An Exchange of Hostages by Susan R. Matthews Read Free Book Online Page A

than willing to play the Tutor’s manipulative game.
    “The Preliminary Levels, Tutor Chonis. The first level at which it is permissible to invoke the use of force. Security may take measures appropriate to the Preliminary Levels, but only at risk of discipline unless the Security is under the direct guidance of a fully rated Inquisitor with custody of an active Writ.”
    This was the beginning of the single most dangerous challenge she had ever undertaken, and she could not bear to stop and think of how complete her ruin would be should she fail to prevail in her Patron’s name.
    She let the joy of battle comfort her, instead, and concentrated on the fact that she was nearer day by day to victory.

    ###

    “And with this discussion of the Writ we conclude our examination of the history, the philosophy, the formal structure, the Levels, and the Judicial mandate of an Inquisitor with a Writ to Inquire.”
    Tutor Chonis addressed himself to the summary title still displayed on the wall-screen viewer behind his desk. He knew that his Students were tense. The closer they got to the crucial break between pure lecture and the first practical exercise, the tenser they became, too. “Let’s just review the block of instruction.” Who should he call on first? He’d catch them both, of course, and off their guard if he could manage it. Much more than mere replay-knowledge was to be tested at Fleet Orientation Station Medical — and as often as could be maneuvered without becoming crushingly obvious.
    He heard a shifting sound from the table behind his back. Student Koscuisko. Sliding his seat away from the study-table, probably. They’d had twelve weeks together in indoctrination and review; Chonis felt confident in predicting that young Koscuisko would be scowling, his wide, high forehead scored with irritation, his mouth pursed sourly.
    Koscuisko was too easy.
    So he would call out Noycannir to be first.
    “Student Noycannir, will you detail the Privilege of the Writ for us, please.”
    He could not hear a reaction, not even with the augmented hearing in his right ear — where he had all but lost the natural faculty years ago in an explosion. He knew what that no-sound looked like, well enough. She’d be stiff as stalloy in her seat, and glaring — an equal mix of aggression and insecurity.
    “The Privilege of the Writ. Established by Judicial order 177-39-15228. The First Judge Caris Raber, Presiding.” Well? her sullen, stony eyes always seemed to ask. Is that good enough for you? I’ll bet you thought I couldn’t get it right. Well, it’s high time you learned better. She never seemed to be secure, even when she clearly knew the material very well.
    “The Writ is granted by Judicial order, and cannot be voided except by Judicial order or expiration of contract of service. It is a failure to support the Judicial order to reject a grant of Writ prior to the expiration of Fleet contract.”
    She could be subtle, too, and politic; she rehearsed the abstract blandly, without the slightest hint that she even cared about that irony visible on her narrow, sharp cunning face. Once the Writ was granted, it was treason to attempt to lay it down before your eight years of service had been completed. Which reminded him . . .
    “Thank you, Student Noycannir, it’s quite a lot for one person to try to get through alone. Perhaps Student Koscuisko would explain the unique legal position granted by the Privilege of the Writ?”
    He knew Koscuisko didn’t like this part. As if Koscuisko could be said to care for any of it.
    “Of the Judicial offenses punishable under Law, only one can override the Privilege of the Writ. That offense is challenging the Judicial order by act of treason, mutiny, or insurrectionary intent.”
    As represented, for instance, by failure to obey lawful and received instruction from one’s superior commanding officer. Or in terms of Koscuisko’s birth-culture — one’s oldest brother, one’s