The Alembic Plot: A Terran Empire novel

  18. Revelation

  Wednesday, 4 Mar 2572

  When Cortin got to the breakfast table after Mass, she was amused tofind a heated discussion in progress, about what the family name shouldbe. It seemed an odd subject, she thought as she helped herself fromthe hot-table rather than calling an order to the kitchen--but onsecond thought, it did make sense. Women were used to giving upmaiden-family names on marriage, though a professional with anestablished reputation would often hyphenate it with her husband's, butthe men didn't think too highly of the idea. She listened withoutinterfering; it was their Family, using a new system, so it seemedreasonable to let them determine how it should be identified. If theirmethod looked as if it would work out well, she'd recommend it to HisMajesty for general implementation.

  It didn't take them long to decide hyphenating all the names togetheralphabetically was much too unwieldy to work. Hyphenation was fine,they agreed, but more than two names was excessive--the problem now waswhich two. Cortin favored Odeon's thinking, that everyone take thename of the senior spouse at the Family's founding, with the otherspouses hyphenating their surnames, and that argument seemed to bewinning, with the focus changing to whether seniority should be in ageor rank. The debate was getting intense when Powell raised both hands."Since I don't class as senior either way, and Joan's interest seems tobe purely academic or she'd have said something before now, why not askher opinion?"

  "Good idea," Odeon said, after looking around at the rest and gettingtheir agreement. "What do you think, Joanie?"

  "Senior in rank seems most reasonable to me," Cortin said. "After all,this is going to apply to nobles and royalty, as well as commoners, andyou can't expect a monarch or fief-holder to change names. As analternative you didn't mention, at least for commoners, pick a name theinitial spouses can all agree on, since it only has to be establishedonce."

  "Now that idea I like even better," Odeon said. "People?"

  There was momentary puzzlement, then what he was suggesting dawned onhis spouses, and he got nods and murmurs of agreement from the rest."That's settled, then," he said, turning to Cortin. "Subject to YourExcellency's veto, of course, this will be Family Cortin. With you atits head, equally of course."

  Cortin stared at him, then found herself unable to hold back a wide,delighted smile. "No veto, Mike. That's the nicest present I couldever get! Thanks, all of you!"

  "No need for thanks," Chang said. "The honor and pleasure are ours.On St. Ignatius, we would now be entitled to call you Mother; is thattrue here?"

  "You've made me head of your--our--family, and I'm a female," Cortinsaid, "so I suppose that is the proper title. And that means I'll begrandmother to your children!" She smiled again, thoroughly pleased."Though I hope you'll keep calling me Joan or Joanie, too, and ofcourse we'll have to observe correct protocol in public."

  "Of course, Excellency," Chang said with a perfectly straight face.

  * * * * *

  The news was just too good to keep to herself, and Cortin knew HisMajesty had to be the first to know about the Family and her new statusin it--though it would surprise her if Prince Edward hadn't alreadytold him about the first part. She was nervous about the result,enough so that she was reluctant to call at all--certainly not beforeHis Majesty could reasonably be expected to have been to Mass, hadbreakfast, and gotten his morning briefing from his chief advisors.God willing, there'd be nothing in the briefing to upset him--maybeeven some news to put him in a good mood.

  In the meantime, she told herself she really ought to brief Matthew toexpect new residents and a visitor, then write the invitation toBlackfeather. And there was all that mail and paperwork that had beenaccumulating in her main-floor office; she should at least go throughit enough to sort what had to be taken care of from what could bethrown out.

  She had alerted Brady, who proved enthusiastic about having children inthe house once she assured him they'd be kept very strictly out of herprofession, written the invitation, and was starting to work her waythrough the stack of mail when Powell looked in the open door. "Needsome help? I'm pretty good at that sort of thing."

  Cortin looked up at him gratefully. "I sincerely hope so, because thisis the one part of my job I really don't like. Pull up a chair and seewhat you can do."

  Powell did so, taking a stack of mail, opening and going through itwith considerable assurance and more speed than Cortin herself wasmanaging. After a few minutes, she discovered she was doing morewatching than working--and being impressed. When he finished with thestack, she took it and scrutinized his work.

  That was even more impressive than watching him, because he had dealtwith every piece exactly as she would have. Impressive, and a littlefrightening--but she wasn't about to question a gift from God. "Whatdo you do during the day, Chuck?"

  Powell flushed. "Not much, I'm afraid. Read, mostly, between Mass andsupper--and entertain myself, of course. It's fun, but I'd like to dosomething more . . . productive."

  "Productive as in?"

  "This sort of thing. I'm pretty good at it, I think, and you don'tlike it--maybe I could be your secretary, or aide, or whatever you'dwant to call it?"

  Cortin chuckled. "'Great minds' . . . You're more than pretty good,you're incredible--almost as if you were reading my mind. The job'sall yours, with my thanks."

  Powell flushed again. "It's easy--when we were so close to being oneperson, you wanted me--maybe all of us--to know you as well as wecould. I can sort of put myself in your place, at least enough tohandle routine things the way you would. And I enjoy doing it."

