n around her for
more than a short time and only likes her. To the best of my research,
any trooper who's spent as little as ten or fifteen minutes with her
has fallen in love. I used to believe it was because of sex--you know
how generous she was with herself--but since her maiming, I found that
theory was wrong." He grimaced. "The effect isn't even conscious,
much less deliberate. When I went in to debrief her, I thought it
would be routine, and that I was braced against anything she might try.
But she didn't, and I wasn't--by the time I left, I was in love with
her, and so was every man on my team. I can't claim I don't feel any
sexual attraction for her, because I most definitely do, even though
I'm a happily married man with a child. But my primary feeling for her
is protectiveness, and I understand that's how the rest feel.
Including," he grimaced again, "Major Illyanov, the entire
Inquisitorial staff of the Detention Center, one clerk-private, and the
proprietor of the Eagle's Nest. Probably others as well."

"Mmm . . . that fits." Odeon hadn't thought about it that way, but now
that Bradford had pointed it out, it did fit. The team's degree of
protectiveness toward their commanding officer and their concern with
how she came through the operation were both unusually strong; it was
good to have an explanation. Especially one that also explained
Bradford's presence--and Illyanov's, since he wouldn't normally be a
member of a Royal party. "I hadn't realized, but you're right. So
what do we do about it?"

"Damned if I know," Bradford said. "There's probably nothing that can
be done, since she's not doing it either deliberately or knowingly. I
mentioned it to you primarily because you're her second and need to be
aware of that effect. It could be useful--at least if a young civ
falls in love with her, you'll know to send him to a recruiter!"

Odeon chuckled. "True--too bad all recruiters don't have a method that
effective. It would've saved me a lot of time, when I had that duty."

"It would save the Service a lot of time, too, getting rid of ones who
don't work out," Bradford agreed. "If she weren't such an incredibly
talented Inquisitor, I'd want her on that duty--though she'd have to
have a partner who could tell when it happened, because as I said, she
doesn't know she's doing it."

Odeon frowned. "Do we want her to know? I don't like keeping things
from her, but offhand I'd say she's be