“I would like to thank you for your version of the encounter, Enlistment Candidate Trent. The next phase of the trial, as we all know, is very emotional, and we shall touch on it only briefly, “ Knight Captain Quinn’s expression appeared to soften ever so slightly. “You successfully escaped your past, giving up a time in your life when you were happy for an unknown future. Let me tell you this now, the woman you encountered was a robotic representation, nothing more,” the Knight Captain confirmed what Trent had already assumed, but a wave of relief filled him, nonetheless. “Now, we would like to hear your account of what occurred with Samantha before your exile from Earth’s society, not the obviously doctored one that is present on your corporate record,” Trent stared upon him with open shock.
“Excuse me, Knight Captain,” he stared, forgetting the instructions that he was only suppose to respond to questions, “but why does my corporate record contain information about my relationship with Samantha? If I’m not mistaken, it is only suppose to hold work related data, like performance reviews, merit and demerits, and the like?” realizing his mistake, Trent blushed with embarrassment.
“That is what we would like to know as well, Enlistment Candidate. But before we inform you of what we already know, I think it would be best for you to inform us on what actually occurred,” showing no sign of offense, Knight Captain Quinn let slip a tiny bit of emotion. Trent gathered his resolve and prepared for his own storm of emotions that always accompanied his memories from that time, and began.
“Well...um...I always kept to myself at work, more by choice than anything else, since I've had issues in...ah...in my past......and have been...ah...been hurt many times. So I kept myself isolated in the hopes it would...ah...never happen again. Unfortunately, it didn't help,” he forced a chuckle, trying to hide the wave of pain that broke free as memories started flowing back into his mind. Taking a few deep breaths to gather himself, he continued. “Then...one day this gorgeous woman......Samantha, who worked in my company, but in another department, approached me. She was nice...too nice now that I think about...and...and it took all my self-control to reject her invitations. But the more I refused, the more emboldened she became, and she would repeatedly ask me out...almost every day,” he shook he head, “I remember being baffled as to why such a gorgeous woman would be interested in me...but I still continued to turn her down.” The memories and emotions of that time were intermingling, but the effect was not as dramatic as he recalled.
The wound must have begun to heal, he thought, as the memories continued to flow.
“This went on for almost a month straight before I finally gave in. I think I had hoped she would realize that she really didn't want to start a relationship with me after getting to know me,” Trent found it tough to recall his emotions correctly before the time he fell in love, but he did his best. “We went out to dinner and I found myself attracted to her friendly, open demeanor and......and for some reason I couldn’t understand at the time, she seemed utterly fascinated by me,” which now he knew was all an act. “So we went out on a few more dates and eventually we decided to start officially dating,” Vice-Commander Daiyu cleared her throat, waving to interrupt.
“Whose idea was it to start dating?” The question seemed odd for the current situation, but Trent saw little reason not to answer.
“She...she actually brought up the idea after our first night...um...together. By then my...ah...my feelings had grown to a point where I thought it would be a good idea,” he answered honestly, unable to repress a blush at the memory of that night, so long ago.
“Thank you, Enlistment Candidate,” Vice Commander Daiyu responded with a friendly smile, nodding to the knight captain who responded in turn.
“You may continue,” he instructed, a hint of compassion in his husky voice. Trent took a deep breath, hoping he could continue to control his now rapidly shifting emotions.
“From there we...we started getting even closer and she would stay at my apartment almost every night during the week. But she would head home during the weekends, to spend time with her family...or so she led me to believe...explaining that it was good for any relationship to spend some time apart...and the weekends being the best time for it. I did find it odd...I remember that...but at the time I was blinded by love...and...and I trusted...her...her every word,” Trent stuttered, the words starting to come harder as his subconscious attempted to protect him from what it knew would be a painful memory.
