The Empire: The Crime Consortium

It was 0655 hours and Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Tuvalu had been at her office since 0505. She always arrived early to review her work schedule for the day and to review any briefs she was going to file that day to determine they were all accurate. She took pride in the fact she was always accurate and had all her facts straight, especially if she was to appear in court that day. And she was especially proud that she had never lost a case.

Tuvalu had been Assistant Prosecutor a little over five years, having started right after graduating from Trenton University School of Law magna cum laude.

Standing at 165 centimeters, she was strikingly beautiful, with jet black hair. Being a woman of great beauty, many of her opponents in court underestimated her, thinking she was just a pretty face. But her intellect was equal or superior to her opponents.

It was going on 0640 when Sergeant Tran Thiam entered Tuvalu’s office. He was a security officer assigned to the prosecutor’s office.

“Good morning, Counselor. How are you today?” Sergeant Thiam said, greeting Tuvalu.

Good morning, Sergeant,” Tuvalu replied. “I have two arrest warrants here. One is for Douglas Kincaid and the other one is for Javelle Jovok. The charge is murder.”

“Okay, do you have their addresses or know where they work?” Sergeant Thiam asked.

“They work for the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation and…”

Before Tuvalu could finish, Sergeant Thiam said, “Whoa, Counselor. You’re talking about some heavy hitters here. Arresting people who work for the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation is serious. I hope you have your facts right.”

“I have the proof, Sergeant,” Tuvalu replied. “They live at the Trenton Executive Apartment complex. But according to Mr. Firmino, they meet at the home of Raquel Creed, who I understand is the Director of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation, each morning for breakfast. You should find them there. Here is the address for Doctor Creed’s home.”

Although it was listed in the arrest warrant, Sergeant Thiam asked, “Who were they supposed to have murdered?”

“Nichols Chaudhary,” Tuvalu replied. “He was the Assistant Mayor.”

Two days before going to the world of Anchors to investigate a crime syndicate, Nichols Chaudhary had called Doug and Javelle and requested a meeting with them. They had no idea who Nichols Chaudhary was. He said he was the Assistant Mayor. And when pressed, he told Doug and Javelle he had more information about the shakedown scams.

Chaudhary refused to provide more information about the shakedown scams and insisted on meeting with Doug and Javelle. He gave Doug and Javelle the address of an apartment complex.

Doug questioned Chaudhary why he did not go to Captain Jacoby who was handling the investigation relating to the shakedown scams. Chaudhary’s response was vague, but he insinuated that people in Trenton Security were involved. Doug knew Captain Jacoby and Sergeant Mihalie and could not accept they would be involved in anything illegal. And Ryan’s sister Pamela worked for Captain Jacoby and he ruled her out as being involved in anything illegal.

Not being face to face with Chaudhary, so he could use a little mental persuasion, Doug and Javelle accepted they had no choice but to visit Chaudhary at his apartment.

The shakedown caper began when Javelle overheard Ricardo tell Raquel about

Trenton City Councilman Cosco, Builders Association President Lemley and a supposedly labor boss called VanFosson pressuring Trenton Mall Project Manager Ansonia to use substandard material and hire VanFosson’s supposedly union workers.

Doug and Javelle realized that what these people were doing was illegal and a lot of innocent people could be harmed. If forced to use substandard material, and problems developed at the new Trenton Mall Complex (it would become known as the Galactic Mall when finished) after completion, the blame could fall on Ricardo, who would lose credibility as an architect because he was the chief architectural designer.

Doug and Javelle took it upon themselves to end the shakedown scams. They had used the direct approach, ignoring personal rights and liberties, coercing confessions from Trenton City Councilman Cosco, Builders Association President Lemley and VanFosson, the supposed labor boss. They imprinted in their minds that they were to confess all their sins when arrested, and knocked a few heads on the way. Once the confessions were obtained, they transmitted them to Captain Jacoby so he could arrest those involved in the shakedown scams.

In addition to Trenton City Councilman Cosco, Builders Association President Lemley and VanFosson, the supposedly labor boss, two other Trenton City Councilmen, Besozzi and Bonasso, who was Chairman of the City Council, along with a building inspector and some personnel in two or three supplier firms had also been arrested.

On the drive to Chaudhary’s apartment complex, Javelle expressed reservations about meeting with Chaudhary, alluding to the fact that Chaudhary should have information about the shakedown scams when neither he nor the mayor had even been mentioned as ever being involved.

Doug had agreed with Javelle’s assessment, but he speculated that being the Assistant Mayor it was conceivable he had more information about the shakedown scams. But they would not know what, if any information, Chaudhary had until they had an opportunity to talk with him. And if he was not forthwith, they could always use a little mental persuasion.

Javelle speculated that it was puzzling why Chaudhary had waited this long to provide the information if, in fact, he actually had any additional information about the shakedowns scams. And Javelle pointed out that this had all occurred before they went to the world of Anchors.

Doug cogitated what Javelle said, but he replied they would not know until they had an opportunity to speak with Chaudhary.

The apartment complex where Chaudhary supposedly lived (they later learned it was an apartment he kept for his mistress) was an upscale apartment complex with its own internal security. The apartment complex had a door guard and Doug and Javelle had to present their GEBI identification. The door guard informed them that Mr. Chaudhary had left instructions they were to be admitted.