  "As I said, it's all yours." Cortin handed him the invitation toBlackfeather. "I thought I ought to write this myself, and I'm neversure when I'll have time free, but I don't want it going out until wecan be sure she'll get it after the Bains arrive. Can you handle that?"

  "No problem." Powell took the paper. "They'll be arriving a week fromSaturday, right?"

  "That's what I understand, yes."

  "Mail it a week from today, then." Powell clipped a note to theinvitation and put it in the middle basket of her stack. "Okay,anything else?"

  Cortin glanced at the clock and winced. "I have to call His Majestyand tell him about the Family--stick around and give me moral support?"

  "Of course."

  "Thanks." Cortin made the call, almost wishing the King wouldn'tanswer. When he did and she identified herself, though, she could heara smile in his voice.

  "Good work, Colonel. Our congratulations to the newlyweds--pleasebring them to the Palace when you're free, to accept them in person."

  "My pleasure, Your Majesty--but there's more." Cortin took a deepbreath, hoping she didn't sound as nervous as she felt. "They'veadopted me as mother, and taken Cortin as the Family name."

  "Outstanding," the King said with obvious satisfaction. "A slightchange, then. Bring them all over as soon as possible--Edward will bewaiting to bring you to the Throne Room."

  "But what--" Cortin cut herself off. She'd find out soon enough; thiswas just another example of His Majesty keeping his own counsel. Goodthing Dave and Tiny hadn't left yet . . . "Yes, Sire. Ten minutes,unless you want us in dress uniform."

  "Service uniform is fine. Ten minutes, then."

  * * * * *

  As promised, Prince Edward was waiting when they got to the Palace.All except Cortin left their weapons with the armorer, then the Princeled them to the Throne Room. His Majesty was seated on the Throne, ineveryday clothes but wearing the Crown and holding the Sword of State,and the rest of the Sealed ones and Her Majesty the Queen were inattendance. It looked like an informal Grand Audience, Cortin thought,but that was a contradiction in terms--yet she'd never heard of Crownand Sword being used at the same time except at a Coronation or GrandAudience, and this certainly wasn't a Coronation!

  The King smiled. "Thank you for your promptness, gentles. Wecongratulate you on your marriage and your choice of
a Family head, andWe offer Our best wishes for a long and happy Family life."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty." His congratulations and good wishes werewelcome, Cortin thought, but hardly call for ceremonial . . .

  "Neither your marriage nor what We will shortly do must be made publicuntil after the Strike Force is activated, but since it will requireyou to make major changes in your lives, We have chosen to give yousome time to adapt in private." The King stood, descended from thedais to stand in front of the Throne. "Joan Cortin, approach Us andkneel."

  Cortin obeyed, puzzled. Whatever was going on certainly wasn't normal!When she knelt, the King said, "We believe your extended familystructure to be in the best interest of Our realm and subjects. Todemonstrate Our support and approval and to give you temporal power toassist in establishing more such Families, We hereby name Joan Cortinand her heirs to head the Northwest Territory, now the Archduchy ofHigh Teton, as long as this Kingdom shall stand." He touched both hershoulders with the flat of the Sword. "Rise, Your Grace."

  Too stunned for immediate reaction, Cortin did as she was told. She'dbarely gotten used to being King's Inquisitor; now she was suddenlyArch-duchess as well. Granted that His Majesty was close-mouthed abouthis plans until he acted on them, he could have given her some warning!

  Not long afterward the group was in the Sable Room, a large version ofHarmony Lodge's common-room, having hot drinks and cinnamon-cake.Cortin was starting to recover, and realizing it was probably a goodthing His Majesty had surprised her. If he'd asked, she would haveturned it down; now, it was too late. But--"Your Majesty, I don't seehow I can do both jobs properly."

  "You can't, of course, and I don't expect you to. I assume you want tokeep on as Royal Inquisitor?"

  "I think I can do more good in that position, yes, Sire. At leastuntil the Brotherhood is eliminated."

  "I agree," the King said, surprising her. "And I have no intention ofseparating you from your Family, though under normal circumstances yourheir would act as your regent while you carry out Royalresponsibilities. My son has agreed to act in that capacity until youfeel free to relinquish your Inquisitorial duties, or until you wantyour heir to take over." He paused. "And who is your heir, YourGrace? Since you do not and cannot have children, I must require youto designate your successor."

  "I've hardly had time to think about that, Sire." He was absolutelyright, she did have that responsibility to her new lieges--and shedared not waste any time fulfilling it. She was still positive she'dhave to face Shannon, and that whatever restraints held him back nowwere unlikely in the extreme to do so then. Whether he was justShayan's tool, or Shayan himself, it was the Hell-King's power she'd befacing then, and that was power no mortal could match. She'd probablybe killed outright; if not, she could only pray that God would bemerciful and not leave her subject to Shayan's torture. At least shehad the certainty of dying in a state of grace . . .

  "In that case," the King's voice interrupted her thoughts, "might Isuggest that the next-senior Family member would be a reasonablechoice? That would logically be Captain Cortin-Odeon, true?"

