rtin enjoyed it just as much. When they
were done, they bathed and dressed--to Cortin's amusement, Pritchett
had a complete set of clothing in her room; she'd have to make sure the
rest did, too--then they went to the common-room with Pritchett happily
carrying 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 Mass
and had breakfast, and they're getting settled in. What do you want me
to 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, or
taken 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 was
working 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 dialed
Bradford'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 Inquisitor let me borrow you
to debrief someone?"

"It lets you borrow anyone you need to do your job. Who do you need
debriefed, 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 information
from him, but I'm not good enough at the memory-enhancing techniques to
do 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 force
protecting 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 to
him in our quarters if you want, or you're welcome to use my public
office on the main floor. Any idea how long it'll take?"

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