Page 80 of Steel & Thunder
“That sounds...vague.” He tilts his head in confusion.
“Yeah, you might even wonder if it wasn’t set up that way intentionally,” I gripe.
“Did something happen?” He sounds concerned.
“Sorta. There was a protest. I don’t remember over what exactly, taxes or land rights or something.” I regret not paying more attention to that stuff. “There were crowds of angry people gathered around city hall, and we were deployed to break them up. When we got out there, it was chaos. Everyone was yelling and throwing things: rocks, vegetables, whatever they could get their hands on. We got the orders to start arresting people almost immediately. I watched my classmates start grabbing people and throwing them to the ground, cuffing them without a second thought. It wasn’t like these people were looking for a fight. These were families, mothers and fathers, children, old people, all just angry because no one was listening to them.” I pause and take a deep breath. “I remember there was this boy who threw a rock at my commander. It was a fucking pebble, and the kid couldn’t have been older than fourteen. What the hell was he going to do, really? He was a fucking kid. When I refused to arrest him, my commander threatened to throw me in a cell. I walked off the field right then.”
“Is that why you left?” He’s on the right track.
“It wasn’t the first time something like that happened. I was never really happy there, you know? But it was that kind of stuff that always made me wonder what I was really doing, who I was really working for. Sometimes we’d be deployed to work security at some private function or maybe we would have to escort someone somewhere, but it was never anything that actually seemed important. After a while, it started to feel like we were only really helping one group of people—the ones with money.” It’s starting to feel like I’m rambling. “I started saving up a little money last year, even though I didn’t have a plan yet. It wasn’t until Adam came to my room that night that I actually decided to do something.”
“What did he do?” Do I detect some jealousy?
“I was in my bunk still fuming when he knocked on the door.” I have a pretty clear memory of that night. “He wanted to talk about what happened at the protest, and for a minute, I was worried he was there to tell me to get over what happened like everyone else. But he didn’t. He didn’t stay out there very long either. He was on my side. Then he asked me if I’d ever thought about leaving. So, I told him about the money I had saved.”
“Were his motivations similar to yours?” Less jealousy.
“More or less, but he had his own reasons too.” Like losing both of his parents in a fire last year. “The day after that, we talked to Elisabeth, who was as apathetic about that place as we were. A week later, we packed up and left in the middle of the night. Took a wagon out of town to the coast, bought a boat ticket, and here we are.”
“Was it really necessary to leave in the middle of the night?” He sounds skeptical.
“Probably not.” I shrug. “We didn’t break the law or anything, but none of us really felt like explaining anything to anyone.”
“Like your family?” He raises an eyebrow. Bingo.
“Like my family.” I nod wearily.
“Well, as much as I wish I could to assure you that things are different here, recent events might—” A knock on the open door interrupts him.
“Good afternoon, Captain Ironstorm. David,” Redwish sneers my name, appearing as if on cue.
“Advocate Redwish.” Khazak rises, and I move to stand beside him on the other side of the desk. “Thank you for coming in.”
“Of course, sir.” He offers a small bow before taking a seat. “I was told you wished to speak regarding the day of Mr. Cerano’s arrest.”
“Yes.” Khazak takes his own seat while I remain standing next to him. “It has been brought to my attention that you may not have been completely forthcoming with the objectives and consequences of the Nagul Uzu’gor that day.”
“I am not sure I know what you mean.” He plays dumb well. I’ll give him that.
“You made it seem like I was supposed to try and kill him,” I growl, unable to keep my composure. “You made it seem like he was trying to kill me.”
“I did no such thing.” He sounds completely unimpressed with my accusations.
“I must admit I also feel as though something is amiss.” Khazak pushes forward, ignoring my outburst. “You implied to me that David would be lying about—”
“I am sorry, but have you known him to be particularly honest?” He eyes me suspiciously. “I understand he has made a number of escape attempts.”
“That is not the reason I asked—”
“Then what did you ask me here for, sir? Are you accusing me of something?” Redwish snaps. “What I have done, Captain, is my job. You will have to forgive me for not paying mind to the incorrect assumptions of a common thug. Honestly, I am not sure why either of you are complaining to begin with. Given how cozy I understand the two of you have become, I would think you would want to thank me.”
“I apologize, Advocate Redwish.” Khazak’s tone definitely does not suggest he apologizes. “I meant no offense.”
“Yes well, unless there is anything else, I will be on my way.” He stands and moves to the door. “Good day, gentlemen.”
I break the silence after he’s gone. “You don’t believe him, do you?”
“Of course not.” Khazak sighs. “But I cannot accuse him of professional impropriety without something to back it up. I am not actually sure what I could accuse him of at all.”
