that we
will have to do so eventually."

Odeon chuckled, pleased to find his equanimity returning. "True. It
looks like you may not be with us too long, though, if He sends you a
child right away."

"It is in His hands--but He said Joan will need us both, so either I
will not conceive soon, or He will find a way for me to remain with
her."

"Any preference as to the father?"

"Not of the fertile men I know. Were he one, and the choice still
mine, I would choose Tiny."

The gentlest of the team, except for Piety herself. A natural choice,
Odeon thought, smiling. "He'd make a good father, I think. And it's
not completely out of the question, with the same kind of help you've
already had."

"True." Chang smiled briefly. "We shall see, when the time comes."

* * * * *

"How do you feel, Captain?"

"Mmm?" Cortin opened her eyes, to see Odeon and Chang standing over
her. "Not bad--it's done?"

"It is done. The procedure went quite well. You feel no pain?"

"Only the usual in my back. No sensation where you were working."

Chang gave them a thumbs-up, smiling. "Precisely as it should be; you
are fully healed, and the algetin has worn off. You are again capable
of intercourse, and I believe enjoyably so. Though it may take you a
few times to become accustomed to the different sensations."

Cortin licked her lips apprehensively, sitting up but keeping herself
covered with the sheet. Mike had said it'd be an order of magnitude
better, Sis said it should be enjoyable, and she trusted them
implicitly--so why in God's name was she suddenly so apprehensive at
the prospect of something she'd enjoyed so much before? Her last
experience had been horrible, granted, so maybe the apprehension was
normal . . . She forced herself to calm. None of her people would
hurt her, she knew that; at worst, she'd have no feeling. No physical
feeling, she corrected herself. Making love with Enforcement men had
always been fun, and usually gave her a comfortable, cherished feeling
whether she climaxed or not. She'd still have that, which was
something to cling to. A big something.

"There are some things you should know before beginning," Chang said.
"While you are again capable of arousal, you must understand it will
not be the same; you will have to make allowances."

Cortin nodded. "I understand. Can you be more specific?"

"I found it necessary to provide muscular support for