Jaded by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online Page B

Legion was looking better now that the restrictor was off.
    A quick look into his mind told her that he drew his health from those around him. The restrictor had been slowly killing him. He was a symbiote of the highest order. He offered protection to any population he was in, in exchange for a small bit of biological energy. It would never be a problem in a normal population, which is why Legion had been sent to Vradu. It was a safe and non-psychic population or that was the common idea.
    “Thank you, Legion. Please take a seat next to your counsel.”
    “Your Honour, permission to cross-examine?”
    “Denied. He has been examined by the jury. His statements are completely accurate.”
    The prosecutor blinked in surprise.
    “Now, prosecutor, defense, I need a local expert on lore of the hills. I need it immediately.”
    The defense representative removed a com unit from his bag and immediately made a few calls.
    “Recess is called until the experts can be brought forward to fill in the gaps. I want no disruptions in my courtroom. Guardians, I am deputizing you for security.” She got to her feet and headed to her chambers.
    She felt the blast coming a moment before it struck. The witnesses of Norgin were standing and projecting a column of hate towards her. The jury got a filtered measure of it but enough to feel the attack.
    “Legion! Help!”
    She directed a short blast of psychic energy, and it had the desired effect. “Ex-Hess, get down!”
    He covered her body with his as Legion energized and sent out a compressing wave that threw all standing parties against the walls with heavy thuds.
    Ex-Hess whispered, “Did you know that would happen?”
    She grunted. “Of course I did. Legion’s records are quite clear. He is not to operate on any world with a psychic population. He gets over-stimulated and kablamo.”
    “This world has psychics?”
    “It would explain a lot, would it not?”
    She elbowed him and got to her feet the moment he rolled free of her. The Vradu were stunned and clutching their heads, and the Guardians were back to back with Legion. He looked dazed but otherwise fine.
    Judge Dex resumed her seat. “Apologies for the interference in your power, Legion.”
    “It is fine, Judge, but what did you do to me?”
    She smiled, but he couldn’t see it. “Everyone be seated. If you are on the floor, stay there.”
    She took a deep breath. “Legion, your attack on the village of Norgin was not an attack on your part. You are cleared of all charges and may resume your duties as Guardian.”
    The Guardians shook his hand and slapped his back in celebration.
    “However.”
    The courtroom froze.
    “As the village of Norgin have bred into a collective consciousness with a high psychic element, it is no longer sound for you to remain here in an active capacity. I will be ordering a transfer to a silent world for you.”
    Legion stiffened, but he nodded in acceptance.
    “As for the people of Norgin, I am charging all witnesses with perjury and ordering a full psychic assessment by the imperium auditor. If you have a significant psychic presence, it must be recorded.”
    The villagers looked ill.
    The prosecutor piped up, “You heard the exact story from all of the witnesses. How dare you say they lied?”
    Dex laughed. “If you looked around the courtroom and described it, do you believe that it would be the same point of view as the Guardians?”
    “Of course not.”
    “Then, why do all of your witnesses have precisely the same image in their minds in bright and vivid colour with no emotion attached?”
    He paled and got shaky. “What?”
    “I am a judge of the imperium. I carry a jury with me. I see all the evidence whether the witnesses wish to divulge it or not. On seven worlds, seven individuals have seen what I see, and they all agree on one thing, Legion was set up. Now, who made the call?”
    The moment she asked, the answer swarmed to her in the minds of the Norgin.
    “Teenagers wanted