The Quarry

[Rage Menelas]

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode]“Might I entreat you on a matter of particular import?”

The older Dalcachene looked at his subordinate, nodded ever so slightly.

“Who is my accuser in this incident?”

“It is covered by Stipulation 20/24 of the Interstellar Sanctions Act.” This was a double edged sword. It meant that the accuser was in fear of his life, and so was not required to reveal his identity. It also meant that, unless other corroborating evidence could be established, it could not be counted as such either. That put the ball solidly in Charlie's court, as was evident in the order-master's eyes. “So, what say you, Master Erzo'acteru...? Do you deny the allegations?”

Ryan stood to the side, watching intently. He certainly pitied his boss the position he was in, felt a pang of guilt for putting him there. This was one of those classical moral dilemmas. Damned if you do, damned if you don't! For his part, Ryan was silently praying that he would not be personally called upon to give an accounting of what had happened. What he really wanted to do – above all else – was to wave his hand at the wall behind him and, acting as one of the chairs back on Saar'floe, become part of the wall!

“Sir, with due respect, I cannot answer these questions without knowledge of my accuser. There is reason to believe there is a connection here to an ongoing investigation which I am conducting.”

That got his attention, Ryan noticed. Master Da'aris' back straightened and his large saucer eyes narrowed. “Is this your official response?” he finally asked in a terse, unfriendly tone. It seemed obvious to Ryan that he viewed this as somewhat of an admission of guilt, an attempt to cover-up wrong-doing of his own.

“It is, sir,” Charlie stated unequivocally and without the slightest hesitation. Ha... how about that...? the old fellow had grit... Ryan was proud of him, found himself liking the old guy ever more the more he got to know him.

With that the official leader of the Exeonasii let out a strange sound that reminded Ryan of an angry sheep, turned and doddered off. By his demeanor it was obvious Ryan was the only one impressed with Charlie's performance. But the good news was that apparently the hearing was concluded.

Charlie looked at his apprentice sideways, rolled his eyes and let out an explosive breath. “Now, we had better find something on this case quickly, or my stored body energy with be put to the flame for certain!”

Ryan paused, wrinkled a brow and thought about that last phrase for a moment. Now that didn't come out quite right, did it...? “Oh, wait... I think you mean: your fat will be in the fire!”

“Just so... now let us be off... quickly!” and the master led him out of the audience chamber. Ryan followed, making a mental note to give him a lesson on Terran sayings, the proper use thereof, at the earliest possible convenience.