"Mr Mond has been visiting, totally voluntarily might I add, for decades now, a few years after losing his job-"

"He was in those Nescafe commercials wasn't he? The Synthetic Caffeine guy?"

"I believe so! But anyway, despite his refusal to admit it, he seemed a profoundly sad human being. I suppose that's what happens when you're unregistered offspring get recycled. But he knew the game he was playing. But recovery came with time, and the side of him I feared we had lost returned. He was considerably intelligent, though modest despite his knowledge, but maybe more alarmingly he seems to have higher levels of sympathy than the average person. But he paid enough to keep that off the public files."

"Was he aggressive?"

"Quite the opposite, he seemed a docile man, not argumentative at all, very secure in his own thoughts and capabilities. We tried to prescribe him anxiety inducers, but all implications point to him never having taken them."

"So he's unruly?"

"Maybe, not in line with party doctrine, certainly. Dangerous? No."

"Why did he come to counselling? If he was so well off to begin with, knowing he would be scrutinised for his behaviours?"

"Maybe he was lonely?"

"Do you think anyone would miss his absence here on Earth?"

"I doubt anyone would admit it."

"..."

"..."

"What position would you recommend him for?"

"Hm... Captain? He's a deviant, likely to take more care of his crew than his orders. If he fails, it would be a good reason to put him in his place. If he succeeds, he can be used as a showcase for the good that the space-forces do in rehabilitating the obtuse."

"Noted, thank you for your time doctor." "No, Thank you."

Cpt. Michael Miller McMichael - 21st Stellar Security Division 'Steelskins',
On administrative leave,
Previously attached to 104th Extrasolar Naval Group

"Begin recording. Present is Captain McMichael of the 21st SSD, Special Agent Philadephia of the Inner Circle Intelligence Office, and myself, Administrator Cordelia Krakow. Please begin, Captain."

"Thank you, Administrator. Sergeant Stacks was an instrumental part of Operation Paper Love during our tour with the 104th Extrasolar. Intelligence officers having already been able to infiltrate the smuggling ring operating within the fleet, it fell to us to begin reinstating party rule and restoring ethical conduct among the admiralty therein - Sergeant Stacks was the first man through the door more than once, the last man out even more frequently, and absolutely invaluable throughout. He's a credit to the Skin as much as any individual can be, and I can personally attest to his unwavering professionalism and dedication to the Inner Circle, sir. As an addendum to my previous reports on the matter, I would like to make clear that while the Sergeant has previously been criticised for speaking softly on duty it is exactly this disarming behaviour that gave our division its excellent arrest record. I'm rueful to be losing him to Zelta, sir."

"Thank you for your cooperation, Captain, it will be noted in the report. Furthermore allow me to reassure you that Jonathan Stacks will have much opportunity for personal advancement within the party on his new assignment should he be chosen, and that this investigation is nothing but a reflection of the successes he has contributed to under your command."

"I understand, Agent Philadelphia. Do you have any further questions for me at this time?"

"Not at this time, no. Administrator, you may terminate the recording."

"Thank you, Agent. Recording terminated at-"

Miss Janine Simmons,
formerly Petty Officer aboard starship 'Lux', serial number 10-203-21-a, in 104th Extrasolar Naval Group,
Housed temporarily aboard starship designated 'Lux', serial number 10-203-21-a,
Awaitng Execution for offenses against authority integrity.

"Begin recording. Present is Janine Simmons, a convicted smuggler from the 21st SSD's 'Operation Paper Love', Special Agent Philadelphia of the Inner Circle Intelligence Office, and myself, Administrator Cordelia Krakow."

"I don't understand why you're bothering with the bureaucracy, least of all with me."

"Miss Simmons, it is the Authority's understanding that you had significant interaction with the Authority Security Officer, Sergeant Stacks. Is this correct?"

"The others are all dead already. I wasn't even in charge of the-"

"Please answer the question."

There's an exhausted, beaten sigh on the recording - and then a pause.

"Miss Simmons, I will remind you that this investigation is authorised-"

"- to use any means necessary to bring the case to completion. I know, I used to have your job, Agent Philadelphia. For the navy, at least. I also know that interrupting is at least technically punishable, but seeing as I'm going to be lynched at some point soon I fail to see how there's very much more you could threaten me with Mister Philadelphia. What incentive could you possibly have to offer me that might compel me to tell you anything at all?"

"A favour from authority. Enough to be spared death. Enough for the party to afford you a certain cordial invitation out of this mess, out of the navy entirely."

There is a sharp intake of breath.

"You mean-"

"I mean."

"Ok. Yes. Yes you're right, I had some interaction with Jonathan Stacks. It is my current understanding that as part of the joint venture between the Authority's intelligence office and the Security division, he was meant to pose as a corrupt security officer looking to purchase illicit consumables from the business I had... sadly found myself forced into." The wink was practically audible.

"Is it correct of us to assume that he was able to gain your trust?"

"Well... yes and no. He was friendly, he wasn't threatening or anything - he was cute, too. I was paranoid at the time, so he didn't exactly trust him to the fullest, but I did tell him things. That's... why I'm here now."

"Please describe his character for the record."

"Alright. Keep in mind I only saw him for about a month and a half. He immediately struck me as... well, charming is kind of too strong of a word. He's not charming, he kind of can't be - because that requires tact, which I think he lacks. It's more that he's got this kind of innocent thing going on, it's like he doesn't know he's hurting people, or doesn't care - but he's not cruel or anything, it's more that he doesn't consider what he's capable of as real harm. Other than that he's... kind, he's sweet, he's... I mean..."

"Has he ever been immature, childish, or irresponsible?"

"No. He's quite dutiful."

"Has he ever been scared, cowardly, or intimidated?"

"Not in the slightest. As you well know, our ring was far from the only subversive operation in the 104th Extrasolar, and at one point a pair of men from another... enterprise, broke into my quarters. I don't know what they were planning but it was nothing good. Jonathan was there at the time, and just... reacted. I remember they both unloaded on him with their sidearms - he wasn't wearing his suit at the time, so some of the rounds penetrated and caused injury - but it was like he didn't notice. His facial expression didn't even change, he just... took care of them. Then he made sure I was alright."

"Thank you. Has he ever been easy to anger, impulsive, or irrational?"

"Never."

"Has he ever expressed disloyalty to the party?"

"Hah. Yes. But only to insinuate himself to a position from which he could act to terminate our smuggling operations. I mean, their operations, which I was forced into."

"You really don't need to do that. Was the nature of your relationship with Sergeant Stacks sexual?"

There's a pause again.

"Yes."

"Do you believe, even now, that he is too 'nice' to make an effective security officer?"

"What kind of question is that? No, I think he's a good security officer, I think he'd do anything for the party."

"Were you aware that he kept a picture of you after your internment, and has been requesting visitation?"

A silence. This time, enduring.

"Thank you, Miss Simmons. That will be all. Administrator, you may terminate the interview."

"Thank you, Agent Philadelphia. Interview terminated at-"