Justice
© 2021 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by  faust1173


The sudden dismissal and replacement of the Minister of Justice surprised quite a few people in that organ of government. A holdover from the pre-Imperial administration, the minister had been completely ineffectual for years, content to let the local and planetary security forces act largely without hindrance, while making sure that the courts hewed to the exact letter of the sentencing guidelines. Given Felix’s – that is, His Imperial Majesty’s – reputation for demanding efficiency from his government’s ministers, why he kept the man in his post for so long was a mystery.

His replacement as Justice Minister was another surprise, as the Emperor did not draw upon the career apparatchiks within the Ministry for the new head person. Po Yingtong, as the middle-aged yellow-throated marten femme was named, was an unknown, and when she addressed the senior department heads her words belied her pleasant, almost maternal smile.

“I am certain that you are asking yourselves why His Majesty did not choose one from among your number,” Po said. “The fact of the matter is, I’m afraid, that he is dissatisfied with the entire Ministry. He has chosen me, not to fire all of you, but to make the Ministry more efficient.” Her smile never wavered as one or two undersecretaries looked relieved.

“We live in dangerous times,” Po went on, “and we are surrounded by enemies. The last thing that we need is to have enemies within, making us weak. The military is occupied with holding off the alien threat – it is up to us, law enforcement and the courts, to maintain order and keep undesirable elements from poisoning loyal minds and wrecking our ability to fight.” The marten femme said, “If there are no questions, you are dismissed.”

The assembled department heads and bureaucrats left the room, some daring to whisper among themselves before the door swung shut, leaving Minister Po alone in her new office.

She sat down, switching on several devices that had been installed before she’d set foot in the Ministry. Satisfied that there were no eavesdropping devices in the office, the disguised minkess allowed herself a smirk. Her new persona was close to her actual species; some scented dye, a change in accent and some misdirection sufficed. It was an ancient form of tradecraft, one that still succeeded in fooling people.

‘M’ had been very good at her craft as she had worked her way up the Intelligence ladder.

Now, to business, and Justice Minister Po Yingtong began to read through the files compiled on one Andre Parsons, a painted wolf, who was the head of the various police forces in the Terran Empire.

As she read the file, the marten femme began to plan.