Arrest: Victoria Romero

[Toaster]

Hartley:
Oh, you misunderstand. We don't want the drones to look after Auxesian activity. I already have an idea or two of my own regardin' what to do with those. [Rises from chair, steps around table, stands over Romero.] I want you to keep us informed of Auxesian movements. We know you hackers have the tech required for that. Hell, it's what you people are all about, isn't it? [Leans in.] You see those technofreaks - either on your fancy computer systems or with your own bare eyes -, you inform me. Agree to that and this whole arrest will be forgotten like a bad dream.

[Straightens up, takes a step back.] Do we have a deal, Miss Romero?

[Knicklichtjedi]

Victoria:
If your people won't linger on my tail day and night... [Sighs, crossing her arms.] I guess we have a deal then. Just out of curiosity, is there a reason to report whatever I find only to you?

[Pause.]

You know what, I don't think I wanna know. If that's part of the deal then that's how it is. I know how to reach you, unless LPI drastically increased their cyber security.

[Toaster]

Hartley:
Good. [Glances at camera, nods. Buzz and click, cuffs unlock and fall from Romero's wrists.]

Well, Miss Romero. [Walks around table, pockets PDA and picks up hat.] This sure was a delightful meeting, wouldn't you say? [Puts on hat.] You will have to spend the night here with us, however. Procedure and all that, while we delete the arrest files. You understand. [Steps to door.] Have some water. Knock on the door when you're done here and the corporal outside will escort you to a holding cell.

[Pause.]

Need anything to fulfill your part of the deal?

---

Olivia Sable

[Knicklichtjedi]

Victoria:
[Stretches her arms but doesn't get up yet.] A get-out-of-jail free card, if one of your officers finds me out in space again. Unless you want to repeat this again, that is.

[Pause.]

Aside of that I just want to get over with this. [Grabs the glass and empties it entirely.] I hope I don't find any logs about one of your tech guys trying to dig around in my ship's logs. I'll just get to my cell now, I've seen this room for long enough. [Gets up slowly, stays far enough away from the detective to pose no threat.]

[Toaster]

Hartley:
[Nods slowly.] Primary branch won't bother you on patrols. No promises about secondaries, though, and if you get caught doing something really stupid... Well, we'll be sitting here again. And don't worry about your ship. It's not been touched.

[Opens door, addresses person out of view.] Take her to holding.

[Turns back to Romero. Nods.] A pleasure, Miss Romero.

[Knicklichtjedi]

Victoria:
[Whispers to herself.] Finally over... [Pauses, until she's in her cell alone.] Just one more night in his hellhole and I'll walk out there, can't wait to see the face of those guys that were there during my arrest.

Victoria quickly laid down on her uncomfortable resemblence of a bed. After this tiresome interrogation she had no troubles falling asleep quickly. This short night came to a quick end though as two officers opened her cell after just a couple of hours had passed. They quickly guided her towards one of the hangar bays where her ship was already fully prepared to launch, all that was missing was the pilot and take-off clearance. She quickly left the armed guards behind her as she held her wrist against a scanner to open up the main airlock to her Transgressor.

After just a few moments of checking whether or not everything was still just as she had left it yesterday she started the engines. Nobody interfered, and she even received a formal take-off clearance. Victoria looked back several times and checked the ship's scanners reguarly. Only after she had left Houston's defense grid by several kilometers she had time to calm down and take a deep breath. It went well, almost too well.

The young hacker headed straight to her hideout to grab the codes for her prototypes and transmitted them to the interrogator. For now she would play their game and not attempt to sabotage the operation just yet. The officer probably wanted her to go after Auxesia immediately, but that had to wait a day or two - for now all that was on her mind was the bar and a couple of drinks to help settle what she went through.