Double Trouble

“You have until the start of the next rotation.”

Her hair flew as she turned her head back. “What?”

“Next rotation, or you’re finished.”

“You know it takes more than that to find all of the information I need!”

He lifted an eyebrow. “That’s not my concern.”

Anger built up through her veins as she raced out.

#

Kasey flopped onto a couch as soon as she entered her ship. Strapping a scattergun to her thigh, its rightful place, she then looked through the folder. She had no choice but to be less than thorough. This bugged her the most. When preparation wasn’t made, mistakes were.

The papers inside were absolutely worthless, covering minimal trivia like the fugitive’s general appearance and prison record. She’d hoped for at least potential hideout locations, relatives or friends. At least the requisite capture warrant was there, which bestowed far-reaching authority upon her methods.

Jarvis’ picture was what she focused on. It had to be his initial transfer picture, being of a man who hadn’t slept. His face was thin and scrawny, short black hair unkempt, with wire rim glasses misshapen against his head. Being held in a local detention center for trial and sentencing hadn’t agreed with him.

The first step was to find this scumbag’s hiding spot. Setting the folder down on the cushion, she rushed forward to the cockpit. Taking her captain’s chair, she opened a communications channel on the forward viewscreen. It was time to contact an old acquaintance.

The image lit up, an upper body shot of a plump young woman sitting at her desk. Markings along the wall behind her marked the room as belonging to the Department of Corrections. She pushed a set of thick glasses up her sunburned nose. “Kasey, it’s been a while.”

“Sorry, Jules, jobs have been non-stop. I haven’t had a free moment to get in touch.”

Even if she hadn’t been busy, it was unlikely Kasey would have made contact. A solitary lifestyle suited her just fine.

Jules dispensed with the small talk. “So, what can I help you with?”

“I need information on Jarvis Fields.”

“Ah, I heard about him. Recent escapee.”

“Can you run a search on his visitors?”

The young lady ran her fingers along a keypad, talking as she typed. “Not a long list. Sending it now.”

Kasey turned to her own console terminal, watching as the data transferred into her system. Only three people had visited during the entire length of his sentence. Bits of personal information on his mother, older brother and younger sister were splayed out before her.

“Got it. Thanks, Jules.”

“Want to meet up sometime for drinks?”

“When I get some time free, sure thing.”

Kasey smiled, with little intention of carrying out her promise. Not until it meant greasing the wheels, so she’d remain privy to Birolian records.

“Hope you find him.”

She smiled. “I will.” The viewscreen went dark.

Now the real work had to be done. Kasey opened a small hidden compartment in the divider wall, pulling out one of many crystal wafers inside. Inserting it into a slot beside the terminal screen, the program loaded, automatically logging her into the Birolian communication network. From here, she could reach any place on the planet. If need be, she could break any network boundary, down to an individual household terminal.