Free Dyson's Drop by Paul Collins Page A

these.’
    The judge nodded. The prosecutor turned and faced the jury.
    ‘While it is true that Anneke Longshadow saved Arcadia from certain destruction, it is equally true, and the facts will bear me out, that the city was endangered due to Ms Longshadow’s own actions in the first place.’
    A soft gasp sounded from the officers in the jury and Anneke noted that several who had been sitting back now leaned forward, frowning.
    ‘It seems the individual that Agent Longshadow was seeking sabotaged the city in his effort to escape her.’
    Henkle jumped to his feet. ‘That is the most preposterous interpretation I have ever heard in my life! Agent Longshadow is not responsible for the actions of a criminal she was rightfully authorised to pursue and attempt to apprehend.’
    ‘Perhaps not,’ continued the prosecutor, ‘but standard operating procedure for such situations requires, my dear counsellor, requires that suitable backup be called and put in place before any apprehension is attempted, unless there is an immediate threat to the public. And may I remind you that when Agent Longshadow arrived on Arcadia there was no threat until she cornered the suspect. By wilfully ignoring protocol, as she has many times in the past, Agent Longshadow placed Arcadia in jeopardy.’ The prosecutor’s voice rose.
    ‘Then, and only then, wracked by guilt at what she had brought about, did she attempt to undo her maverick behaviour by saving the city.’
    The court erupted. When it eventually subsided the jury deliberated for only one hour before Anneke learned of her fate.
    ‘Special Agent Anneke Longshadow, please rise. You have been found guilty of grave charges. You are herewith dishonourably discharged from the Regis Mentatis Imperium, effective immediately. Furthermore, it is the judgement of this court that you be sentenced to ten years on the prison planet of Urkor. May whatever god you believe in have mercy on your soul.’

FATE was at work again. It seemed not that long ago that Maximus Black had been on duty when the priority call came in from Anneke Longshadow, warning RIM it had been penetrated by a high level mole. And now the call came up from the lobby. Anneke Longshadow was here. In the building. And she wanted to see Black’s boss, Rench.
    Black’s brain worked furiously. He was in charge of the Commander’s appointments and he could either let this happen or he could block it. He decided on the former.
    ‘Tell her to come up,’ he said, and gave instructions.
    Black was aware Rench had a feud with Ferren and Viktus, and suspected it might extend to Viktus’s mece.
    He quickly briefed Rench, who stared for a moment then smacked his lips with glee. ‘Well, well. What goes around comes round, after all.’ Black wasn’t sure what he meant, but ordered full spectrum monitoring of Conference Room A. He also suggested Rench wear an earphone by which Black could pass on further suggestions or updates.
    ‘Good idea, Captain.’
    Black made sure he remained behind the scenes. It was possible, despite the renovations he had ‘worn’ whenever he met Anneke, that she might recognise him. RIM agents were trained to perceive fundamental biometric characteristics rather than just superficial ones.
    In any case, it suited Black’s purposes to listen in on the conversation between his boss and Anneke. But when Rench rose to leave, Black whispered urgently into his mike. ‘Sir! There is definitely a case to be made against Agent Longshadow. I strongly suggest taking her into custody.’
    There was a pause, and then Rench, visible through a one-way mirror, gave a sign of agreement. Immediately, Black ordered a security detail. On the double.
    Ten years. Ten years. It wasn’t enough. High up in one of the towers of RIM headquarters, Black paced the length of his quarters - his captain’s quarters.
    Anneke Longshadow was so close he could taste her.
    The girl had frustrated his plans, gotten in the way more times than