Law's End (29 page)
Authors: Glenn Douglass
Tags: #adventure, #travel, #dog, #future, #space, #rescue, #supercluster
Taken together these failures represented a
glaring breach of Lawship etiquette. Failure to gather the basic
information to allow for follow up investigation was the more
dubious breach of standard procedures. The Armhamon's neglecting to
lend a rescue operation its aid and leadership from its trained
professional crew was less of a procedural than an ethical failing.
When combined the actions constituted reasonable cause for concern
if not actually amounting to wrongdoing… or at least so Kassad
hoped.
Kassad allowed these facts to settle in a
moment before concluding. "As the leading authority in the rescue
operation," Kassad emphasized 'leading authority' to make it clear
he was laying claim to the broad powers granted rescue operations,
"I became convinced that they didn't inquire or lend assistance
because their goals were to prevent any rescue operation from
succeeding by whatever means necessary. This was proven out by
their unprovoked firing upon my unarmed civilian craft."
Judging Kassad's assertions at their factual
value the magistrate asked Captain Andrews, "Armhamon is this true,
did you not inquire as to the Sabha's ultimate destination?"
Almost tripped up Andrews quickly regained her
equilibrium. "It was in the flight plan they transmitted."
That would be standard procedure and so the
magistrate accepted the assertion without verification. "Captain
Sabha?"
With what he hoped was his best gotcha voice
Kassad answered loudly and with an accusing point of his finger,
"It was not in the flight plan. Only the origin point of the
mission at Beckstine port was listed in the flight plan. Beckstine
port does not have access to PC&R facilities and so could not
be reasonably presumed to have been a legitimate terminus for the
rescue."
Again it took only a glance at the records for
the magistrate to verify Kassad's assertion, and with a nod
prompted the Armhamon's captain for explanation.
Andrews looked mad enough to split a hull with
the intensity of her glare as she excused the discrepancy, "A minor
oversight on my part. Once I had established the Sabha's
capabilities, and that its crew was not licensed for rescue
operations, I knew his purpose could not be," she put extra
emphasis on the last word in response to it having been leveled at
her a moment before, "legitimate."
Taking the words into account the magistrate
continued, "Captain Sabha, you've asserted rights as the lead
element in a rescue operation. Granted that the Code of Law does
not restrict the lending of aid in an emergency, however it also
doesn't demand any ship undertake rescue operations involuntarily,
even a Lawship. In spite of these facts I would like to know how
you justify a one man operation such as yours conducting a
rescue?"
Since saying 'the money was really good'
clearly wouldn't win him any support Kassad put the best spin on it
that he could. "My crew consists of myself and Canis, a highly
trained and experienced space operation's animal." Canis, who had
been standing patiently behind Kassad, gave a loud bark of
affirmation which startled everyone as Kassad continued, "In
addition there is Misses Greene whose husband was on the stranded
crew. She is both physically fit and the most knowledgeable
authority on Law's End available in Laniakea at that time." From a
quick survey of faces Kassad realized the tide was beginning to
flow against him so he threw everything into sewing doubt. "I was
told they tried to hire a formally licensed rescue ship, and even
tried to hire salvage ships, but no one else would do it. That made
me suspicious about the entire affair. It takes a lot of resources,
or influence, to convince rescue and salvage crews across the
length and breadth of Laniakea to not do their job. That's why I
took precautions such as not listing an ultimate destination on the
flight plan, and not taking the demands of mysterious Lawships at
face value."
Clearly unconvinced, the magistrate inquired,
"And taking an evasive course through a star's corona to avoid a
Lawship?"
Allowing anger and frustration to build in his
voice Kassad asserted, "Once again I'll point out that the
Armhamon, without warning, took shots at an unarmed civilian ship
conducting a declared rescue operation, holing the hull at least
once. This alone justifies my decision to evade them. If I'm guilty
of any wrong doing it is of not going far enough in the protection
of the expedition's survivors. If I had to do it all over again I
would have evaded them on the way in as well. If I had done so the
survivors would be safely home by now, my ship would not be in need
of extensive repairs, and the Armhamon's captain would still be
happily twiddling her thumbs at Law's End."
Flushing red with rage Andrews spat, "You'd
never have slipped past us you pirate scum."
With his annoyance and boredom competing for
dominance in his tone the magistrate admonished, "I'd warn Captain
Armhamon that Captain Sabha has not been convicted of piracy, but I
don't care. Just keep your petty name calling confined to the
answers for my questions and do not speak out of turn again."
