Part 50 (1/2)

”It's vague, like I said, but I'm as sure as I can be under the circ.u.mstances. I don't think it's possible to lie, mind to mind--could be your truthsense is a special form of telepathy.”

”Shayan helping us. That doesn't sound possible.” Cortin paused, still frowning. ”I hate to ask, Mike, and I'll understand if you don't want to--”

”But you'd like me to ask him directly.” Odeon rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. ”Okay. Just don't be surprised if I go into another funk.” He turned his attention to the h.e.l.l-King. *You've been listening; you know what I want.*

*You are quite correct about both the alliance and the reluctance,*

came the reply. *This, however, is not the time to go into that; the discussion we need to have will take longer than Cortin should give her prisoner to regroup. I am observing primarily so I will know when you are free for that discussion; I will not continue it now. For the moment, suffice it to say I will be pleased if her efforts to obtain this one's repentance are successful, though I very much doubt that will be the case.* With that, the direct contact broke, though Odeon still sensed the observation.

”Are you okay, Mike?” Cortin asked anxiously. ”You look pale.”

”Yeah, just a little shaken. By what he said, not the contact itself this time.” Odeon repeated what he'd been told, seeing astonishment to match his own on the women's faces.

”He'll be pleased if this one repents?” Cortin asked in disbelief.

”Uh-huh. And he doesn't want you giving him too much of a break.”

”That doesn't sound like Larry, unless . . .” Blackfeather paused, c.o.c.ked her head. ”He's got something to gain. Something that outweighs all his other interests--so I'd recommend very strongly that Your Excellency take his advice and return to your subject.”

”Since it would seem what he has to gain coincides with our interests, at least temporarily, that would seem to be the best, yes.”

Cortin peeled off her coverall and went upstairs with the other two, feeling a peculiar combination of satisfaction and disappointment. Her subject had been punished as thoroughly as she could manage for nearly ten hours--but he'd been as intransigent as Shayan had hinted, and he'd died cursing the Protector.

That was a blow, though she'd known she couldn't possibly turn all--maybe not even most--of her subjects to G.o.d. She'd tried her best with this one, she reminded herself, and if she hadn't been able to turn him, no one could have.

The odd part was that Shayan had wanted her to turn him, which she still didn't understand. While most of her wanted to avoid any possible contact with him, a small part was so curious about why he was cooperating that she couldn't help wanting the discussion he'd mentioned.

25. Discussion

The rest of the Family had waited supper, except for the children, who'd already finished and, to Cortin's relief, gone back to their floor. She and Odeon showered and got back into uniform while Sara told the rest about their brief communication with Shayan.

There was little conversation during the meal, though Cortin did comment that she'd expected him to make contact again as soon as her subject died.

”He says there isn't that much of a rush,” Odeon reported. ”He also wants to know how you'd prefer the discussion to take place: phone, mind-touch, or in person. He's offering to heal Chuck and Tony, too, then bring them home, to seal the alliance.”

”An offer I'll definitely accept,” Cortin said. ”And I'd prefer a meeting in person, if he can get here without frightening the servants.”

”He says he can. Tony and Chuck will be here as soon as they get dressed, and he'll join us himself when we're in the common-room and ready for him.”

The reunited Family had spent a few minutes celebrating, then Cortin had ordered refreshments set up in the common-room. When that was done and the servants had left, the Family pulled chairs into a circle and seated themselves. Moments later, with no fanfare, the empty spot was occupied by what looked like a slim elderly man in a white ca.s.sock.

”Shayan,” Cortin said, keeping her voice level.

”I prefer Lucius, if you don't mind.”

”Lucius, then. I knew I'd have to face you eventually; let's get it over with.”

The Pope held up both hands, shaking his head. ”This is a simple discussion, Colonel, not the decision point. You must have realized that for yourself, to have accepted the alliance and this meeting.”