  "True, Your Majesty." Cortin glanced at Mike, savoring the sound ofhis Family name. He was the logical choice--and designating him wouldhave an extra benefit, as far as she was concerned. Once all this wasmade public and he was openly heir to a major fief, he'd be kept out ofunusually difficult situations. He might not particularly like that,but it would certainly be easier for her, not having to worry abouthim. The same would be true of the rest, though to a lesser degree, asmembers of the nobility. Yes, it was just as well His Majesty hadn'tgiven her an opportunity to refuse! "An excellent suggestion; I sodesignate him."

  "Designation confirmed," the King said promptly. "As heir to anArchduchess, that makes him a Duke and his spouses . . . hmm." TheKing frowned, smiling at the same time. "I can see where we need somenew terminology to fit the new Families. Calling a man 'Duchess'--orthe equivalent for lower ranks--could lead to all sorts of confusion,even though it was the proper term for the spouse in a conventionalfamily. And 'Duke-spouse' is clumsy. Suggestions, anyone?"

  There was silence for a while, then Powell raised a tentative hand.

  "Yes, my Lord?" the King said.

  Powell looked startled, an emotion Cortin echoed until it made her grininstead. She wasn't the only one who'd have some adjusting to do!Then Powell gathered himself and went on. "It's a made-up word, butwhat about something like 'Dukida'? It's neutral sexually, and inzoology '-ida' is used in forming family names . . ."

  "Sounds odd," the King said thoughtfully, "but then new words usuallydo. And the suffix fits with the other titles of nobility, takes aclassical plural . . . Very well, so be it. Thank you, my Lord."

  "I'm honored to be of service, Your Majesty."

  "Now that we have that settled," the King said, "I understand FamilyCortin is expecting its first child?"

  "Yes, Sire," Cortin said. "And I hope soon becoming step-parents tothree more." She explained about Betty and the children.

  "Excellent. That makes me wish even more that I could forbid thisentire Family from going into action, but that would defeat one of thenew structure's purposes." The King frowned, addressing the entiregroup. "I have forbidden Colonel Cortin to go into danger exceptagainst those who personally harmed her, a ban that will also apply toDuke Michael after the convent raid and to Dukida Eleanor for theduration of her pregnancy. Unfortunately, I have to let the rest ofyou set an example. Just for God's sake, be careful!"

  Odeon glanced at Cortin, then looked at the King. "For the Protector'ssake, Your Majesty," he said quietly, "you can be sure we'll all be ascareful as humanly possible."

  * * * * *

  The week and a half between Family Cortin's sudden promotion and theBains' arrival was one of the busiest Cortin could remember. Besidesher regular work, she tried to spend a couple of hours a day helpingget the Lodge ready, then in the evenings the rest of the Sealed groupcame to help the Family get used to its new status and prepare for theresponsibilities involved in running a new Archduchy, and after thatfor the Protector's Communion.

  And the first Friday evening, Illyanov startled Cortin by announcingthat he'd asked for discharge from St. Dmitri Enforcement, which heexpected would be formally granted within two weeks, and that his wifeand children would be moving to St. Thomas as soon as travelarrangements could be made.

  Cortin stared at him in shock. "Ivan, why?"

  "Because I cannot serve in two forces at once. Your Grace is going torequire an Archducal Enforcement Service, and I wish to help establishit." He smiled. "I also wish to establish a Family, a desire both mywife and my mistress share. That will be difficult anywhere except inHigh Teton for some time."

  "For anyone except the nobility, at least," Bradford agreed. "Which iswhy, with Your Grace's permission, I would like to move Strike ForceOperations there as soon as practical."

  "Granted." That was something she hadn't really considered, but shecould see why it would be true; her new fief had a small population,which made it seem safe to assume its inhabitants would be in favor ofa change that would allow them to expand. "Have we had enough practicefor one night?"

  "I'd say so," Bradford replied. "You only slipped once, when Ivan gaveyou what I admit was a shock."

  "Good!" Cortin unfastened the collar of her tunic, sighing with relief."It certainly was, even though I suppose I should have expected it.He's certainly hinted about moving to this world."

  "He won't be the only one," Edward said. "From what I've heard, HighTeton is going to have quite an influx of people wanting Families--alarge percentage of them Enforcement, with their various Sovereigns'backing. Not all permanent, though."

  "They'll be welcome," Cortin said. "I'm glad of the Sovereigns'reaction--but I'm still worried about Pope Lucius', when we go public.I simply cannot see him giving Church approval. I'm a little surprisedthat he hasn't revoked the Enforcement dispe
nsation, in fact."

  "Such a revocation would have little effect," Chang said. "Those Ispeak to during my work at the hospital have made that clear."

  Cortin frowned. "They'd disobey the Pope? I wouldn't, even if Ididn't agree with him."

  "On the contrary," Illyanov said. "If his decrees conflict with whatyou think right, or what Michael and Eleanor tell us of the Protector'swill, you will have no choice but to disobey. Which is true of all ofus who are Sealed, and thus guided directly. We must prepare theProtector's way, and also encourage devotion to all three Aspects ofthe Triune--they are, after all, complementary--in hopes of protectingas many people as possible from Shayan and his deceits."

