17. Family
As she experienced, for minutes almost becoming, each of the Sealedmen, Cortin's appreciation of them grew. Tony's quiet, unobtrusivecompetence, Ivan's culture and dry humor, the Prince's devotion to hiswife and the Systems, the others' varying individualities--and all ofthem loving her, she returning it. The full unity proved to be onlybetween man and woman, which she found out when Princess Ursula suckledwhile Edward was merging with her--but she felt Ursula through him,knew the Princess shared her through him as well, sharing love withboth.
Later, it was Tiny and Sis who joined her, Tiny's seed still fillingthe nun's womb though Cortin smiled, trying to project her delight thatits work was done. The fourth person in this union was unformed asyet, but undeniably there, conceived in their unity and bathed in allthree's when she and Tiny merged, erupting into each other.
When the unity faded, Cortin kissed both of them."Congratulations--what're you going to name him?"
"Name who?" Powell asked.
Cortin glanced at Chang, got a nod, and called, "Gather 'round,people!" When they did, she said, "Don't ask me how I know, because Ican't tell you--but it's my honor and pleasure to tell you all that Sisis pregnant. The child's a boy, and Tiny's the father."
There was a tumult of congratulations until Pritchett interrupted,looking stunned. "But I'm sterile!"
"You were, legally," Chang said with a serene smile. "That is defined,of course, as a class three or lower sperm count and motilityrating--but as long as sperm are present at all, there is a chance ofconception, however remote. Since we did conceive, that definition nolonger applies; you are demonstrably fertile."
Pritchett hugged both women, then disentangled himself from Cortin togive his full attention to the mother of his child. Cortin stretched,catlike, then stood. Once with each of them had been enough to satisfyher need--though it had also left her with a nagging apprehension.Could a team so emotionally involved with each other, and especiallywith its CO, continue to function properly?
At least they were gathered around the expectant parents, not her, andseemed to be coming to rapid agreement on something. Of the others,the Prince and Princess looked wistful, and Bradford and Illyanov wereapproaching her. Bradford seemed worried, Illyanov buoyant. "Problem,Brad?" Cortin asked.
"Maybe, depending on what His Majesty decides to do about two fertileStrike Force troopers, the waivered one of whom is pregnant." Bradfordfrowned. "Normally, you know, she'd be transferred to base duty ordischarged at her option and he'd be transferred to the regulars--but Ihappen to think moving either of them would be a mistake. So I'm goingto recommend waivering both of them as long as you're willing to keepthem on Azrael."
"Which will be as long as they're willing to stay," Cortin said."Thanks, Brad, but that's not the only problem. We also have a TeamLeader who's just found out she's in love with her entire team--as wellas Their Highnesses and the two of you." She sighed deeply. "Iwouldn't want to change a bit of it, but this does put us in onehorrendous mess, and if we can manage to salvage anything we'veplanned, it'll be a major miracle."
"I see no serious problems," Illyanov said cheerfully. "After themiracles we have just experienced, how can you doubt that God willcontinue to help us?"
His confidence was reassuring; Cortin found herself able to grin. "Idon't doubt it a bit. Just remember that we can't count on Him untilwe've done all we can do for ourselves."
"I am fully aware of that," Illyanov said with a smile. "And I believeyou can do more than either you or Colonel Bradford have allowedyourself to realize." He turned, gesturing a request to the Royalcouple to join them. When they did, he bowed. "Your Highnesses, whatlimitations are applicable to a Strike Force Team Leader who is also anInquisitor?"
"No treason or regicide," Prince Edward said promptly. "Anything elsethey do, as long as it's directed toward stopping the terrorists--ordone in the Kingdoms' interests, a proviso I persuaded my father to getthe other Sovereigns to agree to a few days ago--is covered by theirWrits of Immunity."
"An excellent addition, Your Highness," Illyanov said. "And if such anInquisitor/Team Leader's opinion of what is in the Kingdoms' bestinterest happens not to coincide with current canon or civil law?"
The Prince frowned. "I don't know," he said slowly. "I was at all theStrike Force planning conferences, and I don't remember thatpossibility ever being discussed."
Illyanov turned to Bradford. "The same question, My Lord Bishop. AsStrike Force commander, you must know the answer."
Bradford shook his head. "His Highness is right--the possibility wasnever brought up. I know it never occurred to me; now that you bringit up, it frightens me."
"It should reassure you instead," Illyanov said. "If it occurred tonone of those charged with the Kingdoms' protection, I think it safe toassume it will not occur to any in a position and with a desire to harmthem." He turned back to Cortin. "I would suggest, beloved, that youtake your Writ at face value and do whatever you think best."
