though he couldn't see the gesture. "Things are going toofast and working out too well, Brad. I'm living in luxury, doingvaluable work I enjoy, having an incredible sex life--I ought to beoverjoyed, but I'm not. It scares me."

  Looked at from her point of view, Bradford could understand that. Butsince he'd helped with much of the maneuvering that had gotten her intothe first two situations--that the third had worked out so well hadbeen by God's mercy, not human skill--he didn't share her apprehension.But he also couldn't reveal any more of that maneuvering than shealready knew about, so he tried to reassure her instead. "I don't seeanything to worry about, Joan. Think back--everything that's happenedto you since the attack has been perfectly reasonable, given yourtalent as an Inquisitor and Their Majesties' determination to put downthe terrorists. If you weren't High King's Inquisitor, someone elsewould be--someone less talented. As for the speed, well," he let hissmile show in his voice, "from what I hear, you were the one in a hurryto qualify as an Inquisitor and get to work--and I know you didn'twaste any time getting your team together."

  "I can't argue that," Cortin said. She had pushed hard to learn, andlearned faster than she'd expected even with that amount of work."Motivation does work wonders--but it still bothers me."

  "We'll talk about it more this afternoon, then, if you're not at apoint in an interrogation where you can't take a break for an hour orso."

  "I should be able to manage; the one I'm working on seemed to be comingalong nicely when I left him last night, and I doubt it'll take me morethan a couple of hours to finish him."

  Bradford was both astonished and pleased. Except for Powell, he'dchosen these subjects himself, as being particularly resistant. Eitherhe'd been wrong about one, or she had an even more accurate sense forindividual weaknesses than he'd realized. "I'd have expected at leasttwo days of concentrated effort for any one of them--what did you do?"

  "Thought aloud for his benefit, then left him alone under a twelve-hourdose of eroticine. Not very original, but effective."

  "That's what counts." Bradford shook his head, glad she couldn't seethe chagrin on his face. "Sometimes simple methods are the mosteffective." And the hardest to spot special vulnerability to, hereminded himself. "I'll be at the chapel in about fifteenminutes--talk to you more this afternoon."

  "Right." Cortin hung up, turned to the two waiting. "He mentioned achapel--where is it?"

  "On the main floor," Pritchett told her. "Dedicated to St. Eleanor, ofcourse."

  The patron saint of Enforcement, yes, since there were no Inquisitorsaints. "Good--I'd hoped for a chapel, but I hadn't really expectedone."

  "I'll show you where it is." Pritchett grinned. "I go to Mass everyday, when I can--glad I didn't miss it today."

  "Can I go too?" Powell asked hesitantly. "I've been once, so I can'ttake Communion, but . . ."

  "Certainly!" Cortin exclaimed. "Whenever you want, as long as itdoesn't interfere with your duties. Shall we go, gentlemen?"

  Not at all to her surprise, after seeing other parts of the Lodge,Cortin found the chapel to be exquisitely--and expensively!--equippedand decorated. She went into the vestry for some private meditation,then put on her stole and went out to say Mass.

  Bradford was struck by the change in her when she went to the altar andbegan the preliminary prayers. She was still attractive, rather thanbeautiful, but there was an aura about her now that made her seem asbeautiful as the ceremony itself. She was completely wrapped up in it,obviously unaware of those in the chapel with her except for the littletime it took her to administer Communion. He couldn't be sure if sheeven needed her Missal, or if her references to it were simply as partof the ceremony; somehow, he believed it was the latter. He'd onlyseen this sort of absorption twice before, he thought in awe. He'dhave to report it to his superior--and he'd definitely have to talk toher later. After talking to Odeon!

  * * * * *

  As soon as Mass was over, Bradford took advantage of Cortin's offer toborrow her main-floor office. He should have summoned Powell forquestioning, but what he'd just seen wouldn't let him; it was Odeon hecalled for. And, as he'd half expected, Cortin's second in command wastrying to conceal something, his cold pale eyes revealing to theInquisitor what his impassive expression hid: he was afraid. Not forhimself, though; for Cortin?

  Bradford gestured Odeon to join him in the informal seating area. Whenhe did, Bradford leaned forward. "Mike, I have no intention of doinganything to hurt Joanie. But it's pretty clear you and Sis are hidingsomething you've found out about her--something her Commanding Officerand Bishop ought to know about."

