The TALONS Files: the chronicles of telepathic agent Ryan Dart

The Final Decision

Ryan, Phong and Mai whispered about their chances. As Declan cast his watchful gaze on the Director, who was obviously agitated with the proceedings that had just taken place.

When the board members returned, their faces were still stony. They settled in and the Chairman started. "Agent Lao and Agent Lee we've discussed your involvement in this case." He cleared his throat and looked towards Phong. "Agent Lao, it's clear that you acted under the belief that you were justly investigating a possible deviant. However, under no circumstance should illegal activity be accepted without the orders of a superior. Given that your findings aided in the discovery of a very dangerous adversary, and that an entire city was saved, you will receive half your wages for one week. No other punishment is deemed necessary at this time."

The chairman then brought his eyes towards Mai Lee, "Agent Lee, you followed Agent Dart and disobeyed direct orders from your superiors. Normally, this could lead to expulsion, and it certainly was discussed. However, there is something in TALONS bylaws that mentions a Higher Moral Clause. This clause states that when an agent disobeys an order with the welfare of the citizens in mind, this should be deemed necessary and overlooked. You will not be punished."

Mai did not smile, but worriedly looked over at Ryan with almost apologetic eyes. The two teenagers knew Ryan wouldn't be able to escape without punishment. Especially since Phong had already received a punishment for his minor role.

The chairman continued. "I wonder, Agent Lee, and now is the time to make your choice. If Agent Dart was to stay in TALONS, would you continue to be his partner and receive the same fate as he."

Mai's face evidenced a deep concern for Ryan's fate. Instead of denouncing Ryan's actions, the girl simply stated. "Of course, he's the best agent TALONS has."

The chairman's mouth slightly curved in a wan smile. "Then that is what will happen."

Mai's face froze in fear as a lump formed in her throat. However, instead of protest, she nodded in acceptance.

The Chairman then regained his posture and his eyes settled on Ryan. "As for you, Agent Dart, It seems this is a difficult time, as it is for all of the children in attendance today, in your young life. This is the time when you begin to win independence and start to experience portions of life on your own. This holds especially true, being a TALONS agent. With independence comes added responsibility, which is dangerous because, although you are on the cusp of adulthood, you're very much a young and inexperienced mind. Most of the charges today, and I'm reservedly making this decision, fall under the Higher Moral Clause."

He then cleared his throat, picking up a pair of thick framed glasses from the table. He held a small note pad in front of him. "Had you not escaped Scam Likely's henchmen at the Mackinac bridge, the SD card would have been lost.

Had you not disobeyed orders, Scam Likely may have never been captured, and Hadrian may have very well be constructing his biological weapon in Costa Rica. Not to mention Anchorage, Alaska would be a disease ridden crater.

Had you not kept in touch with our deserter Agent Black, a good man my have died and the director would have been assassinated.

Had you not destroyed the observation deck on the Willis Tower, two people would have died, including a valuable TALONS agent, and Declan, the senator and yourself would have been in prison, most likely, for the rest of your lives. We also have to consider the aforementioned havoc Hadrian would have created.

And had you not asked Phong to investigate the Senator, Hadrian's plan would not be known to us.

As for the tampering with government property charge, the board voted five to one that this was a sign of incredible foresight. The gadgets and weaponry on this vehicle indeed saved the world. Your friend should be commended and, as you stated, no real rule was ever broken. Had you mentioned this to us, we probably would have hired Damon from the word go. If he so desires, we'll make your friend one of the youngest self made millionaires in the world."