Odeon had left the team group to listen; now he nodded. "I secondthat, Joanie. The best way to make a change is to do it--and Sis hasagreed to marry us. Will you perform the ceremony?"
"Wait a minute!" Cortin protested. "Are you all telling me that HisHoliness and Their Majesties gave us more power than they havethemselves?"
"It would appear so," Illyanov said, "since they must obey the law, andyou need not if you believe disobeying to be in the Kingdoms' bestinterest."
Cortin felt a sudden brief hysteria. Standing here naked and sweaty,in definite need of a bath--and they were telling her, with absoluteseriousness, that she was more powerful than King or Pope! That was afrightening idea--but Mike was right, making changes required action.Still-- "I . . . let me clean up and think about it. It's tootempting--sounds too easy."
"We do all need baths," Illyanov agreed, putting his arm around herwaist and starting to urge her toward her rooms. "It will be far lesseasy than it sounds, beloved; this merely makes it possible. But wewill all help you."
Before, that sort of presumption would have irritated her, orworse--she might not have wanted to bathe with him, maybe not withanyone. Now, though, she realized that she did want company,specifically Ivan's, and she slid her arm around his waist.
They were silent as the tub filled, Illyanov respecting Cortin's needto think. He'd had no trouble accepting her as the Protector, unlike acouple of the others, but he did have the advantage of Dmitriantraditional prophecies and a mother who'd been matter-of-factly certainher eldest son would meet the Promised One and fulfill those prophecieswith Her. He'd guessed it might be Joan when she fulfilled part ofthem by becoming an Inquisitor who assured herself of her subjects'guilt, had thought it highly probable when she'd fulfilled another partby celebrating her restored sexuality with all of them, and had becomepositive when Michael told him she knew nothing of her mission, also asprophesied. Becoming one with her hadn't been necessary to his beliefin her, though he admitted to himself that it was good to know ratherthan simply believe. The awesome vastness of even the body-limitedpart of her Self was both humbling and a promise of what humanity inthe Systems could become under her protection and guidance. Thepermanent Protector's later, of course--but most definitely Joan's fornow.
Cortin stirred the rising water with her foot, watching the ripples,comforted by the man sitting on the edge of the tub with her, his armaround her shoulders. Taken at face value, her Writ did give heralmost unlimited power, and she'd like nothing better than to use it togive those she loved the first expanded Family. Most of them, anyway. . . the royals would have to find other spouses at their own level,Ivan and Brad already had families and intentions of expanding themwith friends/lovers, and she . . . well, she knew perfectly well shecouldn't be part of the marriage. She'd give them a nice Nuptial Mass,though.
The thought of Mass made her think of Communion, the rapturousabsorption in Divinity she experienced sharing Jeshua's Body and Blood.And had expe
rienced earlier today, first drinking from Mike, then inunion. It was confusing that three such different experiences couldaffect her the same way . . .
"Shall we get in before the water gets cold?"
"Huh?" Cortin glanced at her companion, seeing amused sympathy on hisface. "Sorry, Ivan. I was thinking about something else."
"Are you trying to teach your instructor to suck eggs?" Illyanov asked,one eyebrow raised. He slid into the thigh-deep water, turned to helpher in. "Have you decided?"
"Decided? Oh--yes. I've got to make the effort; I'll marry themwhenever they want. And pray the Pope or someone doesn't annul it."She frowned. "I wouldn't be too worried if it was still PopeAnthony--but Lucius is as conservative as they come. I'm not sure whathe'll do . . . and for no reason I can pinpoint, I don't trust him."
In that case, Illyanov thought, neither did he--but he kept to theprimary subject. "A valid marriage cannot be annulled, and that willbe one, under the provisions of your Writ." Illyanov picked up theshampoo, began washing her hair. "It seems to me a good idea to marrythem as early as possible, although--like your suspicion of PopeLucius--I have no specific reason for the idea." He paused, then wenton. "I am also concerned with what will happen when he and theSovereigns realize the power they gave you and those like you. Ex postfacto laws are invalid, so they will be unable to negate what youdo--but it would not surprise me if they act quickly to restrict thosepowers."
"How quickly is quickly?" Cortin returned the favor, grabbing the soapand lathering her companion.
"All were involved in issuing the Writs, so all must agree on theirmodification. I am astonished that Prince Edward's modification wasaccepted so rapidly, though it was relatively minor; this is major, soit should take a Sovereign's Conference. Even with preparations madeas fast as possible, I would be surprised if it could convene in lessthan a month. Most, you know, take a year or more to arrange."
