Testimony of Thief Jorit LeeBefore the Commission on Knowledge and LoyaltyInterim Report
In the continuing excerpt, the commission notes that Jorit Lee has no affiliations, none to recommend her, aside from the librarian. She is marked as a thief. We are not convinced of her loyalties, and in the aftermath of this turbulent time, such things are most important.
* * *
Commissioner Novil (leaning toward the thief): While no one makes paper this way any longer, there is no aging or damage. Your sample is nearly blank with only a few faded ink marks on it. All illegible. This seems the greatest of conveniences. It is obviously a fake.
Commissioner Andol: Do you expect this committee to accept this as evidence of your travels? Or did you steal it from a library during more recent events?
The question hangs in the air above the subject before Commissioner Novil continues.
Commissioner Novil: We’ve all seen the mark on your hand, madam.
The thief does not answer.
Commissioner Andol: Your silence will be taken as guilt.
Jorit Lee shares with the commission a small smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. Finally, she speaks.
Jorit Lee: That flyer was freely given.
Commissioner Novil (sputtering): Your concision feels like a challenge. Where, then, is your time traveling machine? What did you change in the past?
Jorit Lee: We cannot change what’s already happened, only what will. To attempt otherwise is a trap.
The thief runs her marked hand through her uneven hair. She crosses her arms.
Commissioner Novil: What proof do you have, then, that you did what you claim?
This time, her smile reaches her eyes.
Jorit Lee: My proof is you and I having this conversation.
* * *
Commissioner’s note: Jorit Lee and her brother were caught stealing books from the East Quadril Mining School in order to pay for their classes. That the brother did not survive the conflicts while Jorit Lee did puts added suspicion on her.