Microstory 1930: Rights of the Accused

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Junior Special Investigator: Leonard Miazga?

Leonard: Yes, that’s me. Do you work at the Office of Special Investigations?

Jr. Investigator: That’s not for you to know. All you need to know is that you are under arrest under special extenuating circumstances. Under the Alsten Act, according to Provision 83 of Special Investigations Code One, I hereby detain you for the defense of national security. You are not entitled to representation, and must comply with all demands, and answer all questions. All crimes committed prior to this moment, including those seemingly unrelated to the current accusations, as well as any crimes committed following this moment, shall be taken under consideration when considering judgment, punishment, or any other outcome of your circumstances. Do you understand everything I’ve informed you of today?

Leonard: Not really.

Jr. Investigator: Sir.

Leonard: What’s the Alsten Act?

Jr. Investigator: Sir, please.

Leonard: Please tell me that you recited those words verbatim, and that you didn’t try to regurgitate it using your own words.

Jr. Investigator: We are required to recite your status and rights in the eyes of federal law in order to detain you properly, using the exact same words as they are written and approved by the Office of the National Commander.

Leonard: So when I say that the words were repetitive, nonsensical, and just overall ridiculous, you won’t take personal offense?

Jr. Investigator: No, sir.

Leonard: Are you required to address me as sir?

Jr. Investigator: No.

Leonard: Then just call me Leonard, or Leo.

Jr. Investigator: Sir...Leo, I require you to state in no uncertain terms that you understand your rights as I have listed them for you.

Leonard: You mean the rights that have been stripped from me? Yeah, I guess so.

Jr. Investigator: [...]

Leonard: I mean, yes, I unequivocally understand them perfectly, fully, and perfectly.

Jr. Investigator: I’m going to have to place these handcuffs on you, but you may retrieve a coat, and drape it over your arms to remain inconspicuous.

Leonard: I don’t have a coat. It was summer on my world when I came here, and it’s summer now. I don’t exactly have a credit card to recreate my wardrobe. Besides, I’ve seen that before as a bystander, and let me tell ya, the coat trick ain’t foolin’ no one.

Jr. Investigator: Very well, sir—Leonard. I’ll leave the cuffs rather loose, as long as you promise not to make any attempt at escape.

Leonard: I promise to not try to escape. I’ll get this all sorted out at OSI.

Jr. Investigator: Uh...one more thing.

Leonard: Yes?

Jr. Investigator: Once we get into the car, you’re gonna have to wear a hood.

Microstory 1929: Surrender Leonard

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Leonard: Hello. Can I help you?

Freeman 11: You need to get out of here.

Leonard: I’m sorry? Do I know you?

Freeman 11: I’m a friend of Agent Parsons. He gave me a message. Well, he didn’t give it to me. He gave it to his couple bond partner, who gave it to who knows how many of her freewomen, who passed it along to Freeman 8, who passed it to me. We had to do that because Parson and his closest associates are being watched, or may be being watched. I’m nobody though, so nobody’s expecting me to do anything important.

Leonard: That’s what makes you important. It’s good to be able to fly under the radar.

Freeman 11: *smiles*

Leonard: And the message is that I need to leave?

Freeman 11: You need to sneak out. They’re coming for you.

Leonard: Who’s coming for me, and why?

Freeman 11: They didn’t tell me much about that, probably because the secrets can’t be trusted going all over town like it did. But basically the government wants to lock you up so you’ll help...get information out of someone? You’re supposed to gain their trust, and they think you won’t be able to do that from the outside.

Leonard: *nods* I know who you’re talking about. Sneaky little devils. We had a plan, but it seems they’ve come up with a new one.

Freeman 11: I can help you. Freeman 24 is waiting in the car. We brought you in. We can get you back out.

Leonard: That won’t be necessary. I’m going to let them take me.

Freeman 11: Forgive me, but I don’t understand.

Leonard: You wouldn’t. There’s too much you’ve not been told about the situation, and bringing you up to speed would not only take too much time, when you really ought to leave this hotel as soon as possible, but it also places you in just as much danger as I am. If I try to escape, they’ll find me, and it will be worse. If they’re doing what I think they’re doing—and it’s not the worst strategy I’ve ever encountered—then all I can do is play along.

Freeman 11: I dunno man. There are certain branches of government that you can trust. Social Counseling is one of them. The rest are animals.

Leonard: I appreciate your position. I’m not trusting them. I’m just surrendering. Again, if you knew more, it would make sense. Besides, the whole reason you’re here is because Agent Parsons can’t talk to me himself without getting caught, right? Well, I imagine the circle that knows about this is pretty tight. They’ll figure out if I react this way. It was a nice gesture, but it would never work. Now go on. It’s not safe here.

Freeman 11: All right. Call me if you change your mind. Freeman 24 and I will be waiting down the block. Here’s my card.

Leonard: I’ve memorized the number, but I won’t take the card. Best not keep records of our dealings.

Freeman 11: I get it. You’re smart. Have you ever thought of doing crime? *smirks*

Leonard: Thanks, Freeman 11.