  Chang nodded. "There is a certain protection available even to thosenot yet Sealed. I refer, of course, to the cartridges Joan hasblessed."

  "Oh?" Illyanov cocked his head. "I know they are growing inpopularity, with civilians as well as troopers, but I am unaware of anyspecial protection they might offer."

  "I cannot say they truly do," Chang cautioned, "but many troopers, oflate, refuse to go into the field without them. It is said that thosewho wear cartridges suffer fewer and less serious wounds than those whodo not. More importantly, not one person with such a cartridge isknown to have died under the shadow of mortal sin. There is growingbelief that if Colonel Cortin is not the Protector herself, she must bethe Protector's Herald."

  "To the best of my knowledge, I'm neither one," Cortin said. "I don'twant to mislead people, even by omission--but what if that misdirectedbelief helps pave the Protector's way? Should I say something, orshould I keep silent?"

  They were getting onto shaky ground, Odeon thought. Their beliefwasn't misdirected; it was only Joanie who was unable to believe thetruth, and he wondered if she'd noticed the phrasing of her denial."If it were me," he said slowly, "I'd keep my mouth shut. No one'sbeing hurt by that belief, and it may help. That Brother said pietywas necessary, in both senses of the word--this could be what he wastalking about. Piety the person, and a pious faith and hope--belief,if you will--in the Protector and His or Her imminent appearance."

  "In which case," Illyanov said, "it is a belief worth promoting." Heturned to Cortin. "If the idea makes you uncomfortable, beloved, Iwould suggest you ask Michael and Eleanor to dedicate this evening'sservice to your guidance, and pray that it be revealed while you sleep.I am sure God will not deny such help to one who has given herself toHis service."

  "Sounds reasonable," Odeon said. "We'll do it."

  * * * * *

  Cortin knew in a remote way that she was dreaming, even though itseemed real enough--the clean smell of the mountain air, thesun-warmth, her Family surrounding her with the Archducal Palace behindthem. All were in white Enforcement uniforms, like none she'd everseen, but that seemed right somehow, and she was buoyed by the love shefelt from all of them.

  In the distance she saw a bright glow. As it grew, she saw it was aman, also in a white Enforcement uniform, his rank insignia a singlesilver star. When his feet touched the ground in front of her, hehugged her and gave her a thorough, highly enjoyable kiss. When hereleased her, he smiled. "You asked for help, Joanie; I'm here to giveit. The first order of business, though, is to tell you that you'redoing as well as anyone could, under these circumstances."

  "Thanks--that's good to know." Cortin was calmer than she thought shehad any right to be, with the certainty it was Jeshua Himself talkingto her--probably His influence, she thought. "You know the problem;what should I do? Or not do?"

  "Don't deny the beliefs that concern you," he said promptly. "They'renatural ones, since you're fulfilling the prophecies that show theProtector's about to appear."

  "But they're supposed to apply to the Protector or His Herald--and bothof them are men!"

  "Not in anything I've said." Jeshua chuckled. "That's a humanassumption I allowed to stand, as harmless. Those with enough powercan choose what sex to appear as--see?" With that, he became a woman,wearing the field habit of a Blue Sister. After a few seconds, hechanged back. "I'm not exactly what you believe me to be, Joanie, butthen neither are most people or things. That isn't particularlysignificant in this instance, any more than my looks are--or than theHerald's or Protector's sex."

  Cortin couldn't help it; she grinned at that before continuing. "I'mcertain I'm not the Protector, but you say I'm fulfilling prophecies Inever heard of. That sounds like I'm being used as a decoy--or am Ithe Herald?"

  The man returned her smile. "In part, yes. Get Ivan to tell you aboutthe prophecies some day; he grew up with the accurate ones. In themeantime, you shouldn't worry about them. Mike and Sis will guide you,and your Family will support you, as will the rest of the Sealed ones."At this point it would be counterproductive, he thought, telling hershe was also acting Protector; she would simply reject the idea. Hewouldn't lie to her, but he also saw no point in burdening herunnecessarily, since she could use the aspects of her borrowed powersthat she'd need without accepting that temporary part of her identity.And he had no doubt the true Protector would grant her her fondest wishwhen he arrived.

  In part? Cortin wondered, but she decided against going into that; itsounded like something likely to make her uncomfortable if sheinvestigated too closely. Instead, she decided to change the subject."Am I . . . really going to have to face Shayan?"

  "Yes, though not until after the Protector manifests fully, and itprobably won't be as you expect."

  "Is Shannon Shayan?"

  "Yes."

  Cortin was getting a little irritated. He was answering her questions,true, but he certainly wasn't being very responsive! What else did sheneed to know? "You sound like you approve of the Families, but I can'tbelieve Pope Lucius will." She shook her head, bewildered. "And howcan your Worldly Vicar oppose you?" She paused, a frightening thoughtforming. "Unless the Pope's somehow Shannon, as well."

