"O.k.," the man ordered, "you can go in. Wait
inside the doors. You'll be met."
84 The outer double doors opened and they entered. The doors shut
behind them and the two in front of them swung open. Two Guards with
machine rifles stood at the ready. Between them stood one of the most
beautiful women Bullet had ever seen. She was dressed in a frilly
blouse of pure white, and a tight, black skirt about halfway to her knees. She didn't look muscular but Bullet had a feeling she
could be extremely dangerous.
85 "Hands out from your sides!" the woman snapped, "And spread your
legs!"
86 Smiling Fox and Bullet obeyed. She came forward and patted them down
from head to foot. She didn't miss a spot. When she'd finished with
Bullet she ordered him to take off his boots. When she had searched
them, she gave them back, then nodded to the Guards. They uncocked
their weapons and disappeared.
87 "Standard procedure?" asked Bullet, slipping his boots back on.
88 "When a Hood butcher comes in the house," the woman snapped, "we
don't take any chances! Come on!"
89 She led them through the house to a great room that must've been the
fortress' command center at one time. Now, it was lavishly furnished.
There were maps on the wall of the world, the nation, and the local
district. The other was a beautiful mural showing The Dove standing on
the hilltop, his blazing sword in hand, and his people charging away
from him, their weapons shining.
90 The room had two levels ...the upper one was set up like offices,
with a desk on either side and files in the middle. The lower part was
set up like any common room, with couches, chairs and a large screen
television. Their host sat in a reclining chair in the middle of the room. "Come in,
gentlemen," he insisted, "sit down. But first, young man, get those
robes off. You have no business wearing the clothes of a Sacred Order."