"I never thought I'd be grateful for bureaucratic delays," Cortin said,"but this time I am." She thought of something, frowned. "Wait--Ican't use the Writ yet! Not until we're activated, and who knows howlong that'll be? If they catch on before then, either modify the Writsor simply never activate us, I won't be able to do anything!"
"Not true," Illyanov said. "You simply cannot use it openly untilthen." He grinned. "You are too straightforward for politics,beloved--one of the reasons I love you. Your Writ has been valid sinceit was issued, as is whatever you have done or will do under it. Marrythe team, then lay the groundwork, bring together the rest of those youneed for what you must accomplish, let the public--through a reporter,of course--see you at prayer and play as well as work, continue givingout the blessed cartridges."
"Play?" Cortin cocked her head, looking up at him.
"Not this kind, of course." Illyanov returned the look, affectionatelystroking her breast. "As Michael said, this can truly be shared onlywith 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 doget!"
"You know better than to jump at conclusions," Illyanov chided."Anthony, who has seen you with them, is not the only one who is awareof your fondness for the young of all species, particularly the felineone--a knowledge I got, not from your men, but from your reactions tothings like calendar pictures."
"Oops--not thinking too clearly at the moment, I guess. Too manydistractions. Sorry, Ivan." Cortin ducked under the water to rinseher hair, but more to hide embarrassment. She did know better thanthat; her only excuse was the shock of finding she loved--and was lovedby--so many people. She'd get over the shock--probably very soon, asnice as it felt--but right now she was almost as much of a mess as thesituation they were all in.
"No apologies necessary," Illyanov said when she surfaced. "The . . .total involvement shocked all of us. You may believe me suffering froman excess of my ancestral Russian mysticism, but I felt I was one withGod. Turn around, I need to get your back.--You do realize thatEleanor and Joseph's baby is the first human since the Blessed Virginto be conceived free of Original Sin?"
Cortin turned her head to stare at him. "Is that more of your Russianmysticism?"
"Simple logic, beloved. A child conceived by parents incapable of sinmust share that protection, at least until it reaches the age of reasonand must decide for itself."
Cortin thought for a moment, then nodded. "That does make sense. Ihaven'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 somesurprises as to what is and is not sinful, as well. While God isinfallible, human interpretation of His Will is not." He smiled. "Ialso have a feeling that we other Sealed Inquisitors will have toimitate you in assuring ourselves of a subject's guilt before goingbeyond the first stage of interrogation. I pray we are giventruthsense to do so accurately, lest we release those who will harm theones we are sworn to protect."
"That would have to be a part of it," Cortin agreed. "Try some testquestions on me. I'll try to lie on one of them; if you've got thesame kind of truthsense now that I do, you'll be able to feel whichone."
"Questions I do not know the answers to. Having been your instructor,I know you well enough for that to be difficult; let me think."
He had finished bathing her and was being bathed in turn before he wasable to think of any. As he'd told her, he knew too much about her formost conventional questions to be evidential, and the unconventionalones he really wanted to ask would tell her too much. "Do you believethe Protector's appearance will make our profession obsolete?"
"No," Cortin said promptly. "We'll be just as necessary, though notalways in the same way, I'm sure." She grinned. "Not everyone's goingto be willing to give up even the little free will we did, either to besure of Heaven or to avoid Hell. Criminals still won't give up theirinformation without a fight, and they'll still need mortal punishment;there'll definitely be a place for Inquisitors!"
"That is good to know. Ah . . . let me see. I do not remember that weever went into your pre-Academy background, with the exception of yourfamily being a farming one; if the subject would not be too painful,that might be a possible area of evidence."
"My adoptive family," Cortin corrected him. "But I can't say mychildhood was any more painful than average, so go ahead."
"Do you remember your biological parents at all?"
"No. As far as I know, I never saw either of them; I was the classicorphan left in a basket on someone's front porch."
"What about siblings?"
"One, an older brother. Though Mother and Father would have dearlyloved more; I remember regular Masses for that intention."
"And how did they feel when you went into Enforcement?"
"As surprised as I was, and I think a little disappointed, though theytried not to show it. We . . . lost touch . . . not long after I wentto the Academy."
"Not a close family, then."
"Not particularly," Cortin agreed. "When I gave up farming, we had nointerests in common any longer, so I suppose it was natural to losecontact. It was my fault as much as theirs; I got so absorbed in mystudies that I took longer and longer answering letters, and when Idid, it was about the Academy and my classmates. Also . . . I didn'tmention it, but I'm sure they knew I was using our dispensation, andthey didn't approve."
