Alpha One: The Kronan Read Online Free PDF Page B

a big man but he did pack a powerful punch. He was strong and athletically built, a trained killer and the thug did not stand a chance. One punch and he was brought to the floor by Steve’s left uppercut.
    The bar staff summoned security immediately and Steve was arrested and taken to a holding cell at the local police precinct. He was processed and ‘sobering up’ pending a magistrate hearing at 9:00 a.m., the next day.
This was a disaster. He would miss class, and a report would be sent to the academy. They would surely kick him out now.

    * * * *

    The hearing was brief. He was bailed to appear before the magistrate again in two weeks and he stood at the bail desk, waiting for Carla and Steve to complete the bail compliance formalities.
This was very embarrassing, particularly as Steve had asked Jake to ‘bail’ him. He had not wanted Carla involved.
    “That’s it. You can leave, but you must attend this court at 9:00 a.m. on Monday 5th April, to see the magistrate. Your bail conditions must be adhered to.”
    The sergeant directed the three friends to the door and they stepped outside. Steve suddenly enjoying the fresh air of freedom.
    “What happened Steve?”
    Carla asked the question.
    “Some guy swung at me and I belted him one. It was only one punch.”
    “Yes, but that guy is now in hospital with a broken jaw bone. The tutor is going to have a field day. Did you make your appointment with him yesterday?”
    “Yes. Why do you think I went to the bar?” Steve felt himself getting agitated. He did not want to have this conversation with Carla.
    “What did the tutor say?”
    Steve ignored the question and sighed. “Thanks for bailing me. I am going home to take a shower. I think I’ll leave seeing the tutor until tomorrow.”
    “What about class? You are so far behind. You need to take this on the chest and go to see the tutor today. You cannot just bury this—you need to take responsibility. We have had to skip two classes just to be here for you. You need to get back on top!”
    Steve knew Jake was right.
    “Okay, but I am taking a shower first and then I will go to the academy.”
    Ninety minutes later, Steve stood at the doorway of the tutor’s office, and waited patiently as the tutor unlocked his workstation and gestured for Steve to sit down.
    “I am impressed. Even by your standards, this is a good one. Let me guess, you left this office yesterday and headed straight for the bar, had a skin full and then took out a civilian with one punch. He is now hospitalized and by the way, will be seeking compensation. You spent the night in a cell and the morning with a magistrate. You also missed yesterday evenings extra tuition and this morning’s classes. Does that sound about right?”
    Steve decided to be honest. The tutor interpreted the events of the last twenty-four hours almost perfectly. This made his reply somewhat easier.
    “Yes, I’m sorry. I did throw my punch in self-defense.”
    “Let’s hope for your sake, that is borne out by the judge and that you have adequate injury insurance. The question is: what the hell am I going to do with you now?”
    The tutor did not wait for an answer.
    “Okay. Well, this is final warning time, Steve. You are out of this academy if you step out of line again. Unfortunately, if the judge finds against you, then a conviction will result in your academy status being terminated anyway. The TG competition is now out of the question. I am grounding you until the end of term and you will use the extra time to bring your work up to date. If you don’t like it then you can give me your DOR. This is not negotiable!”
    Steve stated in disbelief as he realized he could not complete in the TG. At least they had not kicked him out. Not yet anyway.
    “What about Jake? Will he still go?”
    “Steve, you are lucky you did not go up before the disciplinary panel, or the chancellor. You would be out for sure. As for Enson Carter, from what I understand you should