Andrews retreated into quiet and bitter glaring as the magistrate
moved the discussion forward. "Captain of the Appaloosa…" the name
seemed to suddenly strike a chord with the magistrate, "Appaloosa?
Seriously, what is wrong with these people?"
In full seriousness Connelly dutifully
answered, "They simply have a passion for equine themes sir."
Kassad had learned that in many ways the local
horse fetish served as a test for those who wanted to make the
settlement their home. It was a distinct bit of culture that served
to separate those who were willing to integrate from those who
simply sought the advantages of residence. Accepting the pervasive
peculiarities with good grace had earned Kassad status as a welcome
visitor.
Responding with a grunt of acknowledgement the
magistrate went back to his interrupted question. "Captain, what is
your involvement in this."
Formally recounting the incident generalities
Connelly said, "Sir, I was in the middle of an investigation when
Mareville Navigation Control contacted me and requested my
assistance in a rescue operation. I arranged to rendezvous with the
Sabha, took charge of the rescued scientists and crew, conducted a
cursory inspection of the ship, and took Captain Armhamon aboard
before transporting them all here for final disposition."
Outraged over that version of the story Captain
Andrews blurted, "Magistrate these two share history, they were
engaged to be married, and I believe them to be working together
now."
The magistrate snapped, "I know what you
believe Captain Armhamon, and I don't care. So keep quiet until I
address you. The next time you speak out of turn it will earn you a
suspended license." The hard look on the magistrate's face made the
seriousness of the threat clear and Andrews shut her mouth in
frustrated silence as the magistrate returned to his questions.
"Captain Appaloosa how would you describe your relationship to the
Captain of Sabha?"
With a cold even glare at Kassad Captain
Connelly answered, "We haven't been on speaking terms since I
arrested him for piracy."
"I have been speaking." Kassad protested. "You
just haven't been listening."
With a warning finger pointed at Kassad the
magistrate said, "Don't you start now." Then turning his attention
to Andrews he said, "I've been married twice and neither ended in
anything remotely like a cooperative conspiracy. Captain Armhamon,
do you have anything more to support your demands that the Sabha,
her crew, and the rescued research team be turned over to
you?"
Pointing to Kassad and Connelly, Captain
Andrews said in her most damning tone, "All of them were in contact
with University property, and only by forcing them, all of them, to
submit to a thorough physical investigation will the fact of their
conspiracy be revealed."
With an indifferent shrug the magistrate
responded, "That's possible, but there's no outstanding complaint
to justify such an investigation. University abandoned the research
team and everything associated with the expedition without so much
as filing a letter of intent to salvage." The University
representative who had been standing quietly in the darkness behind
Andrews stepped forward to speak, however the magistrate was quick
to cut them off saying, "I also doubt they'll too greatly want
people looking into how much effort they spent to prevent a rescue
mission." Wordlessly the representative retreated back into the
surrounding murk as the magistrate continued, "As for your
'authority as a Lawship captain' what little investigational
prerogative you had was lost when the Appaloosa intervened, and her
captain seems satisfied with the results of their own
investigation. To your charges of conspiracy I point out that
criminality by association is only a valid charge in the most
barbaric of courts. With all that said all you have left is a thin
veil of supposition, innuendo, and questionable decisions which
give reasonable credence to Captain Sabha's own questionable
actions. You can file with the local authority to extend your case
under their jurisdiction, however," the magistrate shifted to their
most formal tone, "as far as the Code of Law is concerned this case
is dismissed."
Shocked by his sudden win Kassad hesitated a
moment before demanding, "What about the damage this Lawship and
her captain inflicted on my ship?"
With another shrug the magistrate responded
half heartedly while pocketing their mobile device as they headed
to the exit, "I'd love to help, but I don't care." And with that
the magistrate began to make his way back to the docks disappearing
through the courtroom doors muttering an obscenity about
horses.
Eager to get her former fiancée out of her
jurisdiction Connelly observed unhelpfully, "You have the legal
right to submit a repair bill to the Lawship's sponsoring
authority."
Unable to contain himself further Canis began
barking loudly and enthusiastically which did much to encourage the
gathering to break up.
Grumpily Kassad admonished Canis' jubilation,
"That's easy for you to say."
