Shoshone Station: The Galactic Consortium season 2

Episode Five: Adam #22

"I don't want to do this," Zeta said.

"It's your job to make a report," Androcka repeated.

"She's getting her child medical care. Any crime she committed was done long ago, and her husband is serving his time for this," Zeta protested. "It's not fair to pester them further."

"Pester?" Androcka raised a brow.

"They aren't causing problems on this station."

"Other than putting the healers in a precarious position. And you've said yourself, the husband is serving his time. What about the mother? Did she not take part in this crime as well? Has she been tried?"

"I don't know whether she's been tried or not. You can't be serious, though. Take both parents away from a poor child?"

"I didn't say that," he protested. "Legal makes those decisions."

"Based in large part on our investigations."

"What would you have us do? Look the other way? We must protect the professional reputations of those who have dealt with this issue, and the reputation of your station."

"My station?"

"This is the first we've dealt with this issue anywhere in this sector. It will set a precedent for other similar cases. We must be mindful of that. We should not be seen as too . . . accommodating."

Fury burned through Zeta. She could see behind his concerns easily enough. "I can't. I won't investigate—"

"One of your own?"

She hadn't meant that. But now that it was out, it felt like a line in the sand. She stared at the man, too angry to answer.

"If you won't investigate this . . ." She expected to be told to find another in her office who would. She despaired at that. "Then perhaps you should find a different line of work. I will not have people in my department who are unwilling to do their jobs."

She stared at him. "Fine," she snarled and shut off the connection. She managed to get out of the office without encountering any of her coworkers. She was halfway home to her apartment when she got an urgent message from Arneshi. She thought about ignoring it.

It was clear he'd already heard what had happen. His expression was firm, but his eyes showed sympathy. "Zeta," he began, "I would remind you that you work for me first and foremost. Your duties to the station are secondary. He cannot fire you."

She nodded. "The situation—"

"I know it," he replied. "I've scheduled a hearing on this matter tomorrow. Until then, take some time off. Consider that an order. I understand it's a holiday over there. Go celebrate."

She nodded again and thanked him. As soon as he let her go, she changed directions, heading for Jack's. She was at his door before Arneshi's last comment trickled through her brain.

"Merry Christmas," Jack said. "I've got you a little present." He started to step aside when he caught her look. He reached for her as she began to sob, the stress of the last few days catching up with her.