  Odeon was silent. Bradford had a point, but was it a strong enough oneto justify risking Joanie's life? No, he corrected himself, not herlife--her mission. Their lives. It was true that Bradford could behelpful, as Bishop of the Strike Forces--but again, helpful enough tojustify the risk? Well, he'd been promised support, so there should bea way to find out.

  Bradford watched, initial puzzlement quickly turning to awe as Odeon'seyes lost focus and he seemed to glow, despite the bright officelighting. Yes, there was definitely something highly unusual happeningin and around Team Azrael!

  When Odeon became aware of his surroundings again, he grinned. "You'rein, Colonel. What's going on is hard to believe, but you'll get help."He sobered. "And you'll get help keeping it from all except the veryfew with a need to know--plus one who has a need not to know."

  "Something else we have to keep from her for her own good?"

  "Hers and the entire Systems'," Odeon said. "It's why she attractspeople in spite of being an Inquisitor. Brad, she's the Herald andacting Protector--and she doesn't know it, can't afford to know ituntil we've gotten people ready to accept her changes. As long as shedoesn't know her identity and powers, Shayan can't use his againsther--in fact, he's afraid to use them at all, for fear of waking hers."

  Bradford had gone pale. Hard as it was to believe, he couldn'tdisbelieve. "But she'd win!"

  "There's no guarantee of that," Odeon said grimly. "I think shewould--but the only limit I'm sure of on Shayan's power is hisinability to create life. Joan's limited herself to restrain him andgive us a chance." He grimaced. "That's how I understand it, anyway;I could be misinterpreting what I was shown. But I'm positive we can'tafford to tell her who she really is. We've got to act normal as longas she does--with a few exceptions."

  "Normal." Bradford shuddered. "Around the one who's supposed to judgeus for eternity? Or, from what you said about being acting Protector,maybe not make the final judgement?"

  "I can
't be sure myself," Odeon said. "I have the feeling thatanything she does in that capacity will be permanent, or there'd be noreason for an acting one, but it is just a feeling." He paused. "Andacting normal around her's possible. Not easy, but possible, becauseSis and I are doing it--and essential." He quirked an eyebrow, smiled."Fun, too, at times. One thing she's doing is reclaiming thejurisdiction over sex that Shayan claimed in the Garden. If you've gotany doubts on that score, just remember the shelter party."

  Bradford did, his mind going back to her enthusiasm and the incrediblepleasure she'd given her men and her guests. "That is going to be oneof the hardest things to convince most people of," he said eventually."Is that going to be the Seal of Life God said the Protector wouldbring?"

  "No--though that's not a bad guess." Odeon told him about theearly-hours visit by the man in the white Enforcement uniform,including himself and Sis drinking from the still-unconscious Cortin."From that and everything else I've seen," he concluded, "the NewKingdom--for lack of my ability to imagine a better name--is going tobe a lot more enjoyable, as well as a lot more challenging."

  "A lot more sensual, at any rate," Bradford said drily. "Do you thinkthat means all Her priests will be women?"

  "I doubt it," Odeon said after a moment's thought "Even thoughJeshua's were all men until not long before the War, which would onlybe fair. But we have a life fluid of our own, and knowing our Joanie,she'll want it used both ways." He paused, then grinned. "And itwouldn't surprise me if the normal arrangement was to celebrate thisSealing with a priest of the opposite sex."

  "Normal--but not necessary?"

  "No, or Sis wouldn't have been able to take it from Joanie." Odeonhesitated, then went on. "I wouldn't have been able to tell you allthis unless it was highly probable you'd want to be on her team if youknew. If that's right and you do, either Sis or I can Seal you to her;if not, you'll have to wait till she goes public."

  "I do," Bradford said without hesitation. "From you, since I agreethat there's no time to waste."

  "Good." Odeon rose as Bradford knelt in front of him. "Drink, then,the Seed of Life."

  Bradford was hesitant at first, taking only what welled out--and thatwas enough for the union to form. Odeon felt the hesitancy dissolve,felt Bradford's awed pleasure as God's Presence filled and cleansedhim, shared his fear that it would end--and then his joyous realizationthat it wouldn't, that he'd been accepted and was wholly God's now.

  When it was over, Bradford shook his head, looking dazed. "I had noidea . . . and Mike, I don't feel like conducting even a Stage Oneafter that. I need to come down, if you don't mind."

  "Me too," Odeon said. "The repetitions, or whatever they end up beingcalled, won't be that prolonged or intense, of course, but I'mbeginning to think the Sealing itself always will be. And that we'llhave to allow for a wind-down period--most likely sexual, the way Ifelt and felt you feel. Though Sis and I didn't, until after Joaniewas on her feet."