Chapter 24: "The Bit and Bridle and
Business"
"Pony up to our bar!"
-Advertisement for The Bit and Bridle
for someone to file a complaint with, but Canis' was the only
friendly face remaining. The magistrate had been first out the
door. Andrews had retreated into the darkened recesses of the room
for a muted yet insistent discussion with the University
representative. A figure Kassad didn't recognize, but who had a
familiar appearance and the dress of a corporate legal
representative, left without having said a word.
As for Kassad's former fiancée the look on her
face had barely softened from when she'd arrested him all those
years ago and her tone of voice was no less harsh. "I see you've
weaseled your way out of another one."
Spreading his hands innocently Kassad asked,
"Out of what?" When that failed to earn him any sympathy he spread
his arms as well asking, "What did I do this time?"
Her voice full of contempt Connelly replied,
"For one thing you almost got Canis killed on some allegedly heroic
rescue." Canis barked proudly at the term heroic and Connelly
leaned over to stroke the dog's head soothingly saying, "That's my
hero." Then turning her attention back to Kassad said with a
hateful glare, "I turned the Sabha over to the shipyard crews and
requested that they extend you credit for repairs."
Hoping to take advantage of the conciliatory
content of her words if not her tone Kassad inquired, "I don't
suppose you could lift the trade prohibition you put on me just
this once. I'd leaving with an empty cargo hold is terrible
business."
Connelly answered firmly and with finality.
"No."
Taking a breath so he could state his case
Kassad was interrupted by a message tone from his wrist device and
Greene's voice came to him, "You're still on the media feed,"
Kassad was momentarily embarrassed by the revelation, "but if
you're willing to take on passengers they say we'll be released
soon and would like to book passage to somewhere nice, maybe one of
those colony worlds you were talking about."
Flustered by his predicament Kassad tried a bit
too hard to sound congenial as he answered, "Well, I'd be happy to
have you aboard." Then addressing himself to an unimpressed
Connelly said, "That's hardly a full hold, and if I…"
Connelly was having none of it and cut Kassad
off saying, "I want you off of this settlement, out of my nebulae,
and if you ever try dragging me into one of your schemes again,
legitimate or otherwise, I will open fire on you first and extract
answers with a forensics sweep later. I make that threat as a part
of my official public record as a Lawship captain. Do you
understand?"
glaring breach of Lawship etiquette. Failure to gather the basic
information to allow for follow up investigation was the more
dubious breach of standard procedures. The Armhamon's neglecting to
lend a rescue operation its aid and leadership from its trained
professional crew was less of a procedural than an ethical failing.
When combined the actions constituted reasonable cause for concern
if not actually amounting to wrongdoing… or at least so Kassad
hoped.
Kassad allowed these facts to settle in a
moment before concluding. "As the leading authority in the rescue
operation," Kassad emphasized 'leading authority' to make it clear
he was laying claim to the broad powers granted rescue operations,
"I became convinced that they didn't inquire or lend assistance
because their goals were to prevent any rescue operation from
succeeding by whatever means necessary. This was proven out by
their unprovoked firing upon my unarmed civilian craft."
Judging Kassad's assertions at their factual
value the magistrate asked Captain Andrews, "Armhamon is this true,
did you not inquire as to the Sabha's ultimate destination?"
Almost tripped up Andrews quickly regained her
equilibrium. "It was in the flight plan they transmitted."
That would be standard procedure and so the
magistrate accepted the assertion without verification. "Captain
Sabha?"
With what he hoped was his best gotcha voice
Kassad answered loudly and with an accusing point of his finger,
"It was not in the flight plan. Only the origin point of the
mission at Beckstine port was listed in the flight plan. Beckstine
port does not have access to PC&R facilities and so could not
be reasonably presumed to have been a legitimate terminus for the
rescue."
Again it took only a glance at the records for
the magistrate to verify Kassad's assertion, and with a nod
prompted the Armhamon's captain for explanation.
Andrews looked mad enough to split a hull with
the intensity of her glare as she excused the discrepancy, "A minor
oversight on my part. Once I had established the Sabha's
capabilities, and that its crew was not licensed for rescue
operations, I knew his purpose could not be," she put extra
emphasis on the last word in response to it having been leveled at
her a moment before, "legitimate."
