presumed orgasm would bring relief;
if anyone had experimented and found otherwise, it should've been
reported in the professional literature. Since I've never read about
such an experiment, I doubt it's ever been tried--but now that you
suggest it, the idea seems plausible. If you'd like to try,
Lieutenant, be my guest."

"No," Medart said firmly. "He can observe, since this is within your
law; taking part would go against a number of the laws that govern the
Imperial military." He turned to the Sandeman. "What's wrong,
Lieutenant? You're not acting like any warrior I've ever
met--including yourself, a couple of days ago."

"I feel fine, sir--I'm just not embarrassed by his display, the way I'd
have expected, and I . . . admire Colonel Cortin's work, which I
wouldn't have expected at all." And herself, to an even greater
degree . . .

"Just how strong is this admiration, Lieutenant?"

Keith looked from Ranger to Inquisitor and back, certain his expression
was answering Medart's question before he spoke. "Strongly enough that
if I thought there was any chance of acceptance, I would offer her my
fealty."

Cortin looked at him thoughtfully, then smiled. "If that means what I
believe it does, Lieutenant, you'd be in no danger of refusal."

Keith returned the smile, feeling a blast of elation, then acted on her
promise and knelt. "Colonel Joan Cortin, I wish you as my chosen lady,
if that should be your will. I offer all that is in me to give: body
and mind, will and honor, whatever courage is mine. And death itself
may not deny the service I offer, in whatever afterlife is to come."

She extended her hands, smiling again. "I accept your service and
yourself with thanks, warrior."

Keith took her hands and rose, wishing he could display his elation,
but that would be improper with others around. Instead, he bowed to
her. "You do me great honor, Thakur."

"The honor is mine," Cortin replied. "Are there any formalities that
need to be taken care of?"

"I'll handle those when we finish here," Medart said. "His release
from service, back pay and allowances--but it'll be up to you to notify
his clan and make arrangements for his tattoo."

"When we're done here, as you say." Cortin turned to her new sworn
man. "To give you a status recognized here, I'm commissioning you a
Royal Enforcement Service officer. Now, would you like to test your
theory?"

"Very much, Thakur." Keith paused, then conti