s' marks had been into her hands;
while this one hadn't been the leader, he'd had no hesitation in taking
part in the massacre, or in helping to beat, rape, and maim her. She
planned to really enjoy this first truly personal part of her revenge,
she thought as the guards brought him to a halt facing her. "You know
me," she said, making sure he saw the backs of her hands. "You helped
inflict the originals of these, among other things; I'm sure you
remember."

The Brother's lip curled. "I remember all right, Bitch. Next time you
won't get off that easy--the Raidmaster says we're going to have real
Inquisitors of our own soon, with His Holiness' blessing--so we can
free the Systems of you and your blasphemies!" He grinned at her, not
pleasantly. "And dear God, how I'd love to see them playing with you!"

"If you enjoy threatening, go ahead," Cortin said, a little surprised
at herself. She'd thought she might be frightened if--or rather
when--she came to confront her torturers again; she was pleased to find
that this time, at least, that wasn't the case. She was more disturbed
by the idea of trained terrorist Inquisitors working with Shayan's
backing. At the moment, though-- "I doubt you'll be around to know if
your threats are realized, much less enjoy the results. Lieutenant
Pritchett?"

"Yes, Excellency?"

Odeon's voice interrupted, urgently. "By Your Excellency's leave!"

Cortin glanced at him in surprise. "What is it, Captain?"

"This is one of the Brothers I also have a personal matter to settle
with, Excellency. A severe beating of someone I love, in addition to
the other things done to her."

So that was his personal reason for joining the Strike Force! It'd
taken her long enough to learn it, Cortin thought, since she hadn't
thought it a good idea to ask him. "In that case, Captain, yours had
best take precedence. Just make sure, please, that he isn't damaged
too badly for questioning."

"No worse than second stage," Odeon promised. He'd like to do more,
but he wouldn't interfere with either her job or her revenge.
"Lieutenant Bain has agreed to monitor, to assure that."

"In that case, he's in your custody; secure him in Suite Bravo when
you're finished, and inform me. Lieutenant Pritchett, please provide
any assistance Captain Odeon requires."

"With pleasure, Excellency." Pritchett reached out a big hand and
pulled the Brother toward him, grinning widely. "Come with me, little
m