"No flattery intended," Odeon said, straight-faced. "Just doing my
duty, keeping the CO informed. Of course, I imagine she'll see for
herself here shortly."
"If not," Chang said, "I will be most disappointed. When I was praying
for a normal trooper's sexual attitude and abilities, I did not realize
the strength of the drive I was praying for. I confess I am finding it
difficult to keep my hands to myself."
"Why try, then?" Cortin asked. "Neither of you is on duty, there
aren't any civs around, and Tiny looks willing enough."
"More than willing," Pritchett said, extending his hand to the medic.
"I need a shower first; care to join me?"
"That sounds most enjoyable."
"Attractive couple, aren't they?" Odeon asked appreciatively as the
pair disappeared into the bathroom.
"Very," Cortin agreed. "Sis deserved a miracle if anyone did, and
Tiny'll be good for her." She let the sheet drop--and found out why
Odeon was wearing a robe at this time of day; he was naked. And, she
thought with satisfaction, as beautifully and excitingly male as she
remembered.
Odeon looked at her, afraid that what he'd learned of her early that
morning would block his normal reaction to her. To his considerable
relief, he discovered it didn't; if anything, it made her more
desirable. The remembered taste of her milk sent a surge of thrilling
warmth through him, focusing in his loins.
Cortin grinned at her second's fast arousal, holding out her arms as
she felt half-familiar, half-strange sensations in her belly. "It's
nice to have a dependable second--especially one who's properly
respectful."
Odeon glanced down, smiling at her familiar banter. "Yes, ma'am. The
Academy did stress respect for one's superior officers, and the
importance of a proper stance of attention."
* * * * *
They lay for awhile when it ended, catching their breath, then Odeon
withdrew, caressing her affectionately. "You seemed to enjoy that--and
it's the best I've ever had."
"Enjoy?" Cortin looked at him, trying to sort out her feelings.
"That's . . . I don't know. Too weak a word." She smiled at him, a
bit tentatively. "Mike . . . it was like climaxing, the whole
time--and when you did, it was . . ." She hesitated, searching for
words, then gave it up as hopeless. Even a poet would have trouble
describing what she'd felt! "I can't describe it, except that it was
like being filled with liquid fire--and I'm still tingling from it."
"So what's the verdict for tonight? Rest or recreation?"
"Recreation, definitely. After supper, though."
"Bradford and Illyanov have been making it pretty clear they'd like in,
if you're willing."
'Willing' seemed like a pretty weak word too, Cortin thought. It
didn't seem her drive was any stronger than it had been, so maybe it
was the length of time she'd had to abstain, but the idea of as wide a
variety as she could get--and as much--was overwhelmingly attractive.
"I assume you told them I would be?"
"Not exactly, though I did say you'd enjoyed men from outside your team
in the past. Sweet Mother, I couldn't even be sure you'd want me,
after what the Brothers did to you!" Until he'd been told this
morning that she would, and he'd only become positive when she'd
claimed him . . .
"There's a major difference between an enemy assault and a friendly
tussle," Cortin said drily. "I was a little nervous at first, I can't
deny that, but it didn't last long. I didn't notice you having me held
down, or using broken bottles, or gun barrels along with threats to
blow my head off from the inside."
"You never told me that!" Odeon exclaimed, horrified.
"I . . . had a hard time talking about it until now. Even during
debrief, with all of Colonel Bradford's skill. I still do, a little."
Odeon embraced her, swearing to himself. What he had known was bad
enough--but he hadn't imagined rape with a gun barrel, and he didn't
want to imagine any parts she'd still have trouble talking about. Brad
was right--they had to get Joanie out of the field, somewhere she'd be
safe, before the Brothers had a chance to get hold of her again, off
limits or not, and maybe do something even worse. Between himself,
Brad, and Ivan, they should be able to find some way to get her into a
safe job willingly! "It's okay, Joanie," he said softly. "We'll take
care of you."
Cortin started to pull away, protesting that she could take care of
herself, then she settled back into his arms. Mike meant well, she was
sure, and it was nice having him hold her. "We'll all take care of
each other," she agreed. "And yes, do invite Ivan and Brad
along--we'll make a real party of it."
"That sounds like fun." Odeon gave a theatrical sigh. "Which I
suppose means I should get up and call them."
"No need," Chang said, startling them both; they hadn't realized she
and Tiny were back until she spoke. "We will do so, though that will
give you only a few more minutes."
"Every little bit helps," Odeon said. "Thanks, Sis--Tiny."