* * * * *
"Ego te absolvo in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen."
"Amen," Medart relayed. "He'd like Communion, but without a tongue,
he's not sure he can manage." He paused, grinned. "We may be able to
help there, too, unless you've developed regrowth techniques."
"Spiritual Communion is as effective as physical," Cortin reminded the
penitent, "though I admit it doesn't feel the same." She turned to the
Ranger. "We don't have regrowth, no, but I do seem to remember hearing
something about it. Only as a rumor, though."
"It's quite real. We learned it from the Traiti, and the Lindner's
doctors are trained in the procedures. Initiating it will only take a
few hours, but the regrowth itself usually takes a couple of weeks."
"A couple of weeks shouldn't matter, and since it's possible, it should
be part of his restitution. What will such treatment cost?"
"No charge," Medart said. "Civilians can be treated at military
facilities if there's space and what they need isn't otherwise
available, both of which are true here." He turned to the Sandeman.
"Take him up to the ship when Colonel Cortin's done, please."
"Yes, sir."
"I'd suggest," Cortin said, "that you bring a few extra bodyguards when
you come back, Lieutenant. I learned from an earlier prisoner that
Imperials are at the top of the Brotherhood's wipe list, and after the
way he helped me today, Ranger Medart will be a particular target."
Medart frowned. "A Sandeman warrior's the only bodyguard I've had
since they joined the Empire. And that's more symbol than necessity."
"In the Empire, maybe so," Cortin said. "For a major Brotherhood
target, a bodyguard is a necessity. And it's a good idea to have
physically impressive ones. Despite their abilities, Sandemans are
impressive only to people who're familiar with them, which most in the
Kingdom Systems aren't."
"You're the expert here," Medart said. "Okay. Keith, ask Colonel
Williamson to detail me a standard team, the biggest people he's got.
You'll be in charge of them, of course. Oh, and you can stay aboard
overnight, if you'd like."
"Yes, thank you, sir." Keith smiled briefly, and Medart hid a grin.
If Cortin thought he should have physically impressive bodyguards, that
could be arranged--along with an evaluation of the Systems' attitude
toward non-humans, though if it weren't for her suggestion, he'd have
put that off for a while yet.
"Good," Cortin said. "Captain Odeon, would you show Ranger Medart to
his suite, please?"
"Of course, Colonel. If you'll come with me, sir?"