lessed cartridges."

"Play?" Cortin cocked her head, looking up at him.

"Not this kind, of course." Illyanov returned the look, affectionately
stroking her breast. "As Michael said, this can truly be shared only
with those we love. I had in mind perhaps a pair of kittens?"

Cortin gaped at him, then grinned and splashed water on his chest.
"You learned that about me during unity, while I only get feeling?
That doesn't seem quite fair--not that I can complain about what I do
get!"

"You know better than to jump at conclusions," Illyanov chided.
"Anthony, who has seen you with them, is not the only one who is aware
of your fondness for the young of all species, particularly the feline
one--a knowledge I got, not from your men, but from your reactions to
things like calendar pictures."

"Oops--not thinking too clearly at the moment, I guess. Too many
distractions. Sorry, Ivan." Cortin ducked under the water to rinse
her hair, but more to hide embarrassment. She did know better than
that; her only excuse was the shock of finding she loved--and was loved
by--so many people. She'd get over the shock--probably very soon, as
nice as it felt--but right now she was almost as much of a mess as the
situation they were all in.

"No apologies necessary," Illyanov said when she surfaced. "The . . .
total involvement shocked all of us. You may believe me suffering from
an excess of my ancestral Russian mysticism, but I felt I was one with
God. Turn around, I need to get your back.--You do realize that
Eleanor and Joseph's baby is the first human since the Blessed Virgin
to be conceived free of Original Sin?"

Cortin turned her head to stare at him. "Is that more of your Russian
mysticism?"

"Simple logic, beloved. A child conceived by parents incapable of sin
must share that protection, at least until it reaches the age of reason
and must decide for itself."

Cortin thought for a moment, then nodded. "That does make sense. I
haven't figured out all the implications of not being able to sin, yet."

"None of us have," Illyanov said. "It is possible we will receive some
surprises as to what is and is not sinful, as well. While God is
infallible, human interpretation of His Will is not." He smiled. "I
also have a feeling that we other Sealed Inquisitors will have to
imitate you in assuring ourselves of a subject's guilt before going
beyond the first stage of interrogation. I pray we are given
truthsense t