  Jeshua sighed. "Pope Lucius is indeed Lawrence Shannon in differentphysical form. I can't explain to you exactly what's going on; youdon't need, or really want, to know. Suffice it to say that his hatredand basic opposition are intact, but his powers, in that position atthis time, do serve my purposes."

  That was a shock, but Cortin was aware he was shielding her from mostof the impact, and she was extremely grateful for the protection. DearGod, Shayan the Pope!

  "It's not a desirable situation, true, but as I said, it is necessary,and I promise you as much of an explanation as you can understand whenthis stage is complete." He gave her a brief smile. "It may help youto know he has no spiritual authority over those who are Sealed, asIvan told you--and it's Mike and Sis who have that authority over thosewho are devoted to the Protector. Pass on to them, would you, that thetime has come to institute the bread and milk Communion of Promise?It'll give limited protection to those who want to be Sealed but can'tuntil the Protector manifests fully."

  "Of course I will."

  "Then except for two small personal items, I've done all that isappropriate at this point. Let Mike and Sis guide you, accept thesupport of the others who are or want to be Sealed, and work for theProtector's objectives." He smiled at her. "The first personal itemis to reclaim the symbol Shayan stole and marked you with. You belongto me, not him--as do the other Sealed. Please remove your gloves."

  Cortin obeyed, finding as she did that the circled triangles no longerdisturbed her. And they didn't look like burns any more; instead theyseemed to glow with blue light, somehow comforting. "Will . . . theothers have these?"

  "If you and they want, yes. It isn't a requirement; being openlySealed will mark them for Shayan's personal torture if his peoplecapture them, and he needs no supernatural powers to make that weeks ofagony. His millennia of practice are enough."

  "My team would never forgive me if I left them out of anything, even ifit was risky. They'll want these marks, but I don't know about theothers--I can't choose for them."

  "True. If they want them when they
see yours, they'll get them. Theother item is a trade, if you wish. Your back pain for the Stigmata,which will show you act with my approval. To compensate for theinconvenience of bleeding periodically, they won't cause you any pain."

  "I could hardly refuse anything you offer--I'll make the trade." Shehesitated. "Uh, what about the cartridges? Was Sis right about them?"

  "She was indeed, so long as the wearer doesn't commit a mortal sindeliberately. You'll forget about the symbols and trade both until thelatter takes effect." He kissed her again, in a brotherly way thistime, and vanished as he had appeared.

  * * * * *

  Cortin woke with a feeling of imminent disaster. It had seemed like anightmare, especially Shayan on the Papal Throne . . . Still, Jeshuahad said there was a purpose to it, and he'd outlined what sounded likethe only reasonable thing for her to do. She got up, but instead ofdressing--the message she'd been asked to pass along sounded like onethat shouldn't wait--she put on a robe and went to Odeon's room.

  He'd apparently had a quieter night than she; when he called for her tocome in he was still in bed, stretched out in a way that reminded herof a large and perfectly contented cat. "Join me?" he invited.

  "Uh-huh." Cortin slipped the robe off and slid under the covers,comforted by his warm strength. "I'm not sure how much help it was,but I did have a visitor last night. He asked me to tell you it wastime to institute the Communion of Promise, and I got the impression hemeant today."

  "Good--I've been waiting for word I could. What about what you wantedto know?"

  "I found out, sort of. He said I'm the Herald, 'in part'--I was toochicken to ask what he meant by that--and that I shouldn't deny whatI'm being called, even if it's the Protector." Cortin shivered,huddling against his chest. "I found out a couple of other things,too. You know the Protector could be a woman? And that Pope Lucius isShayan, and you and Sis're the Protector's version of a Pope?"

  "The last I'd guessed, the rest I knew, yes."

  "And that we're on our own now?"

  "I thought that was getting close." Odeon kissed her, holding hersnugly and stroking her back. "We need two more people, Ivan says,then we'll be in position to hold the fort till the Protector's readyto surface. I expect Betty'll be one of them, but I don't think we'vemet the other yet."

  To her surprise, Cortin found herself becoming aroused. That didn'tseem possible, much less appropriate, after her vision--but it washappening. "Mike--"

  "What better way to put what you've just been through into perspective?It took a shelter party to straighten Sis and me out, but I don't thinkyou need anything that extreme." He raised himself as if to get out ofbed. "Of course, if you think otherwise . . ."

  "I don't, even if a shelter party does sound nice." Cortin shook herhead, bewildered. "Shouldn't we be getting ready for Mass, though?"

  "Is it your conscience or habit asking that?" Odeon stroked her hair,then caressed a breast. "Trust your feelings, Joanie. You can't sin,remember?"

  "I remember." And Jeshua had been specific about telling her to followMike and Sis' guidance . . . She closed her eyes, trying to analyzewhat she actually felt. That was complicated by Mike's continuingcaresses, but it did seem her feelings said this was the right thing tobe doing now. Mass was important, yes, but she shouldn't go to it inthe mood she'd had when she wakened, of impending doom; this was theProtector's way of comfort and reassurance.

