shock rather than cold. Wrists and ankles were bruised, consistent
with the padded shackles--but it didn't make sense! Even if she
ignored the impossibility of Dave interrogating one of the team, he
wouldn't use padded shackles, and his subject would certainly have more
serious injuries than simple bruises! Yet Mike had been terribly hurt,
despite his lack of wounds, and Dave had been there--watching, if
nothing else. What was going on?

At least Mike didn't seem to be in immediate danger, as far as she
could tell. His pulse was weak but steady and his breathing was
regular, not labored, though also not as strong as she'd like. The
muscle tremors were slowing too, which was a good sign.

Moments later she heard the door open, and turned. "Sis? We're in
here."

"Dave told me." Cortin moved aside, making way for the medic to kneel
beside her patient. Chang opened her kit and began checking Odeon's
condition. "What was done to him?"

"I don't know," Cortin said, controlling her frustration with an
effort. "I can't even make a realistic guess--didn't Dave tell you
anything?"

"He was too upset to tell me more than the basic information I
required--that Mike had been hurt, but only minimally injured." Chang
continued her examination for a few minutes, then stood. "He is
exhausted, and there may be some muscular strain in addition to the
bruises; otherwise, he is well. He requires only warmth, rest, and
time for complete recovery."

"He'll get all he needs." Cortin turned to Pritchett, who'd come in
while Chang was working. "You brought the blankets?"

"In the office."

"Good. Sis, how soon can we move him someplace more comfortable?"

"When he stops trembling--a few minutes, I should say."

"Will it be safe to take him upstairs, or should I have a bed brought
down?"

"It will be safe." Chang smiled. "His hurts are not life-threatening,
though he will be easily fatigued and probably uncomfortable for three
or four days. Possibly longer, though I would be surprised if he is
not fully recovered within a week."

They had Odeon upstairs and settled in his own bed by the time Illyanov
arrived, and the entire Family--the rest awakened by the commotion--was
gathered in the common-room. Bain had told them he'd really rather not
have to go through the story more than once and Cortin had agreed--his
distress was obvious--so it wasn't until she'd apologized for getting
Illyanov up on what now look