Free Forager by Peter R. Stone Page B

– I had been found out.
    "We are looking for a Leigh Williams," announced the Custodian commander – a tall, wiry corporal, practically snarling in our faces.
    I was so sure they were here for me that it took a moment for their words to sink in. "Sorry, did you say Leigh Williams. For what reason, Sir?" I asked, hoping against hope that Leigh had not done something exceptionally stupid.
    The corporal gave me a withering look and barked, "Is he here?"
    To my relief, Sergeant King chose that moment to join us. "Can I help you, Corporal?"
    "Sir, I have a warrant for the arrest of one Leigh Williams, for allegations of serious sexual misconduct," replied the corporal as he returned the salute.
    "Let's see it then," King demanded.
    The corporal handed it over and waited impatiently, aware that King was of higher rank, but empowered by the warrant to carry out his task without obstruction.
    "All seems in order," King announced after giving the warrant a quick once through. "Mr. Williams, you will surrender yourself to Corporal Thompson."
    Eyes wide with fear, Leigh stepped haltingly towards the corporal, glancing back at me as he went. I didn’t know what he thought I could do, but I couldn't believe he was stupid enough to sleep with a woman outside of wedlock. Especially considering the draconian punishments that applied to those who did.
    "Wait a minute. There must be some mistake, Sir," I said far too aggressively as I stepped forward.
    The corporal and his men aimed their assault-rifles at me, thumbing off the safeties. "Step back, Civilian!" The corporal thundered.
    I locked eyes with the officious corporal and refused to budge. Leigh was my friend and one of my team – a valuable member and we needed him! I was going to press the issue when strong hands grabbed me and slammed me back against the truck's bonnet.
    "What the..." I snarled, but stopped when I saw that it was Michal who had grabbed me.
    "Don't be a drongo, Ethan, they were about to pop you!" he whispered.
    "But Leigh!"
    "Has been an absolute moron," he replied softly.
    "You mean he's really done what they’ve accused him of?" I whispered back, shocked. I watched as the Custodians snapped cuffs on Leigh and marched him to their G-Wagon.
    "Remember what David and Leigh ribbed him about yesterday?"
    "Yeah, so?"
    "Well, Leigh and his neighbour's daughter – well, someone must have ratted 'em out."
    "Oh good grief!” I groaned, as the G-Wagon reversed and drove out of sight. I immediately ran over to Sergeant King, who was returning to the Bushmaster as though nothing had happened. "Sergeant King!"
    The brawny Custodian stopped, but didn't turn around. "What is it, Jones?"
    "What'll happen to Leigh?"
    He turned and appraised me with clear disapproval. "You know, Jones, I'm beginning to think you've got a death wish."
    "Sir?"
    "The little stunt you pulled back there? And attacking the Skel two days ago? You'd better ramp it back, boy, or we'll be scraping you off the road before you know it."
    "But Sir, isn't there anything you can do about Leigh?" I pressed, ignoring his accusation that I was reckless.
    "Mr. Williams will face the magistrate today along with the woman he has been accused of engaging in sexual misconduct with. If sufficient evidence is presented to prove their guilt, they will be sentenced according to the law," King explained, annoyed that I would not let the matter drop. "Now enough of this. To work. And that is an order."
    I fumed at King's cold indifference to the matter, but more than that, I was terrified for Leigh. The typical sentence for sexual conduct outside marriage was the death penalty. At least for the woman: if the man was lucky, he may have his sentence transmuted to some lesser punishment. This was another example of discrimination against women in our totalitarian, male-dominated society.
    Dispirited and concerned for our friend, we clambered into the truck and drove off towards the gates with the Bushmaster right behind us.