Vigilance by D.W. Patterson

Author:D.W. Patterson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: science fiction, hard science fiction
Publisher: D.W. Patterson
Published: 2022-08-14T00:00:00+00:00

9

Al Dixon was on his way home after having been interviewed by Daniel. It was hard to believe they were even considering him as one of the suspects. He wasn’t motivated by any political or social animosity and he certainly wouldn’t do anything to hurt Abel or John.

He thought the same could be said of Joseph who went into Daniel’s office after he left. He had known Joseph too long to believe he would be involved in anything so awful.

“Joseph,” said Daniel. “I think we have covered most of the questions I wanted to ask you. Just one last question, why did your parents come to Mars?”

“My understanding is that there was some prejudice against their politics.”

“And what were those politics?”

“The usual, small-government conservative, leaning libertarian, self-reliant type I guess.”

“And do you share those beliefs?”

“Don’t have to. Mars is de facto small government, and most folks are too busy trying to stay alive to have time to infringe on another person’s rights. And self-reliant? If you are on Mars and don’t show a good bit of self-reliance then you won’t last long. I guess that reality trumps politics every time here on Mars.”

“Okay Joseph, thank you for your time and for coming in, would you ask Mr. Rodrigue to come in as you leave.”

“Sure, let me know if I can help any further with the investigation. I don’t like to think what the outcome could have been hadn’t young John responded so well. Goodbye.”

Joseph left the room and stopped to tell the man in the waiting area that he could go in. Maxim Rodrigue nodded his head and went into the office.

“Come in Mr. Rodrigue and have a seat. I’m Daniel Keys, you may call me Daniel if you wish.”

“Thank you,” said Maxim, “you may call me Max.”

“Very well Max. I want to ask you a few questions about your job, your background and your life here on Mars, if I may.”

“Of course,” said Max.

“Let’s begin with your job. According to my information you work as an engineer with the firm Mars Reworkers, is that right?”

“Yes.”

“And what does Mars Reworkers do?”

“We design and maintain electric motors, particularly traction motors for the EV fleet.”

“And what exactly do you do for Mars Reworkers?”

“I mostly write the code for motor control.”

“I see,” said Daniel leaning forward. “And that brings us to your background. You recently immigrated to Mars from Earth, is that right?”

“Yes sir.”

“And why may I ask did you decide to immigrate?”

“I felt my future prospects on Earth were somewhat limited.”

“Would you mind expanding on your answer?”

“No I don't mind, you can easily find out about my past if you haven’t already.” He paused a moment. “I became involved in a wrongful death court case in which I was listed as one of the co-defendants just because I was an engineer on the project. The case was brought by a transit agency that charged my company with negligence in a railway accident claiming a number of lives. The case was settled out of court by my company but I was let go.

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