Theta Zane
“I am placing you under arrest according to section 51-zulu of the Galactic Trade Code, subparagraph T-prime.” The Caldorran officer’s voice rang out over the bustling train station and Theta Zane came to a quick halt. There could be no question who the broad shouldered-man was talking to, since 51-zulu referred exclusively to acts of piracy committed in Union space.
Resisting wouldn’t do any good on Caldor; the officers were given a broad scope in exercising their powers and very few checks and balances existed to prevent over-use.
Theta raised his hands and dropped quickly to his knees, speaking loudly as he moved. “I am not armed. I will not resist. Take me before a magistrate.” He repeated the phrase as soon as it was completed, making sure each syllable was clear.
Others on the platform began to look in his direction, and Theta saw the approaching officer slow his stride. Any use of force would be in full view of citizens who had seen the “criminal” surrender, and massive public pressure could affect even them most high-profile and seemingly untouchable local authorities.
“Silence!” The hulking beast spoke again as the distance closed, “Do not move again or I will be forced to injure you.”
“I do not want that,” Theta spoke clearly, “officer…” he left the word hanging. Such men were required to identify themselves even if they would prefer to remain anonymous administers of justice.
“Palen,” the officer said shortly. “Of the fifth brigade.” His face softened slightly. “I’m surprised to see you show your face here, Zane – you have quite the list of charges against your name.”
Theta smiled. “I look forward to testing my mettle against each and every one.”
“Do not move,” Palen said again, voice firming as he reached for a pair of electro-cuffs. “Place your hands in front of you, and lock your fingers together.”
Slowly so as not to alarm suspicion, Theta complied and within moments was fully under Palen’s control. The cuffs buzzed against his wrists, arcing energy causing slight pain as the officer tightened their grip. Such devices were common, almost ordinary in the life of a smuggler, pirate, and all around nuisance in the galaxy, and Theta couldn’t help but smile at the other man’s obvious frustration. Most captives on Caldor were willing to plead for their freedom or offer compensation for release – it was apparent Palen expected much the same. Instead, Theta merely rose and waited patiently to be led off the platform and into a waiting security car.
“You’re going away for a long time, pirate,” Palen grated as he slammed the prisoner door shut. “Savor these last moments of freedom.”
…
“Do you understand what you stand accused of, Mr. Zane?” The judge frowned down at Theta. “This is a serious list of charges – the most extensive I have seen in many years.”
He nodded. “I would be surprised if it were not, Judge Rila. Your space has been quite kind to me.”
“You will not make a mockery of this court!” Palen’s voice boomed from the back of the room. He had been called to give initial evidence of capture, but stayed to see the proceedings unfold.
“And you will not presume to speak for me, Officer Palen.” Rila glared out from her bench. “I am the ultimate authority here and will decide when mockery has taken place.”
Theta didn’t bother to look but was quite certain he could feel the heat from Palen’s angry embarrassment even twenty meters distant.
“Now,” the judge went on, “to the matter of you, Pirate. Did my ears deceive me or have you just admitted to violating our law,“ she paused, “and be aware, any statement made before this court is entered into evidence and cannot be rescinded.”
“Thank you for the warning,” Theta dipped his head in gratitude, “it is most kind. I fully admit that my actions in Union space and Caldor territory fall under the bounds of Galactic Trade Code as well as local law.”
“And do you concede that such actions were in violations of such laws?” Rila pressed.
Theta nodded. “I do.”
Commotion rose up behind him as media came to their feet, phocaptures clicking and mic-pens activated.
“Silence!” The judge bellowed. “This trial is not complete. Silence or I will have you all ejected!” As quickly as it began the noise died down and quiet returned to the vaulted room, bringing with it an almost desperate anticipation. “Now is your chance, pirate – speak in your defense before I pass judgment.”
A quick spin on his heel and Theta faced the waiting throng, shoulders back and head held high. “For the record – and a blood-identity scan will confirm this – I am Theta Zane Renallo Desilva, son of the late Nesto Renallo Desilva, heir to his fortune and enterprise.”
The gasp from those assembled was not quite so sweet as the look on Palen’s face, and the indrawn breath from Judge Rila was merely an extra joy.
“By your own law, those of the high Nobility are exempt from Caldorran piracy law and anything short of murder in front of witnesses. Check you records and you will see no deaths aboard any vessel I’ve taken, no violence perpetrated unless no other choice could be made.”
“This is madness!” Palen screamed and began charging forward, pushing his way past assembled lawmen and media. “You cannot seriously expect us to believe –“
A small hiss and pressure on his arm told Theta the judge had ordered one of her men perform a blood-ID scan, something that could be done by every officer on-planet and should have been done when Palen originally made his arrest. Gasping breath said audacious claims had been confirmed, and the officer’s face paled as he crossed the barrister’s line.
“You are in contempt!” Rita’s voice rang out. “Seize him!” Four burly beasts charged past Theta and grabbed Palen by both arms, driving him to the ground. His eyes bulged and muscles strained as he fought to get free, fought to take out foolish revenge for mistakes he’d made.
“This isn’t over!” he screamed. “You’re dead, Theta Zane. Dead!”
- D
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