The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 118 : License to Drive

Major Wilson was already upset with his star volunteer cadet being brought up on unverified charges. The Princess, who they had just managed to get on board as a temperory trainer was also accused. He knew it was an AI driven vehicle that would not endanger anyone's life unless Dusk had put Safety Protocol off, which was highly unlikely. If he did not stop the University Admin from punishing her, his bosses would come down on him like a ton of bricks.

After all, star performers are always given leeway. And this girl has Brigadier Thompson and General Ruxati at her back. Hell, she is reported to have stayed in Lord Sunjune's palace for a month! Sunjune was the ultimate commander of the Military and specially fond of the young Princess. If he decided he was unhappy, Wilson could even be out of a job!

"And your proof being?" he asked.

"Some videos... Posted by students on social media. And complaint by some students."

"Complaints by students who had posted the videos?" Major asked.

"Umm... No sir, but it is a serious violation in any case."

Major Wilson looked at Ms. Cralx sharply. "And have you asked Ms. Hale for an explanation before making a citation? Your videos of a speeding bike only show a person in Military Cadet Uniform. It does not show the face of the person riding the bike."

"No... Sir, I did not get a chance to ask for an explanation. Ms. Susco did not give me a chance." She replied, trying to defend her actions. She dared not be arrogant with the Military backing Dusk Hale. Of course she had no idea that the girl riding with Dusk Hale was a Princess from the Royal Family.

"I see. Did Ms. Susco stop you from calling or messaging her asking for an explanation BEFORE you issued a citation? Your message to her only states that she is to come to the office. You have not given her a notice, warning, or a show cause asking for explanation." He said coldly.

He then turned to Dusk, "Ms. Hale, since your counsellor decided you needed a public resolution on the matter, I must ask in front of everyone. Was it you on the bike?"

"Yes, Major. I was in a new Dorm Room and did not know the Mass routes. In order to avoid punishment for being late, I took the Duo-Pax that recognised me the previous day. I am sorry for causing a problem and any violation of regulations."

"Oh, I see. Is there any reason why you travelled so fast, other than being late?" Major Wilson asked. "Sargent Major Cole informed me that your control on the bike showed you are well aware of its usage. It is obviously not your first ride on it. Anyway, Imperial Security had already notified your vehicle as a priority vehicle and has noted in their logs as 'Justified Violation'. So I assume they knew what you were doing. Were you on a training?"

The Major was giving Dusk an excuse on a platter which she could use to get away from all punishments. If she said she was on training or practicing riding, he would get his trainers to support it and possibly the Marshall from Regis would also say so.

Cralx was stunned to hear that Imperial Security approved the violation. She had not bothered to check the system for any notes on it, considering Dusk Hale as an ordinary student. She remembered how the girl had come to the university and was even on a free-ship. Though the protocol required her to check the system to see if either Militia or Security had approved the violation, she had not bothered.

Dusk seemed a little embarrassed when she replied, "Sir, actually, I did not have control on the vehicle. The AI decided to drive at that speed. I may have given a wrong command... I did not know what it expected, and it took my approval in a manner different from what I intended."

Wilson and the President both noted that she was avoiding giving details of the mistake. Wilson wondered what he had missed. But he asked again, "What did the AI do?"