Taking the words into account the magistrate
continued, "Captain Sabha, you've asserted rights as the lead
element in a rescue operation. Granted that the Code of Law does
not restrict the lending of aid in an emergency, however it also
doesn't demand any ship undertake rescue operations involuntarily,
even a Lawship. In spite of these facts I would like to know how
you justify a one man operation such as yours conducting a
rescue?"
Since saying 'the money was really good'
clearly wouldn't win him any support Kassad put the best spin on it
that he could. "My crew consists of myself and Canis, a highly
trained and experienced space operation's animal." Canis, who had
been standing patiently behind Kassad, gave a loud bark of
affirmation which startled everyone as Kassad continued, "In
addition there is Misses Greene whose husband was on the stranded
crew. She is both physically fit and the most knowledgeable
authority on Law's End available in Laniakea at that time." From a
quick survey of faces Kassad realized the tide was beginning to
flow against him so he threw everything into sewing doubt. "I was
told they tried to hire a formally licensed rescue ship, and even
tried to hire salvage ships, but no one else would do it. That made
me suspicious about the entire affair. It takes a lot of resources,
or influence, to convince rescue and salvage crews across the
length and breadth of Laniakea to not do their job. That's why I
took precautions such as not listing an ultimate destination on the
flight plan, and not taking the demands of mysterious Lawships at
face value."
Clearly unconvinced, the magistrate inquired,
"And taking an evasive course through a star's corona to avoid a
Lawship?"
Allowing anger and frustration to build in his
voice Kassad asserted, "Once again I'll point out that the
Armhamon, without warning, took shots at an unarmed civilian ship
conducting a declared rescue operation, holing the hull at least
once. This alone justifies my decision to evade them. If I'm guilty
of any wrong doing it is of not going far enough in the protection
of the expedition's survivors. If I had to do it all over again I
would have evaded them on the way in as well. If I had done so the
survivors would be safely home by now, my ship would not be in need
of extensive repairs, and the Armhamon's captain would still be
happily twiddling her thumbs at Law's End."
Flushing red with rage Andrews spat, "You'd
never have slipped past us you pirate scum."
With his annoyance and boredom competing for
dominance in his tone the magistrate admonished, "I'd warn Captain
Armhamon that Captain Sabha has not been convicted of piracy, but I
don't care. Just keep your petty name calling confined to the
answers for my questions and do not speak out of turn again."
Andrews retreated into quiet and bitter glaring as the magistrate
moved the discussion forward. "Captain of the Appaloosa…" the name
seemed to suddenly strike a chord with the magistrate, "Appaloosa?
Seriously, what is wrong with these people?"
In full seriousness Connelly dutifully
answered, "They simply have a passion for equine themes sir."
Kassad had learned that in many ways the local
horse fetish served as a test for those who wanted to make the
settlement their home. It was a distinct bit of culture that served
to separate those who were willing to integrate from those who
simply sought the advantages of residence. Accepting the pervasive
peculiarities with good grace had earned Kassad status as a welcome
visitor.
Responding with a grunt of acknowledgement the
magistrate went back to his interrupted question. "Captain, what is
your involvement in this."
Formally recounting the incident generalities
Connelly said, "Sir, I was in the middle of an investigation when
Mareville Navigation Control contacted me and requested my
assistance in a rescue operation. I arranged to rendezvous with the
Sabha, took charge of the rescued scientists and crew, conducted a
cursory inspection of the ship, and took Captain Armhamon aboard
before transporting them all here for final disposition."
Outraged over that version of the story Captain
Andrews blurted, "Magistrate these two share history, they were
engaged to be married, and I believe them to be working together
now."
The magistrate snapped, "I know what you
believe Captain Armhamon, and I don't care. So keep quiet until I
address you. The next time you speak out of turn it will earn you a
suspended license." The hard look on the magistrate's face made the
seriousness of the threat clear and Andrews shut her mouth in
frustrated silence as the magistrate returned to his questions.
"Captain Appaloosa how would you describe your relationship to the
Captain of Sabha?"
With a cold even glare at Kassad Captain
Connelly answered, "We haven't been on speaking terms since I
arrested him for piracy."
"I have been speaking." Kassad protested. "You
just haven't been listening."
With a warning finger pointed at Kassad the
magistrate said, "Don't you start now." Then turning his attention
to Andrews he said, "I've been married twice and neither ended in
anything remotely like a cooperative conspiracy. Captain Armhamon,
do you have anything more to support your demands that the Sabha,
her crew, and the rescued research team be turned over to
you?"
