Snippet #2815481

Both the officers rushed back into the office, the tall, lanky dark-skinned one and the short, plump fair-skinned one arriving with alarm in equal measure, stun batons at the ready.

"That one. Take him into custody," said Andrijana, nodding sharply toward Hokushin. "And Drulović, a level three ticket. It seems I've caught her at attempted espionage." She looked at the old woman entreatingly. I hope you know what you're doing. Drulović hardly moved. "She's under code red communication restrictions. It's in her file. This should never have happened."

"What?" One of the officers looked in confusion to Andrijana.

"I'll call the NPA - they'll have to come sort this out," Andrijana said, shaking her head. "For now, take him to the disciplinary unit. I'll have to figure out with the NPA how to handle his booking. He won't be here long-term, since we're not meant for holding. It's... well. This is an unprecedented situation."

"You'll believe what you'd like to believe," said Drulović, her tone calm and serene, her dark eyes revealing nothing, before her voice turned contemptuous. "You've no proof of anything at all, only your paranoia and wild accusations. Be careful, Dr. Krstevska."

"On your knees," the officer closest to Hokushin ordered, baton out.

"Shut up, inmate," the other officer said to the old woman, terse, at nearly the exact same time. "You want her out now?" He looked at Andrijana.