Chapter 44 · This is Officer Dorian Vale

He pulled free and stepped to the wall unit. I followed, close enough for my shoulder to brush his back.

"This is Officer Dorian Vale," he said. "To the command staff at Judgment Station, clear the eastern platform and release Elias Quill."

The answer came fast. "You have no authority to issue terms."

"I have the train."

"You have a runaway engine and a dead crew."

"I have the evidence case."

Static hissed.

Dorian leaned closer to the receiver. "And I have signed an order accepting responsibility for every act committed under my seal. Put that on the tribunal record."

Someone on the other end cursed.

I stared at him. "Dorian, stop."

He glanced over his shoulder. "Why? You wanted power over the line. I'm giving you mine."

"You're handing them your neck."

"I know."

"For me?"

His expression changed so slightly I might've missed it if I hadn't been watching his mouth.

"For the truth," he said.

"Liar."

"Maybe."

The radio clicked. A different voice came through, colder than the first.

"Vale, the prisoner will be shot the second your train crosses the gate. Your wife can watch from the platform.