Keith turned to his chosen lady. "Was that satisfactory, Thakur?"

"Most satisfactory," Cortin said with unconcealed admiration. "You've

just given me--all Inquisitors, once I get it published--what promises

to become an extremely useful standard technique, especially with

rapists. I'll see you're given full credit, of course." She smiled at

Keith. "You've also changed my plans for him. That degree of pain,

administered repeatedly, can be lethal--and I can't think of a more

fitting end for a rapist. We'll let him drip overnight, then give him

a fresh dose and see how many times he can take what he forced on

others. What do you think?"

Keith was flattered that she asked his opinion, but . . . "I don't

share your expertise, Thakur, so my opinion may not be valid. Still,

it sounds appropriate to me."

"So be it, then." Cortin smiled at him, approvingly. "Would you like

to help? You seemed to enjoy yourself as much as an Inquisitor would,

and Mike doesn't have that particular quirk; he helps because he loves

me, not because he likes the work."

Keith hesitated briefly before answering. "It surprises me, Thakur,

that I did enjoy it. But I would not displace Captain Odeon from

something that brings you two close."

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