"That is a matter of interpretation," she replied. "I was on my way
here when they stopped me. They were taking me to Headquarters for
execution; I had to use Talent to knock one of them out so I could
escape."
"Self-defense, then, since you were trying to prevent a crime by
escaping." Medart took Dawson's place behind the desk, and the Marine
took position slightly behind and to the Ranger's right, standing at
parade rest. All three waited silently until the door slid open again,
to admit the Sanctioner chief. He wasted no time getting to the point.
"You have no right to interfere in purely planetary matters," he said.
"I must require the return of Losinj and Entos."
"You're wrong on two counts," Medart said coldly. "As a Ranger, it is
not only my right to interfere, as you put it, anywhere and anywhen I
see a threat to the Empire, it is my duty. Rebellion against the
Empire is such a threat, not a `planetary matter'; Losinj was acting
properly in defending herself to report that treason. She is guilty of
no crimes, which is not true of the ones who obstructed her.
"I am not particularly concerned about the ones who arrested her," he
continued. "They were obeying what they considered lawful orders from
their Baron, on his world, so punishing them would be unjust. Entos,
however, is guilty of attempted murder on Imperial territory. I have
both eyewitness and mind-probe evidence, so there is no doubt of his
guilt; he will be executed."
"But she betrayed the Order!" the Sanctioner chief objected. "For
that, if nothing else, she deserves to die. Entos was acting
properly."
"Not under Imperial law," Medart said. "The sentence stands. And I
advise you not to get more deeply involved. Just carry out your
peace-keeping functions."
"But--"
"No buts," Medart said coldly. "Losinj lives, Entos dies. If you
interfere further, I will have to assume you are part of this Crusade,
and take appropriate measures. Is that understood?"