  * * * * *

  Cortin kissed Odeon one last time before getting up. "Thanks,Mike--I'm feeling human again, and I'm in fit condition to say Mass."

  "I could tell." Odeon smiled at her. "Glad I could help."

  "So'm I. Mind if I use your tub before I go get dressed?"

  "Only if you're willing to have company," Odeon replied with a grin.

  "I was hoping you'd say that. Come on."

  They bathed in comfortable near-silence, then Cortin went to her roomto dress. She was feeling better, and it surprised her. Thecircumstances hadn't changed, the odds against her and her team werestill bad, she was still sure she wouldn't survive her next meetingwith Shannon--but Mike was obviously a sovereign remedy for what hadailed her. It was hard to believe he wasn't the Protector, but thatcouldn't be, if the Protector might be a woman. Sis, maybe? Jeshuahad appeared in a Blue Sister's habit . . .

  She forced herself to stop that line of speculation; the Protector'sidentity would be revealed at the proper time. In the meantime,speculation was pointless; she'd have enough to occupy her doingwhatever the Herald was supposed to do without having instructions.Follow her instincts and Mike's guidance, she supposed.

  When she opened the vestry door to approach the altar, she wassurprised to see the entire team--except Bain and Pritchett, who wereprobably at Betty's by now--waiting, along with the rest of the Sealedones, Their Majesties, and some others of the Household, who normallyattended Mass at the Cathedral. Her surprise didn't last, though; asusual, when she approached the altar her mind had no room for anythingexcept the ceremony.

  That went normally until the Consecration. When she raised the Hostand the bell rang, the pain in her back vanished, and she rememberedthe trade she'd agreed to. As she raised the Chalice, she felt warmwetness circling her head, and on her wrists, back, side, and feet.Her absorption in the Mass was complete enough she couldn't spare realthought, but she was able to include a wordless prayer of thanks withthe Remembrance and other prayers before Communion.

  The rest of the Mass went normally--the bleeding stopped as soon asshe'd administered Communion to the last of those who wanted it--untilthe after-Mass prayers were finished. Then she was able to notice asmall table had been set up just inside the altar rail--a table likethe altar in the common-room--and she knew this was the beginning ofthe Communion of Promise. But . . . should she give it, or should Mikeor Sis? She glanced at them, got the thumbs-up from Mike, and took adeep breath.

  Addressing the entire congregation, she gave a brief explanation of theProtector--what she understood, at least--and the Families. She couldsee doubt on several of the Householders' faces as she described them,mixed with revulsion at her bloody state. She could understand that,from civilians; the Enforcement people, to her relief, seemed moreintrigued and willing to believe her. "All of my team, myselfincluded--and a few others--are Sealed to the Protector, with CaptainOdeon and Lieutenant Chang as His or Her chief priests." She paused,cocked her head, then smiled. "To simplify things, I'm going to usethe male pronoun; just remember the actuality could be either."

  She paused again, sobering. "Under their authority as Hisrepresentatives, I invite those of you who wish to support Him, givingup the ability to sin when He comes into the open and you can beSealed, to come forward and take His Communion of Promise."

  She was pleased that all the Enforcement people did so, followed by theKing and Queen. More slowly, a few of the civilian Household followedsuit, though most held back. That was too bad, Cortin thought, butshe'd known not everyone would accept the Protector fully--some not atall. And she had to admit her condition wasn't the most reassuring; itwas entirely possible they'd respond better to another celebrant.

  When it was clear that everyone who wanted the Communion of Promise hadtaken it, she dismissed the congregation and returned to the vestry,where she began removing her bloody uniform. If this was going tohappen every time she said Mass, she'd have to have a shower installedhere--and get something to wear that wouldn't be ruined, or that didn'tmatter. Whatever her position, she didn't care to ruin either auniform or a set of vestments every day!

  There was a knock on the door, then Odeon's voice. "Need some help,Colonel?"

  "Yes--come in, please."

  He did, along with Chang. "That was a little more spectacular thananything we'd guessed at," he said quietly. "How do you feel?"

  "Fine," Cortin said. "No pain at all, even in my back. I just looklike a mess." She grinned at them. "Jeshua sai
d this trade wouldhelp, and I think it did, with the Enforcement troops--but it looks tome more like it scared most of the civs in the congregation."

  "Sure it did," Odeon said. "Here, let me give you a hand with thattunic-- What would you expect, the first time? We're trained to copewith the unexpected, they aren't--and I've got to admit I was shocked.Next time everyone'll expect it, and it will help. But--why didn't youtell me?"

  "Because I didn't remember till it happened." Cortin pulled herselffree of the sticky tunic, looking at it in dismay. "Sis, could you asksomeone to get me a fresh uniform? And I'm going to need some helpwith sponge baths until I can get a shower put in-- Oh, dear God."Her memory of the other "little thing" Jeshua had mentioned wastriggered. "Mike, Sis--take off your gloves." She pulled off her own;yes, the burned-on symbols were now smooth pale-blue flesh.

