Note: It still never ceases to amaze me how many people are getting into this. I swear, EVERY SINGLE REVIEWER had the same response to the last chapter (both on here AND the two LJs it's posted in). You all loved the chapter... and you all HATED Francesco. Go me.

Unexpected Results, Part XXI

Sister Kate: "This can't be happening... they're actually going to burn Johanna at the stake?!"

Father Havel: "Not exactly. Even if the Inquisition's principles have not moved with the times, their technology has. She will face a firing squad using flamethrowers."

Sister Esther: "That's BARBARIC!"

Caterina: "I agree. However, the Inquisitorial Department falls completely under Francesco's jurisdiction. I have no say in how he handles matters from here on out. My main concern now, however, is making sure that someone be allowed access to Johanna. Even Francesco acknowledges that she has the right to be shriven prior to her impending trial."

WWW: "But as Johanna is so fond of pointing out... she's not Catholic."

Caterina: "That is beside the point. If we are to affirm that in our eyes she is a loyal Vatican operative, we must keep up appearances. And at the very least, it will allow her the chance to unburden herself before facing that nightmare trial of hers tomorrow. To that end, Father Nightroad, I am appointing you."

Abel: "Why?"

Caterina: "I'd have thought that obvious. To implement whatever it is you're planning, of course. Which reminds me... Sister Kate?"

Sister Kate: "Yes, your Eminence?"

Caterina: "The following orders are to be issued..."

Abel: "I am here by order of her Eminence, Cardinal Sforza, to hear the prisoner's confession."

Inquisitorial guard: "You must surrender your weapon before entering, Father."

Abel: "I figured as much. Here you are. And, um... if it's not too much to ask... are the rooms sound-proofed? Confession is a private sacrament, you know."

Inquisitorial guard: "All cells, especially in the Bastille, are constantly monitored."

Abel: "Then can we be escorted somewhere that doesn't have video cameras and microphones? If the woman is going to offer her confession, she deserves to offer it in privacy."

Inquisitorial guard: "Just a moment, Father."

Abel: "No problem, I'll wait..."

Inquisitorial guard: "As a one-time courtesy, we will disable the video and audio feeds from her cell. However, you are to be searched prior to entry, and the number of guards outside will be doubled until you leave."

Abel: "Searched?!"

Inquisitorial guard: "If you'll step over here, please..."
Abel: "Good evening, Johanna."

Me: "Here to visit the condemned woman?"

Abel: "Her Eminence has sent me to hear your confession... I was able to convince the guards to disable the audio/video monitoring of your cell, but there are twice as many guards outside, and they searched me before I came in. Rather thoroughly, I might add. A very uncomfortable experience."

Me: "It's not that I don't appreciate you coming, Father, but... I doubt it's going to do much good. But I do want to thank you for trying to help me earlier. And please... thank her Eminence for me, too... and Father Wordsworth and Father Havel and everyone. I just... I just wish it hadn't all been for nothing."

Abel: "Don't say that, Johanna."

Me: "Why not? I am going to die tomorrow, or am I wrong?"

Abel: "Well, as things stand now... it is... likely."

Me: "Oh, God..."

Abel: "With the way that you threatened to throw yourself off the top of the Colosseum, I wouldn't have thought you'd be afraid of death."

Me: "Death doesn't frighten me... but... this isn't just about a quick fall to the pavement or a gunshot to the head. This is... this is me burning to death. That does frighten me."

Abel: "You've... faced death before, I take it."

Me: "Yes... death and I are almost friends by now."

Abel: "Johanna..."

Me: "Oh, why couldn't Brother Petro have just let me fall?"

Abel: "BE SILENT!"

Me: "Wha-?"

Abel: "I will not allow you to give up hope... not while there's even still the slightest chance."

Me: "So what do you suggest I do?"

Abel: "Pray with me... here and now. I cannot, and will not, believe that God sent you here to us only to die like this."

Me: "But I don't believe in God... not like you do."

Abel: "Then believe in ME."

Father Leon: "You can't sleep either, huh?"

Father Havel: "No... not when I know what she will have to endure tomorrow."

Sister Noelle: "Good evening, Fathers."

WWW: "I take it that you two are worrying about the same problem as we are."

Father Leon: "I just wish there was something more we could do for her."

Abel: "She knows that you are all praying for her, and she sends her thanks."

Sister Esther: "Father Nightroad! Did you just get back? How is Johanna?"

Abel: "It... it broke my heart to see her... She cried in my arms the entire time I heard her confession. Worse... Johanna seems to have given up all hope."

Father Leon: "This from the woman who never gives up?!"

Abel: "Yes... But I think the worst thing about all of this is..."

WWW: "Is... what?"

Abel: "Just before I left... she... she said, 'At least I'll be with my husband again.'"

Inquisitorial guard: "It's time..."

Me: "Yes..."

Francesco: "Johanna Sinclair, this morning you are to undergo trial by fire to determine your innocence before the Heavenly Father. Is your soul prepared?"

Me: "As prepared as it can be. The rest is up to God."

Francesco: "Then may God have mercy on your soul."

Me: "Be brave... be brave... it will all be over soon..."

Brother Petro: "I have sent scores of the unrighteous to their eternal reward, but the sight of this turns even my stomach for some reason."

Firing squad leader: "READY!"

Me: "Be brave, be brave, be brave bebrave bebravebebravebebrave-"

Firing squad leader: "AIM!"

Me: "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, I DON'T WANT TO DIE!"

Caterina: "Now."

To be continued...