San Damien and the Red Daggers
by Brian Yapko
In the year 2990 — some 500 years after Earth’s destruction — the Martian nation-state of Xanthe is rocked when terrorists destroy San Damien, an experimental dome in which Martian leaders hoped that the two human races — Trads and Numen — might coexist for the first time. One of the 713 victims of the attack happens to be the wife of Adrian Marlow, who is Xanthe’s premier prosecutor of terrorists.
Marlow’s investigation exposes a planet-wide conspiracy. It promotes fascism, commits genocide and sabotages terraforming, thus threatening to annihilate both Mars and humanity. What can Marlow do to avert catastrophe, and how can he survive long enough to do it?
Chapter 7: Crime and Punishment
W. AIRSLIDE LETTER: ABSALOM POUND TO ADRIAN MARLOW (August 25, 2990)
CONFIDENTIAL & CODED
Marlow, a good job opposing the Numen terrorists’ pathetic motion. Bullshit from beginning to end.
To answer your question about why Lizard Boy’s document has been removed from the judicial record, after the denial of the Numen’s motion, I met with MacIntosh’s clerk to ensure that the original and all copies of the supposed bomb instruction letter they produced were destroyed. It was a potential violation of classified information. Xanthe’s security comes first. I’ve therefore ordered all Ministry copies destroyed. Including yours. This document never existed.
Onward. I’ll look forward to seeing you at the hanging next month. Let’s see how long it takes a Numen’s thick neck to snap. Like I said over lunch the other day... What do you call six dead Numen? A good start.
A. Pound
[THIS COMMUNICATION SHALL SELF-ERASE UPON COMPLETED REVIEW BY ITS INTENDED RECIPIENT. UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION IS A FELONY PURSUANT TO SECTION 19.18A, XANTHEAN CODE OF REGULATIONS]
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X. XANTHEAN PANVISION NEWSCRY TRANSCRIPT
Byline: September 25, 2990 by Alistair McAlistair.
Justice has been served!
Six of the Red Daggers were hanged this morning in the first public execution in Xanthe in over two hundred years. In attendance were numerous Xanthean dignitaries, including President Elinor Jana, wearing mourning crimson in honor of her assassinated husband, President Henry Jana, one of the San Damien victims.
Before being hanged, the leader of the Red Daggers, Esau Lund, said “People of Xanthe, we intended no murder! But to make Mars live, we would each die a hundred deaths.”
The bodies of the Red Daggers will remain hanging where they are for 24 hours as an example to those who would commit treason.
Stay tuned for on-exclusive commentary regarding the Red Dagger executions. And remember to visit Arsia Speedy Mobiles, where 2991 Olympian models are now available at 2990 prices. “If gravity is the enemy of liberty, let Arsia’s mobiles set you free.”
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Y. AIRPOST LETTER: ADRIAN MARLOW TO MIRANDA MARLOW (September 25, 2990)
Dear Miranda, I understand why you won’t speak with me right now. But I’m confident that in years to come, you’ll look back and forgive my role in the execution of these men. You’ll see that your idealistic views regarding violence and law-breaking are simply unrealistic. Don’t forget the magnitude of the crime that took place. Or your mother.
Despite the severity of the crime, please know that I went to extraordinary lengths so that these men could absolve themselves. Give me a chance to explain some things to you off the record. Would you be willing to meet for dinner with me next week?
Love, Da
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Z. HANDWRITTEN NOTE: ADVOCATE KIRI GLOSTER TO ADRIAN MARLOW (September 30, 2990)
Adrian, we’ve been lex-partners a long time. I know you’re my senior and we’re supposed to stick together thick or thin, but your plans for dealing with the Numen boy... Well, I’ve given this a lot of thought. You’re making a huge mistake. You can’t just make a plea deal with someone who participated in a mass murder; and you certainly can’t keep this from Pound. You’ll be crucified when he finds out! And me along with you! Lex, please don’t do this. If you do, I’ll have to disavow your actions. That’s what my conscience requires. I respect you, partner, but you’re on your own.
Kiri
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AA. PLEA AGREEMENT BETWEEN XANTHEAN MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND JUVENILE DEFENDANT DEVON QUINDES (October 1, 2990)
BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT OF XANTHE
WHEREAS juvenile respondent Devon Quindes has been charged as accessory to seven-hundred thirteen counts of murder as well as one act of terror against Xanthe with special circumstances (intent to cause great bodily harm); and
WHEREAS sufficient evidence has been identified as might, if believed by an impartial jury, reduce the respondent’s liability for the crimes alleged; and
WHEREAS the respondent will further plead no contest to seven-hundred thirteen counts of negligent homicide;
The witness’ plea of NO CONTEST is hereby accepted by the nation-state of Xanthe.
In consideration thereof, the respondent accepts sentence of 40 years in custody, with the possibility of parole accruing upon completion of 25 years with good behavior.
APPROVED AND SO ORDERED
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BB. HANDWRITTEN NOTE TO ADRIAN MARLOW FROM ABSALOM POUND (October 2, 2990)
How dare you, Marlow! You slid a plea deal in front of the Supreme Court without giving me so much as a heads-up?!
I have one word for you: fury. Are you out of your frepping mind? Did a boulder fall and hit you on the head? You pled out this murderous little monster?
If you ever hoped for advancement, kiss that dream goodbye. You’ve officially screwed yourself and your country. I hope you’re proud of yourself. The right thing for you to do now would be to put a frepping knife through your belly and put the rest of the world out of your misery. You know the antique Nipponese samurai sword I have hanging on my wall right now? Come to my office. I’ll show you how to use it.
Assuming you insist on staying alive, expect a transfer to some little dome on the border with Solis where you can’t cause any more trouble. That is, if you keep your license notwithstanding the half-dozen ethical violations you just committed.
By the way, Marlow, just between you and me, when did you crawl into bed with the frepping Numen?
Go to hell, traitor.
Pound
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Copyright © 2023 by Brian Yapko
