“Thanks for your vote.”

“No problem.”

There is an awkward silence, which Polycrates finally breaks.  “Sad about those assemblymen.”

“Yes it is, but these sudden poisonings do occur.  You have to expect it when living in a closed environment.  Back on Earth, genetic abnormalities are diluted right across the planet negating their harmful effects.  Here, they coalesce.”

Polycrates, a knowing gleam in his eye, grins broadly as he sidles off to the exit ramp.  As he passes, he makes the “V” for victory sign with the index and the middle finger  before disappearing under the digital box sign marked TRANSIT.

Suddenly the side walk becomes crowded, as the crowd fills the area left by the coterie surrounding Polycrates.  The bodyguard becomes aware of the unusual presence and forms a circle around Vanderbilt, their chief.  Mutterings emanate from the rear.  Something flies through the air to land at his feet.  Egg yolk spatters the highly polished shoes and the lower part of the blue jump suit.  There is now a cry from the crowd.

“Murderer!  Murder!  You killed the assemblymen!  You killed the assemblymen… you killed the assemblymen!

The cry becomes  louder and louder.  Someone puts his face into one of the bodyguard’s faces, shouting “You bastard!  You killed the assemblymen!  Bastard, bastard, bastard!”

The lieutenant looks enquiringly at his chief as he places a hand on his holstered laser gun.  Vanderbilt, who has seen the red light on the overhead camera come on, waves him off.  In stolid silence, he endures the ride to his villa, the crowd finally dispersed by the

Special Space Police who, although not specifically entrusted with internal policing, disperse the mob with a few well-placed rounds of tear gas.

---------------------

Statement of Claim regarding the action bought by the Assemblyman Vanderbilt against Marius Scipio, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, Sempronius Gracchus, Cornelia Gracchus, the daughter of Scipio Africanus, as presented to Judge Marcus Octavius.

I, Vanderbilt Harrison, on finishing my business before the Special Committee on Constitution reform was accosted by the defendants, who showered me with racial epithets, the most damaging being the word presented in it entirety to this court on a tape made by the ISDM (Internal Security Division Morals Section).  The paper went on to list the penalty for racism and a short history of the struggle against this sort of crime.

Verdict regarding said action, given by Judge Marcus Octavius.

Since first venturing into space, mankind, far from distancing himself from the old forms of Earth style bigotry and discrimination, has in fact created new strains.  Discrimination based upon parentage is one of the most prevalent forms of discrimination along with that based upon metaphysical belief.  I have read the evidence and it is clear that the accused are guilty as charged.  All are relegated to the status of slave.

---------------------

Chan reads the condensed transcript to his brother, the chopsticks suspended above the bowl, momentarily halting their up and down movement.

“We will have to watch what we say.”

“Last time I was over at Alternation things looked bad.  They are now coming down not just on those who use the B-word, but also on those who still live in traditional family units.”

“Soon it will be mandatory to be a bastard.”

“And an atheist,” replied his brother sadly.

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