Richard Stephenson - Collapse

“Hey, you’re the one in charge of security. You can break your own rules and no one can stop you.”

“Got to set the example. You know that.”

“I know. So what’s the plan for today?”

“I have a few reports to follow up on. I got an anonymous tip that Janet Smith is being beaten by her husband. She has a black eye and made up some story at the infirmary about falling down.”

“Anonymous? How is that possible with Hal watching our every move?”

“It’s not. The first thing I did was have Hal play back the security footage in the hallway in front of my office. Turns out Janet’s neighbor slid a note under my office door.”

“What are you going to do?”

“It’s no different from when we were cops in Texas. Can’t do much if Janet doesn’t press charges. She’ll more than likely side with her husband out of fear and continue with the lie.”

“I know you better than that, Maxwell. You’re not going to just drop this.”

“I think after I tell Mr. Scumbag that his landlord will boot his ass up to the surface if he doesn’t get his act together, we’ll see a change of heart real quick.”

“You can also tell him that if I so much as see one scratch on Janet, he’ll have to deal with me.”

“Well, my dear, you are the muscle in our gang.” Max shot her a mischievous grin.

“I don’t know about that. You can whoop some serious ass with that cane. Maybe we can get one with a sword inside of it.”

“Cute. What’re your plans for the day?”

“Debbie is going to hang out here today. When little man here goes down for his nap, Howard wants me to review the security protocols for an emergency evacuation.”

“Really? Why? Is he concerned about something and not telling us?”

“I don’t think so. You know how Howard is. He wants a contingency plan for everything.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“Richard’s due back today. That should make for some excitement.”

Max smiled. “Totally forgot about that.”

As Elizabeth finished Thomas’s morning feeding, Max stood and grabbed his cane. The injury to his hip and knee had left him in chronic pain for years. Three or four times a year the pain was so bad he had to use a cane to walk. This particular spell had lasted the better part of a month, which was unusual. He leaned down and kissed his son on the head, then his wife’s cheek.

“I love you,” said Elizabeth.

“Love you, too, baby. I’ll see you at lunch.”

Max limped out of his quarters and headed to the elevator. He entered his office on the command level and lowered himself into his chair with great effort. He peered through the large window into the main lobby of the security department to find his constables hard at work. He knocked on the glass and waved Dennis Twigg to his office.

“Sir?”

“Sit down, Dennis.”

Dennis Twigg was a valued member of his security team. He’d served six years as a military policeman and twelve years in the Border Patrol. He was the first constable Max recruited to help him maintain law and order in Beck Castle.

“How’s the baby, sir?”

“He’s great. Elizabeth’s already talking about having another child. I told her we should get this one potty trained before we take that step.”

“I’m glad my kids are grown and we don’t have to worry about that. So, what’s up?”

“I want your input on something.”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Nothing is definite, but I think the time is fast approaching when President Beck will no longer allow refugees from the UAE inside the Castle.”

“And you want to know what I think?”

“Yes.”

“Speaking from the security side of things, it’s a good idea. With the castle being stuck in the middle of the neutral zone between the UAE and the PSA, I’d be glad to close up shop. We also have close to three thousand people living down here. Sooner or later one of these people is bound to make us regret our open door policy. On a personal level, I think it’s a mistake. We both know the sort of things going on in the UAE, and for us to deny sanctuary to anyone living in that hell…” Dennis trailed off, clearly trying to forget the unpleasant memories coming to the surface.

“I agree with you completely. People are risking their lives to get here; most don’t even make it without the UAE slaughtering them. On the other hand, I’m responsible for the security around here. If we are infiltrated or something tragic happens, the buck stops with me. I can’t let anything happen to this place. It’s far too important; the stakes are just too high.”

“Sir, with your permission, I’m ready to release the latest refugees from quarantine.”

“Let me review the final report, and I’ll get back to you before lunch.”

Every refugee from the UAE found wandering around the valley above Beck Castle had to remain in quarantine for seven days before being allowed into the main facility. They had to be screened for infectious diseases and undergo extensive psychological testing. Anyone failing to meet the requirements was sedated and taken to a random location to hopefully live a peaceful life away from the United American Empire.

“When’s the surgery, boss?”

“Two weeks. I’m gonna count on you to handle things while I recover.”

“You know I will.” Dennis winked at Max as he left the room.

Max was undergoing a radical new surgery that would completely replace his left leg. First, all the bones would be removed to be replaced with synthetic ones. Next, the muscles would be replaced with small tissue samples infused with nanobots. Over several months, the nanobots would rapidly stimulate growth. Eventually, Max would have a brand new leg, and the years of chronic pain would be gone.

“Good morning, Director Harris.”

“What is it, Hal?” Max grumbled as the computerized voice of the president’s assistant filled the room.

“The president and General Dupree would like a word.”

Max swore under his breath. Getting in and out of a chair was not an easy process. “I’m on my way, Hal.”

“Yes, sir.”

Max went through the ordeal of standing and exited his office. He hobbled down the corridor and stood in front of the command center door. Once Hal announced him to Howard, the door opened and Max smiled for the first time that day.

“Richard, it’s good to see you, my friend.”

Richard smiled and shook his friend’s hand. “Max, we have a lot to talk about, please sit down.”

The author is the exclusive owner to the rights of this electronic work. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblances to persons, living or dead, places, events, or locales is purely coincidental. They are productions of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

Published by Stephenson & Powers Publishing House.

Copyright 2012 by Stephenson & Powers Publishing House.

http://www.rastephensonauthor.blogspot.com/

Edited by Susan Hughes

www.myindependenteditor.com

Cover Art produced by Laura Wright LaRoche at LLPix Photography. 2012.

http://www.llpix.com/