Pointing to Kassad and Connelly, Captain
Andrews said in her most damning tone, "All of them were in contact
with University property, and only by forcing them, all of them, to
submit to a thorough physical investigation will the fact of their
conspiracy be revealed."
With an indifferent shrug the magistrate
responded, "That's possible, but there's no outstanding complaint
to justify such an investigation. University abandoned the research
team and everything associated with the expedition without so much
as filing a letter of intent to salvage." The University
representative who had been standing quietly in the darkness behind
Andrews stepped forward to speak, however the magistrate was quick
to cut them off saying, "I also doubt they'll too greatly want
people looking into how much effort they spent to prevent a rescue
mission." Wordlessly the representative retreated back into the
surrounding murk as the magistrate continued, "As for your
'authority as a Lawship captain' what little investigational
prerogative you had was lost when the Appaloosa intervened, and her
captain seems satisfied with the results of their own
investigation. To your charges of conspiracy I point out that
criminality by association is only a valid charge in the most
barbaric of courts. With all that said all you have left is a thin
veil of supposition, innuendo, and questionable decisions which
give reasonable credence to Captain Sabha's own questionable
actions. You can file with the local authority to extend your case
under their jurisdiction, however," the magistrate shifted to their
most formal tone, "as far as the Code of Law is concerned this case
is dismissed."
Shocked by his sudden win Kassad hesitated a
moment before demanding, "What about the damage this Lawship and
her captain inflicted on my ship?"
With another shrug the magistrate responded
half heartedly while pocketing their mobile device as they headed
to the exit, "I'd love to help, but I don't care." And with that
the magistrate began to make his way back to the docks disappearing
through the courtroom doors muttering an obscenity about
horses.
Eager to get her former fiancée out of her
jurisdiction Connelly observed unhelpfully, "You have the legal
right to submit a repair bill to the Lawship's sponsoring
authority."
Unable to contain himself further Canis began
barking loudly and enthusiastically which did much to encourage the
gathering to break up.
Grumpily Kassad admonished Canis' jubilation,
"That's easy for you to say."
Chapter 24: "The Bit and Bridle and
Business"
"Pony up to our bar!"
-Advertisement for The Bit and Bridle
for someone to file a complaint with, but Canis' was the only
friendly face remaining. The magistrate had been first out the
door. Andrews had retreated into the darkened recesses of the room
for a muted yet insistent discussion with the University
representative. A figure Kassad didn't recognize, but who had a
familiar appearance and the dress of a corporate legal
representative, left without having said a word.
As for Kassad's former fiancée the look on her
face had barely softened from when she'd arrested him all those
years ago and her tone of voice was no less harsh. "I see you've
weaseled your way out of another one."
Spreading his hands innocently Kassad asked,
"Out of what?" When that failed to earn him any sympathy he spread
his arms as well asking, "What did I do this time?"
Her voice full of contempt Connelly replied,
"For one thing you almost got Canis killed on some allegedly heroic
rescue." Canis barked proudly at the term heroic and Connelly
leaned over to stroke the dog's head soothingly saying, "That's my
hero." Then turning her attention back to Kassad said with a
hateful glare, "I turned the Sabha over to the shipyard crews and
requested that they extend you credit for repairs."
Hoping to take advantage of the conciliatory
content of her words if not her tone Kassad inquired, "I don't
suppose you could lift the trade prohibition you put on me just
this once. I'd leaving with an empty cargo hold is terrible
business."
Connelly answered firmly and with finality.
"No."
Taking a breath so he could state his case
Kassad was interrupted by a message tone from his wrist device and
Greene's voice came to him, "You're still on the media feed,"
Kassad was momentarily embarrassed by the revelation, "but if
you're willing to take on passengers they say we'll be released
soon and would like to book passage to somewhere nice, maybe one of
those colony worlds you were talking about."
Flustered by his predicament Kassad tried a bit
too hard to sound congenial as he answered, "Well, I'd be happy to
have you aboard." Then addressing himself to an unimpressed
Connelly said, "That's hardly a full hold, and if I…"
Connelly was having none of it and cut Kassad
off saying, "I want you off of this settlement, out of my nebulae,
and if you ever try dragging me into one of your schemes again,
legitimate or otherwise, I will open fire on you first and extract
answers with a forensics sweep later. I make that threat as a part
of my official public record as a Lawship captain. Do you
understand?"
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