"And right now she's more interested in the punishment part than the correction one," Odeon said. "That's not surprising—but helping her change that emphasis has to be Sis' and my first priority."
"That will not keep her from carrying out her punishment and execution duties, will it?" Illyanov asked.
"How could it?" Chang countered. "She is Judge as well as Guardian—and even if it were not so, she could not deliberately fail to perform any legal duty she is sworn to. Even with her knowledge of her destiny deliberately hidden, she is Protector if only for a time, as well as being the true one's Herald, and therefore incapable of sin."
"Which doesn't mean she can't make mistakes," Odeon added. "Being human, she can—both has, and will."
Bradford frowned. "Any idea when she'll realize who she is?"
"Nothing firm, but logic says not until she has to—maybe as late as when she confronts Shannon, or the real Protector surfaces."
"Which gives us time to discuss this more later," Bradford said, glancing at the wall clock. "I did promise Joanie I'd question Powell for her, and …" He hesitated, then went on. "I … now that I know who she is, I feel I have to watch her work."
"Understandable." Odeon nodded, then gave the Bishop-Inquisitor a half-smile. "Does questioning Chuck have to be formal, or can you enjoy yourselves in the process?"
"Hmm?" Bradford frowned in puzzlement, then smiled. "Since he's already agreed to cooperate, I don't see any need for a formal interrogation. Why?"
"Let's go up to the common-room, and I'll show you."