The S/D - The Search/Destroy Agency (Strontium Dogs) - Bounty Hunters

[John Keel]

**Incoming Transmission**
**CommID: Nathan Varron**
**SourceID: Planet New London, New London System**
**TargetID: Search/Destroy Agency Recruitment Office**

Subject: Recruit Application

My name is Nathan Varron. I suppose you want to hear something of my backstory before you accept my application, but I'm at loathe to give it. Suffice to say I am a competent pilot with experience flying in the Liberty Police, before I was... er... dishonourably discharged. I flew a variety of ships, from light fighter to very heavy fighter and am capable in all classes up to VHF. Before my.. um.. incident.. I was a decorated officer with a number of successful arrests and cases.

I suppose you'll also want to know why I am no longer with the Liberty Police. Well, one reason is money. The pay there isn't good for the risks your taking. Yes, I know being a bounty hunter carries with it many a risk, but the pay is good and that's what I'm here for. As long as the money is coming in you can expect my loyalty.

The other reason is more complicated. Doubtless you have already researched my name and found several interesting items. Just let me say that the fools at the Liberty Psychiatric Ward are wrong. I am not out of my mind, on the contrary I am perfectly sane and capable. You may see me as a risk, but I like to think I'm a risk worth taking.

Regardless I will no longer keep you busy. Now if you haven't already run my name on your database, do so, I'm sure you'll find files that will interest you.

I look forward to hearing from you,

N. Varron

**End Transmission**

Searching for files: "Nathan Varron"........

File(s) found: 2

Opening file... 1

Liberty Psychiatric Ward, Planet Manhatten

Patient ID: Nathan Varron
Patient No.: 23451

After conducting a forensic assessment of Nathan, I can conclude he has a severe case of the Schizoid Personality disorder combined with an even more extreme case of Schizophrenia. Nathan has reacted very badly to my studies, even turning to violence. This violent streak is undoubtedly what caused the incident on Fort Bush. What is even more worrying is that Nathan does not seem particularly affected by the killing of his fellow officer, leading me to believe this deep seated schizophrenia was brought about by the overlaying Schizoid disorder. Even more cause for concern lies in the potential for a further psychological disorder to emerge from Nathan's personality, one which could lead to further violence.

These disorders have not been started by the incident, rather the effects of them have been brought to the fore. They have always been deep in Nathan's psychiatric build, and there have been signs from childhood of the beginnings of these disorders. His family history is not exactly stable, and from what I have gathered there was little or no father figure to guide him through childhood. This could explain the underlying feeling of resentment toward others who he percieves to be luckier than himself.

I believe the schizophrenia has meant Nathan has experienced delusions of paranoia, which would explain the imagined insult caused by his fellow officer that acted as a catalyst to this tragic incident.

After conducting a mental status examination I would suggest the court leave sentencing Nathan for a few months as his mind is no state to answer or respond to complex questions as would be posed to him in court.

Doctor J. Peters

Opening File.... 2

Liberty Herald

"Bringing you all the news you need to hear"

A shock escape yesterday occured when ex-police officer Nathan Varron somehow broke free from the high security Liberty psychiatric ward on Planet Manhatten. The ward is mostly reserved for ex-military pilots heavily affected by war and violence. Varron was moved there after been detained for the murder of fellow officer Robert Harris on Fort Bush. Witnesses on the station say that Varron exchanged a few words with Harris before a fight broke out. The fight lasted a short time before Varron pulled his knife out and stabbed Harris in the neck and twice in the stomach. Off duty police on station were able to detain Varron and was then moved to the psychiatric ward for analysis of the state of his mind. Comrades said that though Varron was always a little over enthusiastic when dealing with pirates or law breakers, he was always very competent and professional in his duty. Though one officer, who refuses to be named, had this to say:

"Varron was always a killer. You could see it in his eyes. I hate to say it but I'm not shocked that it's come to this, I went to the Captain months ago with my concerns about the guy. He's brutal."

Both pilots were decorated officers and had been in service for a number of years, with Varron holding medals for successful cases culminating in arrests.

But yesterday the Liberty Police reputation was further tarnished when Varron escaped from the facility and fled Manhatten. Pursuers lost him as he stole a starflier from the landing pads of Manhatten and raced away. His last known location was heading toward California, though police have not had any sightings since.

There is a funeral service to be held next week for Robert Harris, but the family have asked for no media coverage and for it to be a quiet affair.

This is Melanie Gibbs, for the Liberty Herald.

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A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin.
~H. L. Mencken

Levi Ripley // [Civilian]