“Then about...about six month after we started dating on...on one of our normal Friday dinner dates, we said our goodbyes and she left. As I was leaving I...I found that she had... had forgotten her MCD...so...I...I followed her, hoping to give it back before she went too far,” he lowered his voice, “I knew I wasn’t suppose to follow her,” he whispered, too low for anyone else to hear, “...Sorry...” he apologized, realizing what he’d just done, “Anyways...um...while I followed her a...a message came in and...and I decided to take a quick glance. It was from...from her fiancé,” Trent paused for a second, prepared for the crushing sadness that he knew would accompany the memories...though finding their strength nothing like he remembered. “After that...my life was mostly a blur. I recall her finding me in tears and I ran away...I think. Then I saw her a few times at work after that, but I can't clearly remember...all I know is that it was over, she lied to me and...and used me....” The tears wouldn't come. Trent knew they were there, hovering just below the surface, but they wouldn't come. He'd shed too many already over this incident and no matter how miserable the memories made him feel, there were just none left.
“Thank you, Enlistment Candidate Trent, your explanation covered many items that our information gathering could not,” responded Knight Captain Quinn as Trent recalled they already had possession of, for some reason he couldn’t understand, a differing version of his life story. “I will now disclose part of the fabricated story that is attached to your corporate record. This should also be informative and answer many other questions you may have had about the last couple months,” Knight Captain Quinn’s mind seemed to again exit his body, a distant look spreading across his face before he continued. “Rank 24 Employee Trent Marcello was found to be having an affair with the fiancé of Rank 4 Employee Connor House,” the name rang alarm bells in Trent's mind, “son of Motapplesoft Trust President and CEO Lyle House. Employee was found to be using Connor's fiancée, Rank 17 Employee Samantha Erickson, by means of blackmail. Our internal investigators uncovered that Trent Marcello was attempting to use this relationship to discredit our CEO to gain traction with the minority board members. Before additional damage was done, Connor's fiancée came forward and the offending employee was immediately dismissed. It is recommended that anyone considering employing this individual be forewarned that strategic partnerships with Motapplesoft Trust may no longer be possible. A full account of this investigation can be located within database...” Knight Captain Quinn stopped his recital of the note on Trent’s record. Trent found his mouth moving, but no sound escaping, his mind in shock. Before he could respond, another voice, one that had been quiet for quite some time, chimed in.
“That is...what we all must have to believe...is obviously the factual account. Why would we take this...this...piece of human filths word over that of an elite? Even if this is a backwards planet, full of worthless petties, the words of the ruling class far outweigh that of some insect who should have died in a gutter,” the malice of Sir Simwa's words hit Trent like daggers. The man must have been waiting for an opportunity to attack again since his last attempt was foiled. Anger, once kept in check by Trent's nervousness, began flowing freely to the surface. He was about to explode when the man seated behind him cleared his throat.
“Sir Simwa,” Lieutenant Daniel started, his tone slightly bemused, “I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but if the enlistment candidate lies in anyway, we are the first to know,” Lieutenant Daniel explained to the irate Sir Simwa, who again appeared beyond disbelief that an
yone would dare interrupt his declaration.
“What...what are you talking about?” Sir Simwa questioned, obviously confused.
“Trent, if you would be so kind...tell a lie,” asked Daniel calmly. Trent was baffled by the request, but seeing no harm in it, he pulled his anger back and responded.
“I respect Sir Simwa,” Trent felt a slight shock rise through the chair and would have jumped had it not been for his restraints.
“Violation of trial protocols detected. Last statement by Enlistment Candidate Trent Marcello cannot be taken as fact, please disregard,” the monotone voice that Trent despised sounded as he tried to shake off the aftereffects of the shock.
“See? If at any time a lie is detected a shock is administered and the Program sounds a warning. Every word out of Enlistment Candidate Trent's mouth has been, I’m sorry to inform you, true...or at least he believes them to be true. I'm sure it would be far more interesting to allow the Program to test your words for truth, Sir Simwa,” Trent couldn't see the TSB Lieutenant speak, but he could picture a wide, mischievous grin on his lips.
