Page 12 of Chosen
“Opening, flagged item.”
My body tenses the moment I see what’s now on the screen. Jameshia had committed the worst crime by a homo sapien. She’d murdered asuperious.In most regions that was an automatic death sentence as trials were not held for homo sapiens, at least that was the way of things in my sector. It was the same in most of the other sectors as well.
The fact that she is still alive must have been because of Magnus’s intervention. However, now that she is technically under my jurisdiction, her punishment would be handled at my discretion.
I notice her victim is the member of a wealthy family in the fifth district of Sector 2 where she had previously been assigned. I read further and note that the law had recently been changed in Sector 2 to allow trials for homo sapiens regardless of victim.
So that’s what he wanted to hide from me.
Maybe Sector Leader Magnus believed by getting me to agree to give her more time, he could possibly get a trial or even make an arrangement with her victim’s family before they found out that she had been reassigned to my sector. Because it would be well within their rights to petition me to carry out her death penalty.
While I find this information jarring, there’s one thing I’ve decided. I will not tell Braeden. For reasons he hasn’t adequately explained to my satisfaction why he’s been against the idea of a breeder, despite understanding I need an heir to continue my line. It’s the responsibility of a good Sector Leader to create strong offspring for the betterment of their land.
Jameshia’s profile doesn’t go into further detail about the incident other than to say: trial pending.
I do a thorough study of the file before ordering it closed.
“System, contact Sector Leader.”
“Calling Sector 2 Leader.”
It takes a few moments before his holographic image pops up again. “Greetings Sector Leader Draken. I didn’t expect for you to get back to me so quickly.”
I see no point in wasting time with pleasantries, especially when I believe he had tried to deceive me. “I will be collecting my breeder in five days’ time. There will be no further negotiation of this matter. And yes, I’m aware of what’s in her file.”
I end the transmission without waiting for him to respond, not giving a single damn about my rudeness.
From out previous interaction at the summit, I had gain some respect for him and how he ran his sector, but now I’m not certain if that respect was misplaced.
And now I find myself back in sector 2, prepared to claim what’s mine. My thoughts are focused on the task at hand.
As the vehicle pulls up to the front of the large stately manor, I note two lines of Enforcers and what appears to be high ranking officials, the usual protocol of greeting for one of my status. I’m not interested in the formalities, only collecting my breeder.
I’m sure Sector Leader Magnus will invite me overnight to stay but if all goes according to my plan, me and Jameshia will be headed back to Sector 10 by nightfall.
Anxious to get this exchange over with, I don’t wait for the driver to open my door. I step out and immediately zone in on the Sector Leader, who walks toward me with his hand extended.
“Welcome back to my sector. I trust your flight and ride here was comfortable.” A slight smile curves his lips but it doesn’t quite meet his eyes. He’s wary of me, because I’m certain he will attempt to convince me to stay longer than I intend.
I’m slow to take his hand as I scan my surroundings. I’ve only brought one of my personal Enforcers more so to calm Braedenthan for my own protection. Not that I think I’ll be under any kind of danger while I’m here. Magnus would indeed be a formidable opponent should things become physical between us.
We’re similarly built although I’m slightly taller and my musculature is bit thicker. Still it wouldn’t be easy to best him, not that I am worried.
“I found everything sufficient. There was no need for such a ceremonial visit.” I pull my hand out of his grasp.
His empty smile remains. “Perhaps not, but you are a Sector Leader and I would be remiss to not give you anything than isn’t your proper due. Perhaps you’d like to freshen up and rest after your long journey. I can have some refreshments sent to the quarters we’ve prepared for you. They should be familiar to you as it is the same rooms where you stayed during the summit.”
My suspicions are confirmed that he does indeed expect me to stay longer than I plan. “Perhaps I did not make myself clear when we last spoke, that I’m only here to collect my breeder. I do not plan to stay longer than it takes for her to ready herself to leave.”
His dark red brows fly up in obvious surprise and the slight smile he’d worn only seconds before falls. “Perhaps I’m misinterpreting your words. Do you mean to leave today?”
“There was no misinterpretation. That is exactly what I meant. I hope to leave within the hour if possible.”
I notice how his fists briefly clench at his sides. I’m sure my intentions have surprised him but I’m sure his strategy is to get me to stay for a long visit.
That condescending smile returns. “Perhaps we can talk about this further in my office. I can have someone bring you a drink. You must be tired from traveling.”
I don’t wish to be completely ungracious, he is after all being hospitable but I won’t change my mind. “I will accept your drink, but I must head out shortly after.”