Javelle commented earlier that the meeting with Chaudhary was like a clandestine meeting having wanted to wait until 2300 hours. After they entered the complex, Javelle commented that it seemed a lot of people knew of their meeting for it to be clandestine.

Chaudhary’s apartment was 905. As they did many times, unless they were in a hurry, Doug and Javelle took the stairway to the ninth floor. When they arrived at room 905, they found the door ajar. It was a reflex action. Doug withdrew his blaster and used his foot to push the door open, although a mental scan told him no one was present.

They saw the body immediately. Doug and Javelle did not have to check for vital signs. A mental scan confirmed the person was dead. Having never met Chaudhary, Doug and Javelle assumed the body was that of Chaudhary. The mental scan also confirmed that there was no one else in the apartment. Doug and Javelle walked through the apartment. Chaudhary said he had additional information about the shakedown scams. Other than Chaudhary’s personal vistaview unit and a computer, there appeared to be no place to hide information.

Doug called Issie and, following her instructions, helped her to connect to Chaudhary’s personal vistaview unit and the computer. Other than a list of vistaview numbers, which included Doug’s, there was no other information on the unit except a schedule of appointments. And the computer turned out to belong to Chaudhary’s mistress and had no useful information.

Doug called Captain Jacoby to report the murder. It was over half an hour before Captain Jacoby and Sergeant Mihalie, along with some other security officers arrived. Captain Jacoby confirmed that the body was that of Chaudhary. Captain Jacoby took Doug and Javelle’s statements and they left.

On the drive back to their own apartment complex, Doug mentioned to Javelle that perhaps they should question Cosco, Lemley, VanFosson, Besozzi and Bonasso to determine if more people were involved in the scams. But before they could, Major Flemington summoned them to the world of Anchors to assist with a nationwide crime syndicate problem.

It was a typical morning at Raquel’s, except Ryan and Issie brought back gifts from the world of Anchors. Investigator Quinton Irons did not attend Raquel’s breakfast meetings unless she personally instructed him to do so. But Ryan called Quinton and insisted that he, along with his wife Nancy and their children, daughter Priscilla and son Quinton Jnr., attend. Likewise, Investigator Garland Gooch was in attendance this morning.

Breakfast was almost over, and Ryan was handing out the gifts she and Issie had purchased on the world of Anchors. “This is Passion Delight perfume,” Ryan said as she handed a small box, each containing a bottle, to Raquel, Maria, Zenobia, Jenny and Nancy. Issie then gave Jazzlyn, Izek, Pricilla, Quinton Jr., David and Aisha handheld calculators. Digging through the bags, Ryan threw a tee-shirt at Sergeant Davies and said, “Here is your gift.”

Sergeant Davies looked at the t-shirt and then read the inscription: “My friend went to Ocean-11 theme park and all she brought me was this lousy t-shirt.” Everyone laughed.

Then Ryan added, “I got a t-shirt for everyone,” throwing some t-shirts at Sergeant Davies and telling him he would have to give them to the other strike team members. She even threw one at Doug and one to Javelle. “The large box is yours,” Issie said to Ricardo, and told him to open it.

The buzzer sounded and they saw two security officers coming up the walkway. They did not know these officers, but it was not uncommon for security officers to stop at Raquel’s house; although it was usually Captain Jacoby and Sergeant Mihalie.

“I’ll let them in,” Aisha said, as she ran to the front door to let them in. Sergeant Tran Thiam was a little surprised when a little girl opened the door and announced, “Hi, I’m Aisha. Please come in.” Sergeant Thiam followed the little girl through the house to the patio. Seeing people there, he withdrew his blaster and motioned for Corporal Rojo Tidjane to do likewise.

Someone screamed BLASTER! Thiam felt, more than saw, someone grab his arm and force it upwards. The blaster discharged. He tried to retain his hold on it, but his arm was forced upwards and backwards at the same time. He felt severe pain in his shoulder as if his arm was being twisted off. The man still had hold of his arm forcing it backwards over his head and he had no choice but to fall back. Things happened so fast he was not sure exactly what happened next. He felt excruciating pain in his arm and heard something snap. Then he was dropped on the floor and saw the man raise his booted foot and saw it come down. The boot hit him in the solar plexus hard enough to drive all the air from his lungs. Excruciating pain radiated through his body.

When Corporal Tidjane heard someone yell BLASTER!, there was no time for anything else to register but someone taking his arm and forcing it upwards. He felt the blaster discharge. Then something came down on the arch of his foot. He dropped the blaster as something struck him in the solar plexus, and doubled over. Something struck him in the face. He felt himself fall, and could remember no more.

“Major, Maria, take the children to your house. Quinton, take your wife and children and go with them. Go now,” Raquel shouted.

Doug had gotten up to get some more scrambled fowl eggs and another biscuit when he heard the buzzer. As it was not uncommon for security officers to visit, he took little notice when he saw them on the screen. He had scooped up the eggs and reached for a biscuit when someone he thought was Ryan, yelled BLASTER!, after which a blaster discharged, followed almost immediately by another. He dropped his plate and rushed across the patio. Sergeant Davies had a man on the floor and was bringing his boot down on the man’s solar plexus. Doug glanced at Corporal Ling and saw him do a 180^ swing, with his elbow hitting his man in the face, a blow that sent the man literally flying backwards to a landing on his backside. He was not moving.