“This is ridiculous! There must be a trick. There is no way this...this...thing is telling the truth! As is my right as NHA Liaison to the TSB, I deem this farce of a trial over and reject the TSB’s request for NHA citizenship for this piece of garbage; instead, I demand he be disposed of immediately!” With the last shout Sir Simwa stormed to his feet, attempting to pull something out of what looked like a holster on his belt. The 30 centimeter long, narrow cylindrical grey tube that emerged had an arrow like protrusion at the end, reminding Trent of an old style laser pointer. “In fact...as is my right...I will handle the disposal personally!” Sir Simwa aimed the giant laser pointer at Trent.
Understanding struck at that moment, and he realized the device must be some sort of weapon. He began to struggle helplessly with his restraints. But it was a futile gesture and as he looked up into the eyes of an enraged madman, Trent's life, once again, flashed before his eyes.
*********
The scene unfolding before him defied all logic. Just moments before, Daniel was having a little fun teasing the excitable NHA Liaison, trying to recover some points in the eyes of Knight Captain Quinn, while providing a stepping stone for his relationship with Trent. But then, the unthinkable happened. Sir Simwa snapped, and was in the process of aiming his laser arc, the standard NHA sidearm, at the defenseless Trent, who was still strapped to the restraining chair.
Time stood still as Daniel watched, helplessly, what happened next.
Knight Captain Quinn dove over his table faster than anyone could have expected someone of his size to move. At the same moment, Vice-Commander Daiyu rushed towards Trent.
“Execute 1270 Alpha, Execute 1270 Alpha!” she screamed, alarms blaring in response and the restraints holding Trent releasing.
The laser arc fired a moment later, knocked centimeters off target by the charging Knight Captain Quinn. The green laser bolt caught the edge of the restraining chair, knocking it off the dais and into the defenseless Vice-Commander Daiyu with such force that she tumbled ten meters across the floor, sliding to a stop in a motionless heap.
Trent was somehow thrown free when the blast struck, rolling beside Daiyu, but recovering to one knee a meter away from her limp form. Knight Captain Quinn wrestled with Sir Simwa, pinning the much smaller man while trying to wrestle the laser arc from his grip. Sir Simwa, displaying signs of strength you would not expect from his unimpressive physique, kept the knight captain at bay while maintaining a grip on the laser arc.
Daniel sat stiff, unable to move...unable to act.
He tried to think logically about the situation, but couldn't; the insanity of the entire situation beyond him. But a sudden thought did appear in his all but empty mind; I should help the knight captain, it screamed. He would be a hero and his stock would rise faster than all others.
He jumped over the table and sprinted towards the two wrestling men. Knight Captain Quinn saw him first, grunting as a knee bore into his stomach.
“Stay back!” Knight Captain Quinn shouted, his voice booming as he forced the knee down and continued his struggle. Daniel ignored him and dove towards the arm which had started losing its wobbly grip on the laser arc.
*********
Trent flew through the air beside the rapidly tumbling chair, frantically waving his arms as if he could swim to safety. He realized the uselessness of trying to fly without wings a moment before he struck the ground, tucking his knees into his chest to roll into a kneel, like he was a gymnast trying to make a perfect landing for points.
I’m alive, he realized, having cheated death once more. But Trent knew he wasn’t out of the woods yet.
Desperately, he tried to grasp the chaotic scene unfolding around him. Vice-Commander Daiyu lay unconscious on the floor about a meter away, bleeding heavily from a head wound, but breathing steady. From the location of Trent's chair, he figured she must have been rushing towards him when the weapon had discharged and knocked the chair flying off the pedestal. A grunt from the far side of the room brought Trent's head up swiftly.
Knight Captain Quinn had Sir Simwa pinned and almost under control. The smaller man was fighting back, but there was no way he would be able to escape the larger man's grasp. Trent started to crawl towards the unconscious vice-commander when he heard a shout.