"Fortunate for us, though not for them." That seemed to close thatsubject; Illyanov sought for another. "Ah . . . assuming the Protectordefeats Shayan and we are able to expand beyond the Systems' presentlimits, do you believe we will be able to avoid contact with theEmpire?"
"I think so, for another couple of centuries at least."
Illyanov quirked an eyebrow. "And that, beloved, is true only as ahope, not a conviction. So we have proven two things."
"That at least under test circumsta
nces lying isn't sinful," Cortinagreed, "and that you--by extension, Dave and Brad too--have a reliabletruthsense."
"And we will find out more as we go." Illyanov studied her for amoment. "What do you truly believe about the Empire, beloved?"
Cortin rubbed the back of her neck in a gesture she'd picked up fromOdeon. "I'm afraid of them," she admitted slowly. "I can't say it's atotally justified fear--there's been no contact since the Flight, afterall, and all the comm intercepts I've heard confirm theirnon-interference claims. But that's hard to believe of any government."
Illyanov nodded. "I share that particular reservation, though notstrongly. I believe contact will be traumatic, but ultimatelybeneficial. Like your fear, my optimism is not totally justified. Itis stronger than a mere hunch, however, and I confess I would like tomeet some of them face to face."
Cortin looked at him quizzically. "Even the non-human ones?"
"Perhaps especially those," Illyanov admitted, smiling. "But I fear Iam monopolizing your time; perhaps we should rejoin the others." Hehelped her finish rinsing him, then got out of the tub and gave her ahand up.
Clean and dressed--someone had thoughtfully laid Illyanov's uniform outon Cortin's bed--the two returned to the common-room. The rest werealready back, and Brady was serving herb tea and small cakes. Cortintook one, though she wasn't really hungry, and nibbled at it untilBrady left. Then she got the group's attention and said, "Ivan came upwith an idea a few minutes ago. I don't particularly like it, but Ican definitely see where it could be useful: let a reporter spend sometime with us, enough to get to know us as people instead of symbols."
That got a mixed reaction, from Degas' wince to Odeon's thoughtful nod."Personally," her Team-second said after a moment's thought, "I don'tlike it any better than you do . . . but otherwise, it sounds good.And we can handle anything, for a short enough time."
"A week should be about right," Bradford said. "And I think I know theideal reporter to invite."
Cortin cocked her head. "That expression says you're up to something,Brad. Just who is this ideal reporter?"
"Sara Blackfeather, of the New Roman Times."
Cortin stared at him in shocked disbelief. "Are you feeling all right?She not only despises Enforcement, rumor has it she's Pope Lucius'mistress!"
"Not just rumor," Bradford said. "You have to remember, though, thatin that part of this world, an unmarried man is almost required to havea mistress. If he's faithful to her--and everything I've heard says heis, from the time he acknowledged her when he was CardinalMcHenry--it's only a venial sin. As for her being hostile, what wouldit prove if, say, Patrick James did a series? He's always been anEnforcement supporter. But if you can turn Blackfeather into afriend--even a neutral--she'd sway a lot of her followers. Even herworst enemies can't argue her honesty; if she does change her opinion,she'll say so."
"True," Cortin agreed. "She's done it before, two or three times thatI know of. All right, as soon as I decide on a good time, I'll sendher an invitation. And while we're on that subject--Dave, have youasked Betty yet if she and the children want to move here?"
"No--until this morning, I didn't understand how you really felt."Bain smiled. "I'll call her after Mass."
"Why wait?" Cortin returned the smile. "Call now, so we'll all know.It's a good time to move--nice weather, and the children'll have timeto make friends before school starts. And if they do come, I'd like tohave them here when Blackfeather arrives--I have a feeling I'm going toneed the kind of atmosphere only children can create."
"Besides which," Bain said, "your secret's out, to us--you just plainlike children." He went to the phone, dialed, and moments later wasspeaking to his sister-in-law. He explained the new family structureand his part in the first one being formed, then went into theadvantages for the children even if she chose not to marry into thegroup--then he grinned, giving the group around him the thumbs-up, andbegan discussing logistic details.
"Good!" Cortin exclaimed. "Sis, Mike--we'll need a playground, and thethird floor set up for children, and--a nanny, do you think, or--"
"Next weekend be okay?" Bain interrupted to ask.
"The sooner the better," Cortin said. If they could move in thatquickly, it might not be a bad idea to invite that reporter for theweek around the Brothers' attack on the convent. If she'd never beento a fresh raid scene, she could only have a rough, second-hand idea ofthe suffering a raid caused. Seeing that might jar her enough to lether really look at what Enforcement did, and why--including thenecessity for Inquisitors and the methods it took to stop theterrorists. Cortin wasn't sure it would, but with Blackfeather'sreputation for honesty, it seemed to be worth the gamble. "If they'llneed help, fly out with whoever you need."