  "Of course not," Bradford said. "I'd like sex--but what I need istalk. To help Joanie effectively, I've got to know exactly what sheand we are trying to accomplish, and--if possible--why." He found achair without looking, settled into it. When Odeon had followed suit,he went on. "Since you and Sis were chosen directly by Jeshua, you twoare the obvious leaders of our group. If she's around, maybe sheshould join us."

  "If she's awake, you mean," Odeon corrected, grinning. "When I saw herlast night, she and Ivan were heading for her room, looking like theyintended to make a night of it."

  Bradford looked at him quizzically, then echoed the grin. "And adisciple of him, I'd be willing to bet."

  "A bet you would win, Colonel." Chang stood just inside the door, herarm around the St. Dmitri Inquisitor's waist. "He, and the rest ofTeam Azrael--including Lieutenant Powell. Pardon the intrusion, but Ifelt we would be needed, and no one answered when we knocked." Shesmiled at Bradford. "It is good to have you in our group, Colonel."

  "Thanks--I'm happy I could be. And we are off duty." Bradfordgestured the newcomers to seats. "At least off Enforcement duty, andyou and Mike outrank the rest of us in this field."

  "As we heard you tell him, yes." Chang and Illyanov took seats."However, it is we four, not two, who are her primary staff. Yourresponsibility will be liaison with the Church. Mike and I must guideher into her temporary role. Ivan is to show her that her dual role ofjudge and exalter is complementary rather than contradictory."

  "That's going to be hardest, I think," Bradford said. "I know who sheis, and I still have trouble with the Lifegiver as an Inquisitor."

  Illyanov smiled. "Did your parents never punish you, then?"

  "Yes, and I get the connection--punishment, and hopefully correctionbefore it's too late to change. But the scale is so different!"

  "And right now she's more interested in the punishment part than thecorrection one," Odeon said. "That's not surprising--but helping herchange that emphasis has to be Sis' and my first priority."

  "That will not keep her from carrying out her punishment and executionduties, will it?" Illyanov asked.

  "How could it?" Chang countered. "She is Judge as well asGuardian--and even if it were not so, she could not deliberately failto perform any legal duty she is sworn to. Even with her knowledge ofher destiny deliberately hidden, she is Protector if only for a time,as well as being the true one's Herald, and therefore incapable of sin."

  "Which doesn't mean she can't make mistakes," Odeon added. "Beinghuman, she can--both has, and will."

  Bradford frowned. "Any idea when she'll realize who she is?"

  "Nothing firm, but logic says not until she has to--maybe as late aswhen she confronts Shannon, or the real Protector surfaces."

  "Which gives us time to discuss this more later," Bradford said,glancing at the wall clock. "I did promise Joanie I'd question Powellfor her, and . . ." He hesitated, then went on. "I . . . now that Iknow who she is, I feel I have to watch her work."

  "Understandable." Odeon nodded, then gave the Bishop-Inquisitor ahalf-smile. "Does questioning Chuck have to be formal, or can youenjoy yourselves in the process?"

  "Hmm?" Bradford frowned in puzzlement, then smiled. "Since he'salready agreed to cooperate, I don't see any need for a formalinterrogation. Why?"

  "Let's go up to the common-room, and I'll show you."

  When they got there, Powell was sprawled comfortably in front of therecord player, listening to Melnyikov's "Musical Explorations" andcaressing himself. Odeon grinned, at last able to fully appreciate thecomposer, and tempted to follow Powell's example. Melnyikov's previousworks had hinted at eroticism; this one embraced and celebrated it.That made it a popular piece with Enforcement and much of the nobility,frowned on by the Church and most landfolk. Rumor had it thatMelnyikov had used biological research--or Shayan's aid--to make"Explorations" so effective; after what he'd learned recently, Odeonsuspected a different source. He glanced at Bradford, saw aspeculative look, and raised a curious eyebrow.

  "You were right to suggest an informal session," Bradford saidappreciatively. "I'd almost forgotten his training--I'll probably getbetter results this way than by the more conventional methods."

  "No doubt enjoying yourself in the process," Illyanov said.

  "No doubt at all," Bradford agreed, removing his tunic and undershirt."You're welcome to stay and participate, of course, either with him orsetting an example."

  "He is strongly attracted to Michael," Illyanov pointed out, "so if thetwo of you concentrate on him--"

  "Ivan and I will set the example," Chang finished.