Page 131 of Strays
Shane reaches back and does it.
“Sit.”
We do.
“We’ve been monitoring your work through the Solomon’s reports,” Elias says. “What we saw was solid field performance and results. A major takedown of a trafficking operation that spans state lines, bigger than what anyone expected.
“Then you identify someone who’s been evading prosecution for close to twenty years. That alone would’ve been impressive. But instead of walking away, you pushed harder, went after the U.S. Attorney, started circling the DOJ.”
He looks straight at me. “It was a reckless move. Naive. But also brave. Not many would’ve had the guts. The problem is we weren’t the only ones watching.”
Julius steps forward slightly. “Your actions caught attention not just inside the justice system. Whoever’s protecting Miles Aranya knows who you are. They know you’re the ones pushing. And they’ve started to respond.”
My stomach knots.
“We received an intelligence report yesterday,” Julius continues. “Judge Loyle has been threatened, directly and repeatedly. We believe those threats came from the same network you’ve been chasing. He’s stepping down from your case.”
Jay’s jaw tightens. Shane’s face hardens, eyes narrowed.
“We can’t prove anything, so our hands are tied. The replacement judge is Charles Gesson, and he was selected for his anti-aegis bias. He’ll do everything in his power to make sure you’re convicted. This wasn’t a reassignment; it was a placement.”
We all know what that means.
Jay’s the one who says it. “They’re trying to bury us.”
“Yes,” Leon says, nodding. “They probably see a conviction as the cleanest way to shut you down. And they’re not wrong. If you’re found guilty, you lose your place at Special Ops, and with it, any power to keep digging into the doctor.”
Elias continues. “We’re doing everything we can behind the scenes; you already know the MAB’s invested in your win. But whomever you’re chasing, they’re powerful enough to move judges.”
Elias’ voice stays level. “We’re under pressure too. Leadership made it clear, loud and direct, that if letting a trafficker walk is the price to keep Special Ops beyond human reach, then so be it. In their view, you should’ve dropped it and kept your heads down. And they’re right, in a way. This will benefit the DoD agenda greatly and weaken the MAB’s position.”
His gaze sharpens. “We’re supposed to rein you in. Discipline you and show you’re under control. But what’s the point now? You already kicked the hornet’s nest. Whatever comes next, you’ve already bought it. So we’re not here to punish you. We’re here to warn you.”
He looks each of us in the eye. “If these people know anything about aegis, they know exactly where to strike if they want to break you. They’ll go for your nyra and try to use her to make you back down. All they need is to keep the pressure on until the trial finishes the job.”
My heart spikes. Fear hits hard, raw and pure, filling my lungs. Panic takes over my brothers’ faces too.
I was so caught up in the goal of taking Aranya down, I never once thought we might be putting Jo in danger. I knew the man was shielded by powerful people, but the worst-case scenario in my head was him walking free. Not this.
“We’re only two weeks from trial,” Elias continues. “You’re going on leave. Stay with your nyra and protect her.”
MEMORANDUM
TO: Secretary of Defense
FROM: Under Secretary for Policy
CC: Office of General Counsel
SUBJECT: Intelligence Update — Judicial Reassignment in Larsen Pack Case
DATE: August 19, 2025
The Office of General Counsel advises that any explicit Departmental comment on the legitimacy of the judge reassignment should be avoided. Internal communications must emphasize that the outcome is being monitored solely for institutional security and policy impact.
This Office will continue coordinating with Defense Intelligence and external law enforcement to ensure that any further criminal interference on the Larsen Trial remains traceable to non-government actors. A supplemental risk assessment will be submitted by the end of the week.
CHAPTER THIRTY
