nge you
for fear it'll backfire on them."

That made sense, Thompson thought. Her Ladyship had to know that a
Marine who realized @'d been coerced into a decision, even gently,
would rebel against both the decision and the coercer. "Then I'd say
they won't go beyond persuasion and the temptation her Ladyship
promised--or threatened me with."

King nodded, her expression troubled. "There's another aspect, Cap,
one you may not be thinking about. At least it's something I've never
known you to be concerned with--but these tapes make it pretty clear
that feeding is . . . well--"

"That's enough," Thompson interrupted shortly. He'd been trying to
avoid thinking about that aspect; what had made Audra bring it up? It
was a personal problem, a reason as important as what he'd spoken
openly about for his reluctance to donate--the reason he had opted out
of his original assignment selection when he'd found out what it
involved. The idea of casual liaisons left him cold; the only people
he felt close enough to want intimacy with were the members of his
team--and regulations forbade that. So although he certainly didn't
lack it, he'd never shown any outward interest in sex.

"No offense intended, Cap. Sorry."

"None taken, Audra; you just pushed the wrong button." Thompson took a
deep breath. "And you haven't mentioned one factor that's damned hard
for me to resist." He couldn't help thinking about the detective chief
he'd seen on holo. "Some of these Kins, at least, aren't much more
than skin and bones. I could provide a meal for one of them, yes--and
I would, gladly, if it wouldn't change me into one of them. Hell, if I
could, I'd feed 'em as often as my body would tolerate the blood loss!"

* * * * *

The Count didn't waste any time acting on her intention; she had
Thompson summoned to the Palace communications section, where she
called HQMC and requested the E-Team's indefinite assignment to Narvon
System. Thompson filed his protest immediately, but it had no more
effect than he'd expected; he and his team were assigned to the Count's
command.

She turned to him when the tech broke contact. "I don't think you will
find my first commands too unpleasant, Captain. I would like you and
your people to consider yourselves my guests; you are welcome to full
use of all Palace facilities. I would also like you to attend a
get-acquainted party tomorrow night."

Thompson had resigne