Odeon chuckled. "I'm fine, Joanie, between Tanj here and the studying." He rubbed the kitten's ears, smiling at her loud purr. "She's a little darling, and I'm almost afraid to say I'm really enjoying my research, as much as I got teased for it in school. I don't think that's what you called me in for, though." "To find out exactly how you're doing, yes; the details of your research, no. And I hadn't expected you to bring your little friend along." "Who brought her? I can't keep her away! Don't worry, though, she won't interfere." "And just how do you know that?" "A trip to the New Eden in the wee hours this morning, when I started feeling interested for the first time since Shayan worked on me. If I recall my explorations here correctly, you were with Chuck and Dave, Sis and Betty with the other two, and I didn't want to wake anyone. I also didn't want to take Tanj, but you know what a sucker I am--even worse than you, where kids and animals are concerned. So she went along, in my pocket. She watched, the first couple of times, then went to sleep. A pillow on the floor, if you're curious." "Not primarily about that," Cortin said. "May I be nosy and ask how many you enjoyed?" Uncharacteristically, Odeon flushed. "Uh--I can't match you, but--all the ladies who were awake. You know what it's like when you've been dry for a while." "I sure do." Cortin tried to look stern, but failed miserably and gave up, grinning instead. "I should chew you out for not waking me, Captain. I assume, however, that you're back to normal and willing to demonstrate?" "Willing and eager, Excellency." * * * * * Both of them were far more relaxed when they dressed for dinner, though Tangerine meowed plaintively at Odeon and tried to climb his trouser leg. He shrugged, grinning at Cortin, and sat down. "Part of her routine this time of day, I'm afraid," he apologized as the kitten jumped to his shoulder and began nibbling at his earlobe. "Has you pretty well trained, doesn't she?" Cortin said, chuckling. "Uh-huh." Odeon dug into a pocket, unwrapped and handed the kitten a piece of something Cortin couldn't identify but Tangerine obviously could; she hopped down to his lap with a sound halfway between a purr and a growl, eating her treat. Odeon let her finish, then put her on the floor. "I'm cleared for the convent defense, then." Cortin nodded. "You are. I just wish I were, too." * * * * * The following evening, Cortin went to Odeon's room shortly before supper. "Mike, got a minute?" "Any time. What's up?" "Not that, this close to supper--will you and Sis be holding services this evening?" "Of course. Are you going to bring Blackfeather?"