Bain spoke into the phone again, then hung up and turned to the rest."Two of us will be more than enough, she says. Who wants to be theother?"
Pritchett raised his hand quickly. "I've always been good with kids."
"I would also like to go," Chang said.
Cortin shook her head. "Sorry, Sis. Even if you weren't pregnant,it'd be too dangerous. I know you're no more worried about yourselfthan any other Strike Team officer would be, but with you at the top ofthe Brothers' wipe list, if they tried for you, the Bains would getcaught in the crossfire."
"I had not thought of that," Chang said. "I would not wish to endangerothers, of course. Dave and Tiny, then?"
"Right. On permissive TDY--and," she turned to the designated ones,"with orders to call me if the Transportation Office gives you anystatic about storing whatever she can't or doesn't want to bring along.Not that that's likely, with both of you members of the King's Own."
"True." Bain grinned. "I kind of hope they do, though. You cannotbelieve how much I'd like to see their faces if Her Excellency theKing's Inquisitor had to talk to them."
"Oh, I'd believe, all right," Cortin said. "I've had all the usualexperiences with them myself, which is why I'm kind of hoping you haveto call."
* * * * *
Prince Edward tapped on the King's half-open office door. "Good news,Father."
The King looked up from the papers he was working on. "Come in andclose the door." When Edward had obeyed and seated himself, the Kingasked, "How good?"
"Colonel Cortin's just turned Strike Team Azrael into a family, andLieutenant Chang is pregnant with Lieutenant Pritchett's son. I don'tknow what the new family name will be, yet."
"That's excellent news," the King said, smiling widely. "I was hopingshe'd do something like that, and of course she'd take care of her ownpeople first. Let's see--Chang was waivered with undeterminedfertility, but Pritchett definitely tested sterile, so I think that cansafely be classed as a miracle. Most gratifying."
"You're not surprised?" Edward asked, a little disappointed.
"I had some information you didn't," the King said drily. "Remember atthe Sovereigns' Conference, Pope Anthony called Czar Nicholas andmyself to a private audience?"
"Yes, of course."
"His Holiness told us that he'd be murdered soon, and that we shouldtake that as evidence for the rest of what he had to say. He was, andwe did. I don't think I need to tell you what the 'rest' was."
"Not if it's that this is the time of the Final Coming," Edward saidcautiously.
"And that the Royal Inquisitor either Nicholas or I would choose wouldbe, without knowing it, the Protector. From what we know of ColonelsCortin and Stepanov, she's the one. Is that true?"
Edward hesitated, trying to absorb the idea that Cortin's true identitywas known--or at least suspected--outside her immediate circle. On theother hand, Pope Anthony had been holy in fact as well as title; itshouldn't be that much of a surprise that God would lay the same sortof groundwork, through him, that Shayan had undoubtedly laid forhimself. "Acting Protector, yes, until the real one manifests," Edwardsaid at last. "Ursula and I are Sealed to him through her, along withall of Team Azrael, Colonel Bradford, a
nd Major Illyanov. CaptainOdeon and Lieutenant Chang are her priests, as well." He paused, wenton. "She's worried about what you'll do with Pritchett and Chang nowthat they're going to be parents. And what Pope Lucius will do aboutthe marriage."
"I'm certainly not going to take her people away from her," the Kingsaid. "Team Azrael isn't subject to the conventional Strike Teamdangers, so I can justify exempting them from the sterility rules. Thedangers they--and you--will face are of an entirely different nature.One no mortal, I'm afraid, can do anything to protect you against. Asfor Pope Lucius acting against the marriage--" the King smiled, grimly."I'm sure he'll try, but considering the celebrant, I doubt very muchhe'll get very far. 'Whom therefore God hath joined together, let noman put asunder.' The marriage is valid under His--" He paused, with abemused expression, then went on, "or Her--Law. Though I admit itwould be helpful if it were also valid under some temporal laws aswell, which I'm working on. I don't suppose she's part of this familyshe's just created?"
"Not yet--but Captain Odeon is working on a way to correct that."
"Very good. Let me know as soon as he does; if this is going to work,she'll have to have heirs."
"Of course, Father. Uh . . . what about additional spouses for Ursulaand myself?"
"I'm working on that, too. God willing, arrangements will be completefor you a new husband and wife by the time I activate the Strike Force,and she'll perform the ceremony."