"Requisition them as team equipment," Bradford said. "Team Flame has already put one in for candles." "I like the idea," Odeon said thoughtfully. "Anyone on a Strike Team, not just the Inquisitors, is going to be a prime target as soon as we go public. So I agree with Dave--we might as well take the advantages with the dangers." "I didn't join Special Ops or the Strike Force for safety and security," Degas agreed. "I'm for it." "Same here," "And I also," came simultaneously from Pritchett and Chang. "I'd say that settles that," Cortin said, gratified. "Shall we eat, gentles?" That suggestion got hearty approval, and the men served themselves while Cortin gave her mug of broth a disgruntled look. "Looking forward to some solid food?" Bradford asked, grinning. "Oh, I've cleared Ivan for this experiment, since I could see how close you two got while he was training you." "Um." Cortin looked from him to Illyanov, whose attempt at an innocent look might possibly have fooled a two-year-old, then back. So Ivan wanted in too, did he? Well, she certainly didn't have any objection! "Yes, I am," she said. "Right now, I'm not sure whether I'm looking forward more to that, or to being able to have sex again. I suppose I'll find out when I'm able to have both." That got chuckles, and Chang smiled. "I will make sure you are nourished well enough that you can make your choice without concern for your strength." Cortin bowed in her direction. "Thanks, Sis. That should make it fair enough . . . as long as I'm not asked to choose between a chocolate eclair and one of you ready for action. In that case, I'd probably try for both at once." "No chocolate eclairs, then," Odeon said promptly. "The other I won't promise." Cortin almost choked on her broth, but managed to bring herself under control. "I wouldn't put it past any of you gentlemen, and I can't think of anything nicer to wake up to--but any sedative strong enough to knock me out under algetin won't leave me able to do any of us much good for . . . how long, Sis? About a day?" "Considerably less than that, I should say," Chang replied. "I will discontinue the algetin only when I am convinced you are completely healed, and the sedative I will use will fade into a natural sleep. When you wake from that, you should be fully recovered and capable of any exertions you care to make." "Better than I thought, then. When do you plan to operate?" "Tomorrow morning," Bradford answered for the medic. "I've had what would be the armory in a real shelter set up for the operation. You should be on your feet again within a week." 9. Surgery