"I know, sir. Uh … your King called you 'Protector'. What's that?"
Cortin studied her guest. "I'm not sure I ought to go into that particular subject, Miss Conley. It's a religious title, and since it was our beliefs that caused our Founders to flee the Empire, I think it wise to avoid religious discussion as much as possible."
"Yes, sir—though it may relieve you to know that religion's not a very big deal in the Empire, most places, and the Empire itself is strictly neutral." She paused. "I'm sorry, Colonel, but I have a bit of a personal problem. Is there a 'fresher anywhere around?"
"A what?"
"A 'fresher. Let me think—restroom? Bathroom?"
"That we have, yes," Cortin said with a chuckle. "We call them bathrooms. Sis, would you show Miss Conley the nearest one, then her guest room?"
"Gladly." Chang put her arm around the Imperial, smiling. "This way, Miss Conley—may I use your first name?"
"Please—it's Gwen."
The two had barely gone out a side door when Odeon led the rest of the team and their former prisoners through the main entrance. Since they were guests now, Cortin gave them a courteous bow before asking, "How much did you tell them, Mike?"
"Only that they're free; I thought you'd want to tell them the rest."