Heart pounding madly, thanks to the adrenaline coursing through his system, Sergeant Davies took a few deep breaths for control and saw that Corporal Ling had incapacitated the other man. The man lying on the floor at his own feet was moaning, in obvious pain. The man’s physical condition was of no concern to Sergeant Davies. Boosted by the adrenaline, he reached down with one hand to grab the man by the front of his jacket, and pulled him up. The man screamed out - “Ahhhh, m... my shoulder, my arm.”

“Why did you try to terminate the director?” Sergeant Davies yelled.

“Ahhhh, wa…wasn’t tr…trying to terminate, ahhhh, my arm, I think it is broken!”

“I’m going to break your neck if you don’t tell me who you are and why you tried to terminate the director,” Sergeant Davies said, still holding the man up by his jacket.

“Ser… Ser…Sergeant Thiam with the prosecutor’s office. Wa…was…wasn’t trying to terminate anyone. Ca…came to arrest Kincaid and Jovok,” the man finally said.

Sergeant Davies dropped the man back onto the floor. The man landed on his injured shoulder, and he screamed out in pain. Sergeant Davies looked at Doug and said, “What’s he talking about? Came to arrest you and Javelle?”

“I have no idea, and he’s in no condition to tell us much,” Doug said. “Ryan, call Captain Jacoby and tell him what’s happened here, and have him send a medical unit.”

“What about that one?” Sergeant Davies asked Corporal Ling, “Can he talk?’

“Sorry, I think I knocked him out,” Ling replied.

“You did your job,” Sergeant Davies said, “never apologize.”

As Ryan called Captain Jacoby, she reached into the pocket of the man Sergeant Davies laid out and withdrew a case similar to the identification cases GEBI investigators carried. She flipped it open and held it up for Doug and Sergeant Davies to see. It identified Sergeant Tran Thiam with the prosecutor’s office. Corporal Ling withdrew a similar case from the other man, identifying Corporal Rojo Tidjane, also with the prosecutor’s office.

“If they’re security officers, they should know better than to pull blasters, especially at the home of the director.” The adrenaline rush was still evident in Davies’ voice.

Two security officers arrived before Captain Jacoby and Sergeant Mihalie. A medical unit arrived a few minutes later. Captain Jacoby confirmed that Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane were assigned to the prosecutor’s office, but he had no idea what they were doing there. The medical team put Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane on stretchers. Corporal Tidjane regained consciousness and told the medical team that his foot, side and head hurt, and Sergeant Thiam complained about his shoulder and arm.

Captain Jacoby directed Sergeant Mihalie and the other two security officers to get statements from everyone. Then he said to Raquel, “Director, on behalf of Trenton Security, I apologize for what occurred this morning at your home. Unfortunately, this is one of those cases where the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. The prosecutor’s office seldom if ever confers with me before making an arrest.”

“I understand, Captain. It was not your fault,” Raquel replied. “That one man, Sergeant Thiam, said something about coming here to arrest Doug and Javelle. Do you know what this is about?”

“No, I have no knowledge as to why the prosecutor’s office would have arrest warrants for Doug and Javelle,” Captain Jacoby replied.

The buzzer sounded and they saw that it was Captain Jacoby’s father, Colonel Jacoby. “I called my father. He would want to know about any incident at your home. He didn’t tell me he was coming,” Captain Jacoby said.

Colonel Jacoby walked in, nodding to people as he walked by, but continued straight to Raquel. “Are you all right, Raquel? Is your family all right?” he asked in a voice stricken with concern.

“Everyone is fine, Jonathan. But thanks for coming to check on us,” Raquel said.

“Who did this?” Colonel Jacoby asked his son.

“Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane of the prosecutor’s office.”

“They sought to terminate or harm Raquel?” Colonel Jacoby asked.

“Sergeant Thiam mumbled something later about being here to arrest Doug and Javelle,” Captain Jacoby said.

“Why would they want to do that?” Colonel Jacoby queried.

“I don’t know. You know, the prosecutor’s office does not consult me on matters of this kind,” Captain Jacoby said.

“Obviously, they did not come on their own,” Raquel commented. “Who would order them to come here?”

“I cannot be certain, but it my guess is Melissa Tuvalu, the assistant prosecutor. I am told she has a great legal mind, having never lost a case. But perhaps she lacks common sense,” Captain Jacoby replied.

“Why did they draw their blasters?” Raquel asked.

“It is customary to draw one’s blaster when making an arrest, but one must exercise common sense. You do not draw a blaster in a room full of people, especially if children are present,” Captain Jacoby replied.

“If Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane were members of security, what will happen to Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling?” Raquel wondered.

“Nothing,” Colonel Jacoby quickly replied. “They have carte blanche to act when your safety is threatened. With blaster holes in your ceiling, I would say they had just cause.”

Everyone assembled at Raquel’s house the next morning. The buzzer sounded, and Raquel saw that Lieutenant Garland Ragnar, Master Sergeant Brad Jerries, Technical Sergeant Thomas Kumaran and Corporal Heather Hakken, followed by Lieutenant Raja Rainier, a shuttlecraft pilot. Raquel was not sure why Lieutenant Ragnar, commander of the battlecruiser Chancellor’s strike team, and members of that team, were visiting.