  "What in God's Name!" Odeon exclaimed, examining his hands and thesymbols that matched Cortin's. Chang's reaction was less emphatic; shemerely smiled, then went to pass along Cortin's request for cleanclothes.

  When Sis returned, Cortin answered Odeon's question. "Was I wrong?"she asked when she finished. "I was sure, but--"

  "And you were right; if you'd left us out, you'd've had a major moraleproblem. We were marked the minute we put on Special Ops patches, ifyou remember." He studied the marks on the backs of his hands again,smiling this time. "It's a difference in degree, not in kind."

  "But it's a big degree," Cortin pointed out. "I got the impressionthat Shayan's skill is to mine as mine is to a first-year recruit's.And that's without using any of his powers--if he does use them, hecould make it last for . . . years, maybe, knowing you'd be free of himas soon as you died."

  "True, but years is still better than forever. And if playing with uskeeps his attention away from civs . . . well, that's why we all joinedthe Service, isn't it?"

  "Yes--though I doubt any of us thought, then, that it was Shayanhimself we'd be diverting. I know I didn't."

  "Not directly, no," Odeon agreed. "But some of the ones under hisinfluence aren't much of an improvement." He paused, changed thesubject. "You did a nice job with the Communion of Promise."

  "Thanks." Cortin tested the water temperature in the vestry's smallsink, then began washing blood off her arms. The wounds on her wristswere as painless as she'd been promised, and looked freshly healed,though she was certain they'd be open again every time she said Mass."Word of these and the Communion of Promise should reach Rome in threeor four hours, which means Pope Lucius will guess--or know--I'm theHerald. He'll have to take some sort of action, even if it's not adirect physical assault." She turned to Odeon, her expression grim."Much as I don't want it to, Mike, I'm afraid this is going to tear theChurch apart."

  "So did the Great Revival, back in the 1500s," Odeon said. "It cameout of that stronger and healthier than ever--it'll do the same thistime, if the Protector wins."

  "And if not, Shayan destroys humanity, at least in the Kingdoms."

  * * * * *

  Being acknowledged as the Protector's Herald--even "in part," whateverthat meant; she still wasn't sure she wanted to know--was a relief,Cortin decided. At least also "in part", since she hadn't wanted thatkind of responsibility and wasn't at all sure she was up to it--but ifnothing else, it did explain why so many things had happened to her sofast. She'd do her best to live up to the position she'd been given,whatever her doubts; as Mike had said, God would test you to theabsolute limits of your endurance, but not beyond them.

  And she had help. Not only the Sealed ones, but civilians, which hadbeen proven over the last week of getting ready for the Bains,especially the children. She'd expected help from the team andservants; it had astonished her to have the ladies from the New Edenjoyhouse show up, several with children, to make the third floor--toquote Madame Bernadette--"a proper place to raise healthy, happychildren."

  Since the children who'd come along were obviously both, Cortin wasn'tat all reluctant to defer to someone who clearly knew what she wasdoing. While they worked, Cortin got to know several of the ladies,discovering that their enthusiasm for the new family structureshouldn't have surprised her; in spite of the fact they were paid forsex, what they had was more like a Family than she would have thoughtpossible. Most of the men were regulars, and it was common for them tovisit for other than the obvious reason--mostly to play with thechildren. Many contributed to their support, some quite generously.And it wasn't unusual for working wives to board their children at theNew Eden during the day. After all, as one of the ladies pointed out,where else would they get more adult supervision? Or, with so manyEnforcement troopers as clients and supporters, better protection?

  Cortin had to agree. She still hadn't been able to work out a way toprovide for unmarried women who wanted--or had--children; the Familieswere almost certain to face enough popular resistance without theirmain proponent advocating the legitimizing of prostitution as well. Inspite of that, she had to agree there was considerable validity to theladies' arguments that they performed a public service and should havethe same sort of dispensation Enforcement did. Before the satyr virus'appearance, she might not have thought that way; since it was a fact,it had to be considered, and there were times people would be away fromeven a large Family. Something would have to be done to accommodatethem, male and female both. That would have to wait, though;establishing the Families had to come first.

  In the meantime, she extended a standing invitation to the New Edenladies: they would be welcome at Harmony Lodge, with or without theirchildren, whenever they cared to visit. Prostitutes were becoming morerespectable; having the High King's Inquisitor/Protector's Heraldwelcome them shouldn't hurt the process.

  Despite the help, though, she was keyed up when the Family gathered inthe downstairs ballroom after Mass to wait for the Bains' arrival.There was no reason for her apprehension, she kept telling herself;she'd never had any trouble making friends with children or animals,and Betty had been married to an Inquisitor's brother; she wouldn't beafraid of one, and the children were too young to have any real ideawhat an Inquisitor was. Her position as Herald wasn't anything tofrighten them, either, and word of her stigmata had hit the news hoursafter they'd appeared; even those wouldn't come as a surprise. So whatin the Protector's Name did she have to be worried about?

  Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they cameinto the room and Dave started introducing them around. The two she'dsent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit inas if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with nodoubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

  She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men'sfaces as they approached. Bain made the introductions, then said, "Weheard what's started happening to you at Mass. Does it . . . Are youall right?"

  "It's painless, and I'm fine. Once I get cleaned up, anyway. Whatabout you?"

  Pritchett looked at his gloved hands, then at hers. "No pain--but whatdo they mean?"

  Cortin explained as she had to the others earlier, then went on to tellthem the rest of her vision, pleased to see their expressions go fromworry to satisfaction.

  "What about the others?" Pritchett asked.

  "Brad and Ivan yes, Edward and Ursula I don't know; I haven't seen themsince."

  "Doesn't seem right, somehow, to keep them covered," Pritchett saidslowly. "Now I know what they mean, I think they should be seen."

  Cortin looked at him in momentary puzzlement, then shook her headruefully and removed her gloves, tucking them in the back of her belt."You're absolutely right, Tiny--with the meaning changed, they shouldbe. I suppose wearing gloves has gotten to be so much of a habit itsimply never occurred to me not to."

  The older boy tugged on her sleeve. "Can I see, Gramma Joan?"

  Cortin knelt, extending her hands to the three children. "Of course,Luke--and Kateri, and George. God willing, you'll have them yourselvessome
day."

  "Pretty," Kateri stated unequivocally. "Want now."

  "Sorry, sweetheart," Cortin said. "You can't have them till you'reolder--but I can offer you some milk and gingerbread our cook madespecial for you."

  "Okay." With that, the three hurried unerringly toward the refreshmenttable and Cortin rose, chuckling.

  "I apologize for their rudeness, Excellency," Betty said. "I amteaching them better manners than that--I'm afraid the trip and theexcitement have taken their toll."

  "I understand perfectly," Cortin said. "Despite what some people say,I was a child myself once. And Dave should have told you: in private,I'm Joan."

  "He did--but I wasn't sure." Betty hesitated. "He and Tiny have toldme so much about you and the team that I feel I've known you all foryears. I don't know how to thank you for inviting us into your home,though. Or wanting us to be part of your family."

  "No thanks necessary." Cortin gestured at the children, who wereeagerly devouring milk and gingerbread. "They, and the child Sis iscarrying, are the reason for families--or Families." She smiled. "Ithink I'm going to like being Gramma Joan. I gather you intend toaccept their proposal, then."

  "Yes--though I'm not at all sure about taking part in group sex."

  Cortin raised an eyebrow. "You don't have to if you don't want to;Dave must have told you that. And who knows, you may get to like it."

  "From Dave and Tiny's descriptions, I may; I'll try, at least."

  "I think that's my cue," Odeon said. He bowed to Betty, extending hishands. "Elizabeth, would you do us the great honor of becoming ourwife?"

  "I would be delighted." Betty took his hands and kissed him, repeatedthe gesture with the rest of her spouses-to-be. "When?"

  "That," Odeon said firmly, "is the bride's prerogative. Privately, atleast; publicly, not for at least ten days."

  "As soon as possible, then, once the children finish." Betty lookedaround, defensively. "Pete taught me never to put off anythingimportant, and this is."

  "He was absolutely right," Odeon agreed. A trooper's life was toorisky to procrastinate; if you did, you were like as not to get killedbefore you did what you'd been putting off. That didn't mean rushinginto things--but once you thought something through and made yourdecision, you did it--even if the decision was to wait. "We've all hadthe same training," he told her. "When the children are done, then."

  Betty smiled at him. "Thanks--civilians think I'm being impatient, oreven impetuous, when it's not that at all."

  * * * * *

  The children were upset at first about not being allowed on the"grown-up" floor except for meals, but got over that quickly when theywere shown their floor. And Betty was pleased with her room, thoughshe said it would take her a while to get used to the luxury. And tothe servants, and living next door to the Palace, and-- "Well, rightnow I'm just overwhelmed. Even though Dave and Tiny described it all,that's nothing like actually seeing it." She gestured, taking in thecommon-room where they'd finally settled.

  "You'll get used to it," Cortin assured her, smiling. "The only partof Harmony Lodge that isn't luxurious is the dungeon level, but youwon't be going there. And you'll get used to high-ranking visitors,too--though aside from Dave's and my colleagues from the Center, andthe rest of the Sealed ones, we haven't had many guests."

  "That may change now--" Odeon frowned. "Dave. Betty called Joan'Excellency'--didn't you tell her about the promotion?"

  "No--I was afraid I'd scare her off." Bain turned to their new wife."Joanie's still Her Excellency the High King's Inquisitor, and you knowabout her being the Protector's Herald--well, she's also Archduchess ofHigh Teton, what used to be the Northwest Territories." He went on toexplain what had happened the morning he and Pritchett had left to pickher up.

  "'Dukida Elizabeth'," Betty said slowly. "You wouldn't have scared meoff, Dave, it's too good for the children--but if I'm one of those whocan be Sealed this early, I think we'd better take care of that, too.I can see where I could be tempted into misusing a noble's power."

  "You are," Odeon said. "I'll take care of it at this evening'sceremony."