Revenge of the Heir

Reporting for Duty

Monday morning found both of them reporting to a testing facility in the Nevada Desert, that housed 15 different research divisions. The base was huge as they flew in, as they tested everything from guns, to tank, planes, bombs, and anything else the research teams cooked up. The plane stopped at the back of the Administration building, and deposited both of them there to report for stations.

They deplaned quickly, and walked right inside knowing that the air crew would handle their luggage. The Lieutenant General of the base was just inside the doors, waiting for them to arrive. They both snapped to salutes, and he quickly returned it.

"I am Lt. General Brett Cavanaugh, and the base commander for Freebird Base. I understand the two of you are some of the finest graduates that West Point has ever produced, we shall see if those ranks are deserved or not soon. First, the Army has seen fit due to your accomplishments to issue your first 15 day pass. You are welcome to deliver your belongings to your quarters, but you will not have assignments or be active base personnel until your scheduled return. Any questions?" he asked them as two Airmen delivered their bags to them.

"No sir." Eric said.

"None sir." Holly said quickly after.

"You have 60 minutes before the plane departs back to New Vegas. Stow your gear and depart for vacation. Congratulations Colonels, we will have your positions ready when you return." General Knight said before he saluted them.

They returned them crisply before the Captain escorted them to quarters that were across the hall from each other. They put their bags down, repacked, stowed gear and headed back to the plane with 20 minutes to spare. Both had changed into civilian clothing, and Eric got a text from his attorney that his Aunt and Uncle had challenged the validity of the DNA testing and were requesting an independent lab. He smiled as he had a week to reply, and he would demand that the sample be taken directly by the person who would perform the analysis at the lab itself. He had in fact been prepared for it, and requested that the case be set for hearings in front of the Federal Imperial Court for further consideration as well. He sent her the forms, as he had yet to take the BAR exam for the Imperial Courts to be able to practice across the Empire. He however had written the arguments she would present, after she did her own research.

He attached the files that he had prepared, and she forwarded them to the court within a few minutes of receiving them. He wished he could see the look on the face of Mr. Lutz when their reply was clearly anticipated by the immediate response to their motion.

Kevin and Stephanie had indeed been celebrating what they thought was a sure victory, despite their attorney telling them it was a foolish decision that would back fire on the in spectacular fashion.

When they got a response to their motions within a few minutes, Kevin suddenly got a sick feeling to his stomach. Lutz looked at them, and his face paled at the response to his motion.

'On response to the motion to suppress the DNA Analysis performed by the Federal Evidenciary Laboratory, we will stipulate that it is entirely plausible that the Imperial Government failed in it's sworn duty to serve the interests of Justice. As such we will agree to certified testing that any independent lab that will satisfy the needs of the court.

'To eliminate the chances of anyone contaminating the sample, or disrupting the Chain of Custody on the samples, we request the samples be drawn by the evaluator themself. That the samples be drawn inside the lab that will process them, and we also request 3 separate samples from 3 separate evaluators from 3 separate companies coordinating together to ensure the results cannot be tampered with.

'To ensure the integrity of the system, and ensure the court itself cannot be unduly influenced not that Petitioner has shown they hold no value in the file of law, we request the case be transferred to the Federal Imperial Courts without delay for the consideration of this, and all other future issues between the Heinrich Family, and the Estate of Steven Heinrich.' the papers read.

The color drained from his face when he saw the request to move the case to Imperial Courts, as at that point there would be no strenuous battles. The Imperial Courts would almost certainly dismiss the entire case as soon as the triple checked DNA Analysis was returned.

"How will he verify it is him?" Stephanie asked.

"The records were sealed under Imperial Witness Protection. They require thorough DNA, fingerprint, and retinal scans before changing a person's identity. Those can than be compared upon request, or to prove identity in a case such as this. All it will take is him walking into the Federal Evidence Analysis Lab, and them performing a Retinal, Fingerprint, and DNA Analysis. The first two will be available within minutes, the DNA Analysis will be ready for Steven Heinrich in about an hour as it can be compared to his Military Sample. I told you it was a mistake to challenge the results." Mr. Lutz said looking at them.

"What does it all mean though?" Kevin asked.

Lutz looked at him, and shook his head. "It means that instead of an Estate Judge assigned by the local jurisdiction, we will now have a Judge appointed by the Imperial Courts. He will follow the law to the letter of Imperial Standards. It means that the most likely outcome is the judge tosses the suit for lack of standing. A proven Heir with a Last Will, will always trump a brother who is greedy. Either withdraw the case, or find another attorney." Lutz said as he stood up and left them sitting in the expensive diner. He wasn't even going to pretend to pay and charge them for it later.

Eric and Holly landed in New Vegas, and he knew by the size of the city that he could have some fun here.

"Can I ask you a question?" she asked him as they walked into the terminal together.

"You can ask me another one." Eric replied making her smile.

"Do you have any plans for what to do for two weeks?" she asked him nervously as he sat his bag down before he looked at her. They had flown in civilian clothing, so they had no need to change now, and they could not be overheard by anyone he would care about.

"Not any plans in particular. Did you have something in mind?" he asked her curious as he had lived a very sheltered life.

"Well I have no intention of going home, but going on vacation alone doesn't sound appealing either." she admitted as she sat down on a nearby bench. She sighed as she looked at him. "Can I admit something without you thinking I am trying to pressure you into something?" she asked him.

"That you told your parents you think I intend to propose after several years of dating?" he asked her as he had picked up on that at the dinner. He sat down next to her as she looked at him a little shocked.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised." she said as she looked at him. "You aren't running away yet?" she asked him.

He laughed at the question before he looked at her. "I can't promise I will propose tonight, but would you like to have dinner?" he asked making her laugh.

"Not at the airport?" she asked smiling at his joke.

"Hell no, this city is as good as any to have some fun in for two weeks. One question." he said as he helped her up.

"What?" she asked him.

"Do you have a driver's license?" he asked looking at the rental care table.

Holly laughed as she looked at him. "Of course, don't you?" she asked him as he blushed and shook his head no.

"Don't have to have one in a Military vehicle." he admitted as he had driven since he was 11.

"You have to get the room for the night though." she said as she walked up to the counter.