Aisha saw them on the screen and said, “I will open the door for them.”

“Good morning, young lady,” Sergeant Kumaran said, maneuvering his wheelchair inside. They followed Aisha through the house to the patio.

Raquel greeted them, and said, “This is a welcome surprise.”

“Sergeant Davies said you needed an escort, but after the incident yesterday, you were not sure if they should accompany you. So we volunteered,” Lieutenant Ragnar said.

Having learned that Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Tuvalu ordered Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane to her house the previous morning, she decided to go to the prosecutor’s office and confront Tuvalu. Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling having been involved in the altercation, she was not sure if they should accompany her, and asked Sergeant Davies to assign some other strike team members.

“I’m sure I will be in capable hands,” Raquel replied. “Help yourselves to coffee. By the way, that is my husband, Ricardo, over there. He will have breakfast ready shortly.”

They had a van type ground vehicle and Sergeant Jerries held the door open for Raquel to sit up front. When they were all inside, Sergeant Kumaran joked, “Be sure to fasten your seat belt. We have a shuttlecraft pilot for a driver.”

“I heard that,” Lieutenant Rainier called out.

The mood in the van was jovial, with some good-natured jokes mostly directed at Lieutenant Rainier and his driving, until they reached the city government complex and things turned serious. “Park in front, Raja,” Lieutenant Ragnar instructed, “and remain with the van. We shouldn’t be long.”

After exiting, Lieutenant Ragnar said, “Heather, you and Ryan flank the director. Tom, take point. Brad and I will bring up the rear.” All were dressed in combat fatigues without insignia. (Ryan changed into combat fatigues before leaving Raquel’s.) They kept their jackets open so their blasters were clearly visible, and Heather and Ryan had M-bar knifes strapped to the right leg, protruding from the top of their boot, also clearly visible.

The automatic door opened when Sergeant Kumaran approached. A security officer, a sergeant, stepped forward to block his way. “What’s your business here?”

Although Kumaran was now wheelchair-bound, he was still a trained strike team member. It was easy to underestimate him, but he reached up and grabbed the sergeant’s hand and placed his thumb against the meaty portion between the sergeant’s thumb and forefinger and curled his finger around the pinky. Then he yanked down while twisting the wrist outward. He could have broken the sergeant’s wrist had he wished to do so.

“Lead the way to the Assistant Prosecutor’s office,” Sergeant Kumaran said, retaining his hold on the sergeant’s hand.

Melissa Tuvalu adhered to strict protocol; in fact, she demanded it. No one was to enter her office before knocking. She got up from her desk and to walk across the office to give an assistant some briefs to file in court when the door flew open. She recognized the security officer who was being ushered in by the hand of a man in a wheelchair.

The man in the wheelchair continued forward until he approached a chair. Tuvalu heard him say, “Sit. Be quiet.”

Tuvalu observed two women following the man in the wheelchair. “Call security,” she instructed an assistant. In two quick strides, the black woman was across the office. “Don’t,” said the cold, authoritative voice. “Keep your hands where I can see them.” The white woman and the black woman were garbed in some type of military dress, and Tuvalu could see both had hand blasters in shoulder rigs under their left arms. Most striking were the knives protruding from the tops of their right boots.

Before Tuvalu could think, another woman entered. Tuvalu had the presence of mind to see she was a woman of great beauty, and much taller than herself. The woman never broke stride and walked directly toward her. As the woman entered her personal space, Tuvalu had no choice but to back up. The woman pressed forward and Tuvalu felt herself up against the desk. The woman was only centimeters from her, staring down as Tuvalu was forced to lean backwards.

“What’s the meaning of -” Tuvalu began. But she was interrupted when the woman spoke. “I am Raquel Creed, Director of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation. I do not appreciate your sending security officers to my home. It endangered not only the adults present, but children. If you ever do anything like that again, I will personally see to it that you pick up trash along the Autobahn for the rest of your life.”

The woman did not shout, but the voice was ice cold, leaving no doubt she meant exactly what she said. Tuvalu felt as if daggers were piercing her as the woman continued to stare at her. Then, with a quick twist of her head, her ponytail almost slapping Tuvalu in the face, the woman turned and marched out. Tuvalu continued to stare, mouth agape. It was like an orchestrated slow motion performance. The man in the wheelchair spun his chair and followed the woman out. But the two women riveted her in place with cold stares. Then they did an about-face and marched out behind the man in the wheelchair. That was when she saw two more men, one to each side of the entrance door. As the women exited, one man turned to follow them out while the other remained motionless. Then he, too, turned, gently pulling the door shut behind him.

Tuvalu still leaned against the desk, not sure if she understood what had happened. She was always in total control, whether in her personal life or in the courtroom. But in mere seconds it seemed her whole world was turned upside-down. She was revered, in or out of the courtroom. No one had ever spoken to her like that.

“Are you all right?” one of her assistants asked, shaking Tuvalu out of her reverie.

“I…I think so. Who was that?” Tuvalu said, unable to process what she had heard.

“Madam, she said she was Doctor Raquel Creed, Director of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation,” the assistant replied.

Tuvalu finally composed herself and told the security sergeant to report the incident to Captain Jacoby. Before the intruders entered, she was going to give one of her assistants some briefs to file in court. She now did so. Then she went back and sat down at her desk and cogitated as to what to do next.