He whirled around to find a wide-eyed Lieutenant Daniel diving at Sir Simwa's arm, which was barely keeping its grip on the weapon. The dive was ill timed, Lieutenant Daniel catching the arm, but also bumping Knight Captain Quinn in the process, disrupting his leverage. Sir Simwa took advantage, regaining his grip on the weapon and taking aim at his only clear target...the unconscious Vice-Commander Daiyu
Trent didn't think, just acted, falling to his knees at her side and with all his strength, pushed her tiny body away. But the floor that appeared smooth...and should be, Trent's mind screamed... was not, and he found his efforts in vain. All thoughts vanished as desperation took over...he needed to push harder! With a burst of strength he never knew he had...Daiyu began to slide.
A flash of intense green blinded him, the smell of ozone and something else, like burnt meat, touching his nostrils as it faded.
Pain...horrible, agonizing pain...followed close behind, erupting through his flesh from both his arms. Confused, he collapsed to the floor, unable to comprehend exactly what happened. But as his eyes cleared, and he caught sight of Sir Simwa, staring at him with glee, it all fell into place.
He had been too slow, and when Sir Simwa fired, directly at the spot where Vice-Commander Daiyu had been, seconds before, he had been caught unaware and...what?
Why was he on his side? He wondered.
Wasn't he just on his knees? His mind asked in utter confusion, the throbbing pain from his arms threatening to smother his consciousness.
Is Vice-Commander Daiyu safe? The question kept him from fading, but he still didn’t understand what had befallen, or why he was in such excruciating pain.
His gaze, though unfocused, quickly located the vice-commander, who lay directly before him. Tendrils of smoke rose from her singed hair, and a nasty looking burn streaked up the side of her uniform, but her breathing was still steady...she was safe.
He tried to reach for her, noticing the blood pooling by her scalp, but his arms wouldn't respond. Looking down in confusion, thinking they must be still bound, he found in their place sat two charred stumps, still smoldering, the scent of burning flesh overwhelming everything.
Shock and recognition completely took hold as the knowledge Trent knew, but hadn’t accepted, finally sunk in, and he slid into a world of nothingness.
*********
The laser arc fired even with Daniel's valiant efforts to free it from Sir Simwa's grasp.
“Hold him down!” Knight Captain Quinn shouted as he raised his fist, along with half his massive frame, to strike Sir Simwa with explosive force, the man’s nose shattering with a sickening crunch,
splattering blood over Daniel and the knight captain. Sir Simwa went limp and Daniel hastily removed the laser arc while Knight Captain Quinn verified that the man was indeed, unconscious. A wave of relief washed over his mind, clearing the threads of panic that had weaved their way within, as he fell onto his back to catch his breath.
Knight Captain Quinn rushed past him like the wind. Startled, Daniel quickly rolled into a sitting position, following the knight captain with his gaze, expecting to see him at the side of the injured Vice-Commander Daiyu. But instead, he hunched over a motionless Trent.
What did that damn hobo do now? Daniel wondered, having last seen Trent kneeling unharmed, well outside the fray. Reluctantly, Daniel stood, following Knight Captain Quinn...I should at least feign some concern, he realized...still hoping to return to the knight captain’s good graces.
A horrible stench of burnt flesh struck him first, and what he witnessed next sent a shiver down his spine.
Trent lay motionless on his side, tendrils of smoke rising from the charred remains of his partially disintegrated arms, an injury only possible by a laser arc bolt. A nasty looking black burn ran across his chest, while his chin was scorched, putrid white puss seeping from nasty blisters, mixing with blood. Daniel turned away as a rising feeling emanated from his gullet, but he swallowed it back down and returned his gaze.
Trent's eyes were open, as if he was staring at Vice-Commander Daiyu, but they were empty...pure white. Every few seconds he would twitch, blood flecked foam bubbling down his cheek, showing definite signs of shock.
Alutia Rising, Anniversary Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 1) Page 10