An hour later Tuvalu entered Captain Jacoby’s office. Captain Jacoby was in the outer office conferring with Sergeant Mihalie and Pamela Ryan when Tuvalu entered.

“Good morning, Counselor,” Captain Jacoby said, greeting Tuvalu.

Without preamble, Tuvalu said, “The sergeant told you what happened in my office?”

Captain Jacoby nodded and said, “Yes.”

Handing some papers to Captain Jacoby, Tuvalu said, “Here are arrest warrants for Raquel Creed and her so-called security people. The charge is assault.”

“Well, good luck with that, Counselor,” Captain Jacoby replied, not accepting the papers Tuvalu was handing to him.

“Are you refusing to do your job, Captain?” Tuvalu said.

“According to the security officer, one of the men was in a wheelchair, and one of the women was black. I know the director’s security strike team people and these were not her personal security strike team.” Captain Jacoby suspected the other woman was Ryan, but did not volunteer the information. Secretly, he applauded Raquel for taking Tuvalu to task. “I will arrest Doctor Creed if you insist, but I will wager any judge will throw the case out the minute they learn what happened at her home,” Captain Jacoby told Tuvalu.

Tuvalu stood there, her arm extended with the papers. It turned into a staring match. Finally, Tuvalu said, “Okay, I’ll accept that.” She withdrew her arm and exchanged the papers for some others. Handing them to Captain Jacoby, she said, “These arrest warrants are for Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling, the two people who assaulted Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane.”

“Good luck with that, too, Counselor,” Captain Jacoby said, not accepting the arrest warrants. He saw that Tuvalu was becoming agitated. “I am getting very upset with you refusing to do your job, Captain,” Tuvalu said.

“For the record, Counselor, if you read the Empire Directive, you would know that security strike teams have carte blanche to act with freedom of discretion when they consider their charge is in danger. Blasters having been drawn and blaster holes in the director’s ceiling, I would say Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling had more than ample reason to react to the threat,” Captain Jacoby said. “In short, they are immune from prosecution. Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane should consider themselves lucky they were not terminated.”

Tuvalu lowered her arm and stared at Captain Jacoby. “What is so important about this woman, this Director Creed?”

“She is a high government official in the Empire. She ranks next after the chairman and vice-chairman. You can’t get much higher than that, Counselor,” Captain Jacoby replied.

Tuvalu shook her head as if she did not believe Captain Jacoby. “I have arrest warrants for Douglas Kincaid and Javelle Jovok. Are you going to refuse to arrest them, too?”

“May I ask what you are charging them with, counselor?” Captain Jacoby asked.

“Murder,” Tuvalu replied.

“Murder? Who’s murder?” Captain Jacoby asked.

“Nichols Chaudhary, the Assistant Mayor,” Tuvalu replied.

“I investigated Chaudhary’s murder. There was nothing to implicate Kincaid and Jovok,” Captain Jacoby told Tuvalu.

“We have additional evidence to support the murder charge,” Tuvalu said. “So you refuse to arrest them?”

“What’s the additional evidence?” Captain Jacoby asked.

“That’s privileged,” Tuvalu replied.

“Give me the warrants,” Captain Jacoby said. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Counselor.”

A man walked into Captain Jacoby’s office and said, “I was told Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Tuvalu was here. Is that you, Madam?”

“Yes, I’m Melissa Tuvalu. What do you need?”

The man handed her a paper and said, “You have been served.” Captain Jacoby saw the word ‘Summons’ on the outside.

“A ‘summons!’ What is this?” Tuvalu asked, clearly irritation in her voice.

“A ‘summons’ to appear at the Galactic Empire Supreme Court at 1300 hours today, Madam,” the man said. “I recommend that you should not be late.”

“Are you Captain Jacoby?” the man asked.

“I am,” Captain Jacoby replied, expecting to be handed a summons.

“Chief Justice Amahl requests that you be present, if your duties permit,” the man replied.

“And you are Sergeant Mihalie?” the man asked.

“I am,” Sergeant Mihalie answered.

“Chief Justice Amahl also requests that you be present, if your duties permit,” the man said.

“Tell the Chief Justice we’ll be there,” Captain Jacoby answered.

“What, no summons for them?” Tuvalu asked, incredulous.

“No, madam,” the man replied. “Have a nice day,” and exited from Captain Jacoby’s office.

Tuvalu stormed out of Captain Jacoby’s office. As she walked back to the prosecutor’s office, she thought to herself: This is turning into the worst day of my life. First that woman talked down to me as if I were a child, then Captain Jacoby chastised me because I had not read some directive from the Empire. Clearly, he did not want to arrest anyone, even Kincaid and Jovok. To add insult to injury, I am now summoned to appear before the Galactic Empire Supreme Court while Captain Jacoby and Sergeant Mihalie were requested to appear, and even more frustrating, I cannot reach Chief Prosecutor Firmino, who ordered me to arrest and prosecute Kincaid and Jovok.

“The Galactic Empire Supreme Court is now in session,” Chief Justice Abigail Amahl declared. “We are here today to consider the incident at the home of Doctor Raquel Creed, the Chief Director of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation. Let the record show that Justice Selemani Kotzen and Justice Gerda Abramsky are present.”

Technical Sergeant Keith Davies and Corporal Lee Ling were asked to speak. Sergeant Davies rose and walked forward to the microphone in front of the podium, followed by Corporal Ling.

“Please state your name, rank and primary duty,” Chief Justice Amahl instructed.

“My name is Keith Davies, Technical Sergeant in the Galactic Empire Security Force. I am leader of the security strike team assigned to protect Doctor Raquel Creed, the Chief Director of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“My name is Lee Ling, Corporal in the Galactic Empire Security Force and assigned to Sergeant Davies’ security strike team,” Corporal Ling replied.

“Tell us what happened two days ago at the home of Director Creed, Sergeant Davies,” Chief Justice Amahl instructed.

“Two men entered the home of Doctor Creed. They drew blasters and Corporal Ling and I incapacitated them,” Sergeant Davies answered.

“Please explain what you mean by “incapacitated them”, Sergeant,” Chief Justice Amahl requested.

“We disarmed them of their blasters, Madam Chief Justice,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“I understand both men were dressed as security officers. In fact, both men were security officers,” Chief Justice Amahl said.

“Yes, Madam Chief Justice Amahl. But individuals wishing to harm, even terminate, government officials can masquerade as anyone to get near a target,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“I understand, Sergeant Davies,” Chief Justice Amahl said. “Corporal Ling, have you anything to add?”

“No, Madam Chief Justice,” Corporal Ling replied. “Events occurred as Sergeant Davies described.”

“Justice Kotzen, Justice Abramsky, have you any questions for these two men?”

“Yes, Madam,” Justice Kotzen said. “I understand both men were injured, Sergeant. Do you normally injure people?”

“Sir, our primary objective is to protect our charge, not to make arrests.”

“So you injure people instead?” Justice Kotzen asked.

“Sir, I do not know how to answer that,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“I am just trying to understand, Sergeant. Do you normally injure people?”

“We use necessary force as we deem appropriate, to protect our charge, Justice Kotzen,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“And you deemed it appropriate to injure Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane.” Justice Kotzen said. It was more a statement than a question.

“Sir, Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane exhibited weapons in the home of Director Creed where individuals, including children, were present. The security video from the doctor’s home will verify that,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“Please play that video,” Chief Justice Amahl ordered. The video showed Aisha opening the door, and Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane following her inside. Before entering the patio area, they drew their blasters; then someone yelled BLASTER and Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling took Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane down.

After viewing the video, Chief Justice Amahl said, “Justice Abramsky, have you any questions for Sergeant Davies?”

“Sergeant Davies, I understand that Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane went to Doctor Creed’s home to make an arrest. Is that correct?” Justice Abramsky asked.

“We have since learned that that is correct, Madam,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“And is it the practice for security officers to draw blasters when making arrest?” Justice Abramsky asked.

“Madam, Captain Jacoby can better answer that question than I. But I would think some discretion might be used. Common sense dictates that you do not draw a blaster in a room full of people, and as the video showed, children were present,” Sergeant Davies said.

“Yes, I concur. Drawing a blaster in a room full of people is inappropriate,” Justice Abramsky said. “I am curious about something you said earlier. You used the term ’charge.’ What did you mean by that?”

“Madam, ’Charge’ is the general terminology security strike team’s use, referring to the individual they are guarding. Some security strike teams will use a code name if they are assigned to guard a specific charge,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“Do you have a code word or code name for Director Creed?” Justice Abramsky asked.

“We do, Madam,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“What is Director Creed’s code name?” Justice Abramsky asked.

“Madam, that is classified,” Sergeant Davies responded.

“You refuse to answer, Sergeant?” Justice Abramsky said.

“Madam, as I said, that information is classified,” Sergeant Davies responded.

“And why would her code name be classified, Sergeant?” Justice Abramsky asked.

“So individuals, who may be nearby or eavesdropping on our communications, will not know who we are referring to, sir,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“And for that reason you….” Chief Justice Amahl interrupted Justice Abramsky, saying “Justice Abramsky, I do not think Director Creed’s code name is relevant. If you have no further questions of relevance, we’ll move on.”

“Nothing further, Madam Chief Justice,” Justice Abramsky replied.

“Have you anything to add, or do you wish to make a statement, Corporal Ling?” Chief Justice Amahl asked.

“No, Madam,” Corporal Ling replied.

“Very well, you and Sergeant Davies may return to your seats,” Chief Justice Amahl said. “Is there anything else?”

“Madam, I…”

“What is your name?” Chief Justice Amahl asked.

“Melissa Tuvalu, Assistant Prosecutor for the City of Trenton. I wish to ask Sergeant Davies some questions.”

“This court does not grant you permission to cross-examine. Please sit down,” Chief Justice Amahl said.

“But, Madam….”

“I said, sit down and be quiet,” Chief Justice Amahl said in a stern voice, before asking if anyone else wished to address the court.

“Madam Chief Justice, I wish to speak on behalf of Sergeant Davies and his security strike team.”

“Good afternoon, Colonel Jacoby,” Chief Justice Amahl said. “Seeing you in attendance today, I expected you would wish to speak. Having appeared before, you know the routine. Name, rank and job title,” Chief Justice Amahl said.

“Thank you, Madam Chief Justice,” Colonel Jacoby said. “My name is Jonathan Jacoby, Colonel in the Galactic Empire Security Force and I am the officer in charge of Trenton’s Security Force. Madam Chief Justice, I visited the home of Doctor Creed shortly after the incident and can attest that Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling acted appropriately.”

“Thank you, Colonel Jacoby, and let the record reflect that Colonel Jacoby supports Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling’s actions,” Chief Justice Amahl said. “Justice Kotzen, have you any questions for Colonel Jacoby?”

“Yes, thank you, Madam Chief Justice,” Justice Kotzen said. “Is it appropriate to injure people, Colonel?”

“Sir, security strike teams are authorized to use any and all necessary force they deem appropriate to protect their charge. As individuals drew blasters at the home of Doctor Creed, with other individuals present, including children, I consider the action they took most appropriate,” Colonel Jacoby responded.

“As the officer in charge of Trenton’s Security Force, did Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling consult you before taking action?” Justice Kotzen asked.

“Sir, security strike teams have authority to act with freedom or discretion. If you were attacked, would you want your security strike team to consult me before taking action?” Colonel Jacoby responded.

Justice Kotzen stared at Colonel Jacoby, seemingly taken aback by his response. “I have no further questions, Madam Chief Justice.”

“Justice Abramsky, have you any questions for Colonel Jacoby?” the Chief Justice asked.

“Do all security strike teams report directly to you, Colonel Jacoby?” Justice Abramsky asked.

“No. Some are assigned to battle cruisers, and due to the nature of Doctor Creed’s obligations, subjecting her to go off-world, I transferred command of Sergeant Davies’ team to her, and they now report directly to Doctor Creed. But it is not mutually exclusive. They still undertake tasks for me,” Colonel Jacoby answered.

“What tasks, colonel?” Justice Abramsky wanted to know.

“Training new recruits for security strike teams,” Colonel Jacoby replied.

“No further questions, Madam Chief Justice,” Justice Abramsky said.

“Thank you, Colonel Jacoby,” Chief Justice Amahl said. “Director Creed, do you wish to address the Galactic Empire Supreme Justice?”

“Thank you, Madam Chief Justice,” Raquel said. “I commend Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling for initiating quick action to prevent anyone, specifically the children, in my home from being harmed. I regret that Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane were injured.”

Neither Justice Kotzen nor Justice Abramsky had questions for Doctor Creed. “Captain Jacoby, Sergeant Mihalie, do you wish to offer testimony?” Chief Justice Amahl asked.

After being sworn in, Captain Jacoby said, “Thank you, Madam Chief Justice, for the opportunity. Sergeant Mihalie and I were called to the home of Doctor Creed to deal with the incident involving Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane. Neither Sergeant Davies nor Corporal Ling knew these officers. As far as they knew, Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane were there to harm, perhaps even terminate, Doctor Creed. In my official capacity as head of Trenton City Security, I have to say that Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling acted appropriately.”

“Thank you, Captain Jacoby,” Chief Justice Amahl said. “Have you anything to add, Sergeant Mihalie?”

“It is regrettable that Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane were injured, Madam Chief Justice,” Sergeant Mihalie said. “But as experienced officers, they should have known better. I concur with Captain Jacoby that Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling acted appropriately.”

“Thank you, Sergeant Mihalie,” Chief Justice Amahl said. “Justice Kotzen, have you any questions for Captain Jacoby or Sergeant Mihalie?”

“Thank you, Madam Chief Justice,” Justice Kotzen said. “Is it customary for security officers to draw blasters to make an arrest?”

“It depends on circumstances, sir,” Captain Jacoby said. “If we enter a place where we believe the individual or individuals to be, and suspect they are armed, we draw blasters. But to enter a home, in this case, the home of Doctor Creed, where a number of people, including children, were present, is inappropriate. In other words, we use discretion.”

“Thank you, Captain. No further questions, Madam Chief Justice,” Justice Kotzen said.

“Justice Abramsky, have you any questions for Captain Jacoby?” the Chief Justice asked.

Justice Abramsky answered no, but instead recalled Sergeant Davies. “We have determined this was not a threat or an attack intended for Director Creed. Has there ever been a threat, or an attack, intended for Director Creed?”

“Yes, Madam,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“Explain, Sergeant,” Justice Abramsky instructed.

“It was on the world of Arcadia. Nine individuals tried to abduct Doctor Creed and Director Santos,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“Tried? I presume you prevented this attack,” Justice Abramsky said.

“Yes, Madam Justice,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“I have had occasion to request a security team to escort me. I understand security teams consist of five members. If your team consists of five members, you were outnumbered,” Justice Abramsky said.

“Yes, Madam Justice,” Sergeant Davies replied. “But on this occasion, Investigator Lynda Ryan assisted us.”

“Why did an investigator assist you, Sergeant?”

“Madam Justice, we check every room before permitting our charge to enter. It can be… well, a little awkward if a male checks the ladies room.”

“I see. So you have Investigator Ryan along just to check the ladies room?” Justice Abramsky queried.

“Madam Justice, Investigator Ryan is strike force trained, and is as capable as any member of the team,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“In this attempted abduction, what happened?” Justice Abramsky asked.

“Eight of nine individuals were terminated,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“You simply terminate individuals if they act aggressively toward Doctor Creed?” Justice Abramsky said, sounding surprised.

“Madam Justice, as was pointed out, security strike teams are authorized to use any and all necessary force deemed appropriate to protect their charges. With individuals waving blasters, we deemed it necessary to eliminate the threat,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“Sergeant Davies, as you were outnumbered, it’s impressive you were able to eliminate the threat. Were there casualties?” Justice Kotzen asked.

“Sir, Corporal Axelrod pulled Raquel down and covered her with his body. Sergeant Romney pulled Maria down and covered her. In so doing, Raquel, Doctor Creed, bruised her knee and there were lacerations requiring stitches. Director Santos sprained a wrist. Investigator Ryan and Corporal Singh got kicked,” Sergeant Davies replied.

“Kicked?” Justice Kotzen said, giving Sergeant Davies a querulous look.

“Sorry, Justice Kotzen. Kicked is a metaphor for when someone gets hit by a projectile.”

“That’s very interesting, Sergeant Davies. But…”

“Justice Kotzen, this is indeed interesting, but deviates from our purpose. Were the actions of Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling appropriate? Let us hear from Miss Tuvalu. Come forward and state your name and position for the record,” the Chief Justice said.

“Melissa Tuvalu, Assistant Prosecutor for the District of Trenton. I wish to recall Director Creed.”

“Miss Tuvalu, we’ll ask the questions,” Chief Justice Amahl said. “Did you order Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane to arrest Investigators Kincaid and Jovok?”

“Yes, Chief Justice Amahl, on murder charges,” Tuvalu replied.

“You ordered them to arrest Kincaid and Jovok at the home of Director Creed?” Chief Justice Amahl asked.

“No, Madam,” Tuvalu replied.

“Why did they go to the home of Director Creed?” Chief Justice Amahl asked.

“I told them they could find Kincaid and Jovok there, Madam Chief Justice,” Tuvalu replied.

“You gave them the address?” the Chief Justice asked.

“”Yes, Madam,” Tuvalu replied.

“So you instructed Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane to go to the home of Doctor Creed and arrest Kincaid and Jovok,” Chief Justice Amahl said.

“No, I mean, uh…” Tuvalu stammered.

“Justice Abramsky, have you any questions for Miss Tuvalu?” Chief Justice Amahl asked.

Justice Abramsky repeated the question about Tuvalu instructing Thiam and Tidjane to arrest Doug and Javelle. “Yes, Madam. I mean…No.” Tuvalu wondered if this was how witnesses felt when she questioned them.

“Which is it, Miss Tuvalu? You sent them to the home of Doctor Creed, or didn’t you?” Justice Abramsky pressed.

“Madam, may I explain?” Tuvalu asked.

“Please do, Miss Tuvalu,” Justice Abramsky instructed.

“The arrest warrant for Investigators Kincaid and Jovok states their residence as the Trenton Executive Apartment complex. Durrett Firmino, chief prosecutor for the district, told me they went to Doctor Creed’s residence each morning for breakfast, so I suggested Sergeant Thiam and Corporal Tidjane go there,” Tuvalu explained.

“You sent them to Doctor Creed’s house without considering the consequences,” Justice Abramsky said.

“I didn’t expect them to draw blasters in a house with people, especially children, present,” Tuvalu said.

“But they did. Thankfully, they were not terminated, and no one in Doctor Creed’s home was injured,” Justice Abramsky said. “Nothing further, Madam Chief Justice.”

“Justice Kotzen, have you any questions for Miss Tuvalu?” Chief Justice Amahl asked.

“I have none, Madam Chief Justice,” Justice Kotzen replied.

“That will be all, Miss Tuvalu,” the Chief Justice said.

Tuvalu answered, “But Madam Chief Justice, I must question Director Creed.”

“As stated, Miss Tuvalu, in these proceedings, you are not granted permission to cross-examine,” Chief Justice Amahl said. “Now please sit down.”

“But, Madam, that woman -” Tuvalu said, pointing at Raquel.

In a raised voice, Chief Justice Amahl said, “That woman is Chief Director Raquel Creed, Director of the Galactic Empire Bureau of Investigation. You will address her with respect, Counselor.”

“Yes, Madam Chief Justice,” Tuvalu replied. “But Director Creed, along with her security team, barged into my office. Director Creed threatened me; she said she would have me picking up trash alongside the Autobahn for the rest of my life.”

“Miss Tuvalu, you sent security people to the home of Director Creed. They drew blasters and endangered the safety of people in the Director’s home. Had it been my home, you would be out there now picking up trash. Sit down and be quiet,” Chief Justice Amahl said in a harsh tone of voice.

Tuvalu stared at Chief Justice Amahl, mouth agape. In the courtroom, she was respected; judges never spoke to her as Chief Justice Amahl had. It dawned on her that Chief Justice Amahl and the two associate justices had the power to see her disbarred.

“We’ll take a short recess to deliberate,” Chief Justice Amahl announced. “We’ll reconvene in one hour.”

An hour and a half passed before the Justice returned. Chief Justice Amahl said, “Miss Tuvalu, you acted recklessly without considering the consequences. I hope you have learned your lesson. We are not here to pass judgment on you, but to determine if Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling acted appropriately. In our judgment, Sergeant Davies and Corporal Ling acted appropriately. We are adjourned.”